Bell Raceworks Diff Brace Install

DarkJak · 01-05-2022, 08:44 AM

I got the Z1 installed a couple weeks ago and have the MAM diff cooler, Z1 diff cover, and Motordyne exhaust.

It was a bit tougher working around my diff cooler lines (had a wrench stuck between a bolt and an AN fitting for a good 15 minutes!) but otherwise a super basic install with no interference.

The side that mounts to the frame uses a large machined threaded nut that also sat into an existing hole on the rear brace but no rubber to dampen vibrations.
It's getting into peak winter here in Wisconsin and my neighborhood is all ice, so no driving impressions for a while, much less how it holds up at the track, but so far, so good.

nasm · 01-05-2022, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkJak

I got the Z1 installed a couple weeks ago and have the MAM diff cooler, Z1 diff cover, and Motordyne exhaust.

It was a bit tougher working around my diff cooler lines (had a wrench stuck between a bolt and an AN fitting for a good 15 minutes!) but otherwise a super basic install with no interference.

The side that mounts to the frame uses a large machined threaded nut that also sat into an existing hole on the rear brace but no rubber to dampen vibrations.
It's getting into peak winter here in Wisconsin and my neighborhood is all ice, so no driving impressions for a while, much less how it holds up at the track, but so far, so good.

Thanks for the z1 brace feedback. However, did the exhaust make any issues in installing it? and how did you torque the upper bolts (subframe one and the upper diff bolt)

Appreciate your answer.

Regards,

DarkJak · 01-05-2022, 11:57 AM

Exhaust was fine, though IDK how Stillen's lines up.

I used a wrench inside the bracing on the nut side and hit my wrench on the bolt side (external side) as hard as I could. Also used blue threadlocker. Not ideal, but best I could do with the space. There's no room to turn a wrench, even a ratcheting one, inside the hollow rear bracing piece.

Rusty · 01-05-2022, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nasm

Thank you Rusty for the thread and heads up, in fact, I was planning to order mine and I found two options Bell Raceworks and Z1. Since i have stillen exhaust, which one you recommend, Z1 will work?

Appreciate your reply.

Regards,
NASM

I would get the Z1 brace before the Bell braces. Think Z1 finally got around to my criticism of the Bell brace.

nasm · 01-05-2022, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkJak

Exhaust was fine, though IDK how Stillen's lines up.

I used a wrench inside the bracing on the nut side and hit my wrench on the bolt side (external side) as hard as I could. Also used blue threadlocker. Not ideal, but best I could do with the space. There's no room to turn a wrench, even a ratcheting one, inside the hollow rear bracing piece.

Appreciated, now it is clear.

nasm · 01-05-2022, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty

I would get the Z1 brace before the Bell braces. Think Z1 finally got around to my criticism of the Bell brace.

Will order the z1 now. Thanks Rusty

Kzonts · 01-02-2024, 04:06 PM

Resurrecting this thread…

Has anyone installed the Z1 diff brace with Fast Intentions exhaust? Any clearance issues?

Thanks!

xxAGAVExx · 01-03-2024, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kzonts

Resurrecting this thread…

Has anyone installed the Z1 diff brace with Fast Intentions exhaust? Any clearance issues?

Thanks!

I did, it’s tight but no issues.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

bensnaidero · 01-03-2024, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxAGAVExx

I did, it’s tight but no issues.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

@xxAGAVExx You wouldn't happen to have any pictures after the install would you? Was thinking of getting this as well and have the same exhaust.

xxAGAVExx · 01-03-2024, 01:55 PM

I took a few pics after install, as you can see it’s close but clears.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

ZoomZ · 01-03-2024, 01:58 PM

You can grind down to the botttom of the "Z1" logo to give even more clearance. I dont think that would cause any weakness issues.

Kzonts · 01-03-2024, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxAGAVExx

I did, it’s tight but no issues.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks!

I installed the brace today. My FI exhaust is being shipped this week. Hopefully the install goes well with no clearance issues

theART · 01-04-2024, 11:27 PM

I've got Z1 urethane diff bushings already, any point getting Z1 brace as well?

Jhill · 01-05-2024, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theART

I've got Z1 urethane diff bushings already, any point getting Z1 brace as well?

I’ve been curious about this myself. It will make the diff even more sturdy but I worry about NVH. I’m not sure the point going poly mount only to rigid mount on the other end. If they had a way to do it with another bushing somehow then I’d feel better about it.

theART · 01-05-2024, 02:34 AM

Maybe just buy this reinforced setup!

01-05-2022, 08:44 AM	#196 (permalink)
DarkJak A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 1,397 Drives: 2009 370Z Rep Power: 16804	I got the Z1 installed a couple weeks ago and have the MAM diff cooler, Z1 diff cover, and Motordyne exhaust. It was a bit tougher working around my diff cooler lines (had a wrench stuck between a bolt and an AN fitting for a good 15 minutes!) but otherwise a super basic install with no interference. The side that mounts to the frame uses a large machined threaded nut that also sat into an existing hole on the rear brace but no rubber to dampen vibrations. It's getting into peak winter here in Wisconsin and my neighborhood is all ice, so no driving impressions for a while, much less how it holds up at the track, but so far, so good. Rusty, Hotrodz, redondoaveb and 1 others like this. __________________ @stupidtoycars \| My track vids 09 7AT\|MCS 2WNR\|Topgunz Rotrex\|Ecutek (Eugene)\|Maxxis RC1\|Titan-7 TS-5\|OSG LSD\|Rear Mount Derale Oil Cooler (WIP)+25 Trans Cooler\|Fismo\|G-LOC R12/R10\|Zeta III L\|NLR Wing and Splitter\|CJM Pan and Fuel Hat\|Radium Surge Tank\|AP Racing CP9668

01-05-2022, 11:57 AM	#198 (permalink)
DarkJak A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 1,397 Drives: 2009 370Z Rep Power: 16804	Exhaust was fine, though IDK how Stillen's lines up. I used a wrench inside the bracing on the nut side and hit my wrench on the bolt side (external side) as hard as I could. Also used blue threadlocker. Not ideal, but best I could do with the space. There's no room to turn a wrench, even a ratcheting one, inside the hollow rear bracing piece. Rusty, Hotrodz, redondoaveb and 1 others like this. __________________ @stupidtoycars \| My track vids 09 7AT\|MCS 2WNR\|Topgunz Rotrex\|Ecutek (Eugene)\|Maxxis RC1\|Titan-7 TS-5\|OSG LSD\|Rear Mount Derale Oil Cooler (WIP)+25 Trans Cooler\|Fismo\|G-LOC R12/R10\|Zeta III L\|NLR Wing and Splitter\|CJM Pan and Fuel Hat\|Radium Surge Tank\|AP Racing CP9668

01-03-2024, 01:55 PM	#205 (permalink)
xxAGAVExx A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Tampa Posts: 1,036 Drives: 09 370Z BLK M6 Rep Power: 53925	I took a few pics after install, as you can see it’s close but clears. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Kzonts likes this. __________________ l 09/6MT l BP Twin Turbo Kit l E-85 w/Fuel Return l FI 18" Res CF CBE l Powertrix Ultra-Lite Coilovers l Wavetrac LSD \| Lots of SPL and Carbon Fiber \|

01-03-2024, 01:58 PM	#206 (permalink)
ZoomZ Track Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 761 Drives: 17' 370Z Nismo Rep Power: 40617	You can grind down to the botttom of the "Z1" logo to give even more clearance. I dont think that would cause any weakness issues. __________________ “Action without vision is a nightmare.”

01-05-2024, 02:34 AM	#210 (permalink)
theART Base Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: BC Posts: 163 Drives: To Drive Rep Power: 7822	Maybe just buy this reinforced setup! Rusty, xxAGAVExx, Kzonts and 1 others like this. Last edited by theART; 01-05-2024 at 02:38 AM.

01-02-2024, 04:06 PM	#202 (permalink)
Kzonts Track Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Greenville, SC Age: 61 Posts: 871 Drives: 2019 Roadster Rep Power: 200741	Resurrecting this thread… Has anyone installed the Z1 diff brace with Fast Intentions exhaust? Any clearance issues? Thanks!

01-04-2024, 11:27 PM	#208 (permalink)
theART Base Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: BC Posts: 163 Drives: To Drive Rep Power: 7822	I've got Z1 urethane diff bushings already, any point getting Z1 brace as well?

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