Bell Raceworks Diff Brace Install

Kzonts

Resurrecting this thread…

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

Thanks!

xxAGAVExx

I did, it’s tight but no issues.


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bensnaidero

@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.

Kzonts

Thanks!

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

theART

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

Jhill

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

Maybe just buy this reinforced setup!

gbrettin

I did... It's fcuking expensive though. Prepare for gear whine and parasitic loss. But... you can change to any gear ratio you want and not break your diff under power.





Yes, I know the cover is upside down and it annoys me.

Kzonts

In my case I still have the stock bushings. The car only has 6,000 miles on it. I’m hoping this brace would prolong the life of the squishy rear bushing. I took it for a drive and didn’t notice any vibrations, but didn’t take it out on the highway.

Then I was thinking if this will now put the forces on other parts of the drivetrain.

Anyway, it’s easy to remove if I need to.

ZoomZ

Polyurethane is not solid. It will move and it will eventually wear out. It's just harder than rubber. Under those pressures and stress, PU will flex.

Even solid metal bushing is suseptibel to wear. Specially where the center bolt meets the bushing. Over time the metal stud will eventually elogate the aluminum. Depends on how hard you launch and power going back there.

So I'd say keeping the diff from moving at all (or limiting it) will prolong any type of bushing.

Just rememeber, that force is being transmittted somewhere else. Looking at both the Z1 and Bell set up, all the force is transmitted to a singular bush/nut in a very thin subframe wall. Not ideal, but it simple.

GK tech has a better idea with a two bolt sytem. More work but better design. What im saying is, not to use a different cover, but using the concept of a larger bushing/through bolt for the Z1/Bell Diff brace attach to the subframe.

https://youtu.be/xJoZnto4J-8?si=JG7cv2ORSoXWzBVh

Skip to 6:25 for install.

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theART

Found it! thanks for the tip. My diff mount puked on first launch on 305s Michelin SS, so I replaced all diff mounts with Z1 kit, this might be a good add on as well.



Also digging deeper found FDF unit as well



And RZG

Rusty

You're wrong on some of your info. The solid bushing does not wear. I've been running the SPL solid bushings for years now. There is no wear. I also been running the Bell brace for years too. What breaks is the diff cover where the stud mounts. The brace eliminates this.

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theART

Out of all FDF unit seem to have best design, Rusty what's your engineering mind thinks?

ZoomZ

I did say "susceptible to wear" Of course this depends on the user, the torque of attach nut, etc.

I can see the stud breaking off, since we essentialy pass the load to the stud with a stiffer or solid bushing.

A poster asked if the brace would be beneficial on OEM bushing, which I suggested it would be for above reason. (eliminating/reducing that flex in first place)

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