Strut Brace Advice for Track

sea_m2c · 06-23-2021, 01:30 PM

Ok this is a bit of a long question, I apologize. Any input is greatly appreciated.

I currently have OG M2 camber plates on my M2C that do not have the three bolts that connect the strut brace. This was due to a screw up by a vendor that I did not realize until my coilovers were already installed. I have a set of correct M2C compatible camber plates on the way but due to long delays, they will not be here in time for my upcoming track day on Thursday. I've already skipped 2 events because of this issue

My question is, do people think that it would be unwise to track the car for one day without the strut brace bolted in to the camber plates? I understand that the handling characteristics might be a bit loose which is not my primary concern as I don't plan to drive at 10/10ths. My concern is doing any kind of damage that I might not be thinking about. The strut brace is still bolted in everywhere else except for the top of the camber plates.

Am I over thinking the idea of damage from over flexing the strut towers?

Appreciate any insight

FaRKle! · 06-23-2021, 02:51 PM

I don't think you'll damage anything not having the brace installed. It'll just be closer to base M2 handling.

richard in NC · 06-23-2021, 03:32 PM

Is the strut brace seated against anything that could flex, rub off paint, or worst case distort?

sea_m2c · 06-23-2021, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard in NC

Is the strut brace seated against anything that could flex, rub off paint, or worst case distort?

No, it's nice and tight as it's bolted in everywhere else. I put thick pieces of felt in between the brace and the camber plates in case there was any movement but it's hard to even get to flex with your hands.

NISFAN · 06-25-2021, 07:49 AM

The BMW official WIS states not to even drive a car without the carbon brace in place.

Only you can decide.

06-23-2021, 01:30 PM	#1
sea_m2c Private First Class 82 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2019 M2C - 6MT Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	Ok this is a bit of a long question, I apologize. Any input is greatly appreciated. I currently have OG M2 camber plates on my M2C that do not have the three bolts that connect the strut brace. This was due to a screw up by a vendor that I did not realize until my coilovers were already installed. I have a set of correct M2C compatible camber plates on the way but due to long delays, they will not be here in time for my upcoming track day on Thursday. I've already skipped 2 events because of this issue My question is, do people think that it would be unwise to track the car for one day without the strut brace bolted in to the camber plates? I understand that the handling characteristics might be a bit loose which is not my primary concern as I don't plan to drive at 10/10ths. My concern is doing any kind of damage that I might not be thinking about. The strut brace is still bolted in everywhere else except for the top of the camber plates. Am I over thinking the idea of damage from over flexing the strut towers? Appreciate any insight __________________ Current: 2019 M2 Comp, Coilovers, Camber Plates, Rogue SSK, AA Single MP, BM3 Stg 1 Sold: 2015 M235i RWD, MHD Stage 2, FBO, MPE, XHP, HPD5Evo \| IG @sea_m235i
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06-23-2021, 02:51 PM	#2
FaRKle! Brigadier General 4007 Rep 3,535 Posts Drives: 328d Wagon, M2 Comp, i4 eD35 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2023 BMW i4 eDrive 35 [0.00] 2017 BMW 328dx Wagon [0.00] 2021 BMW M2 Competi ... [0.00]	I don't think you'll damage anything not having the brace installed. It'll just be closer to base M2 handling. __________________ -328d Wagon Build Log (with helpful reference links) -My YouTube Channel for some of the best DIYs and in depth information Please don't PM me for suspension recommendations unless interested in paid private consultations.
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06-23-2021, 03:32 PM	#3
richard in NC Colonel 1229 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 35i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	Is the strut brace seated against anything that could flex, rub off paint, or worst case distort? __________________ 2020 X3M non-comp, Alpine White over black : Exec Pkg, ventilated M Sport seats, 20"s 2020 M2 Comp, Sunset Orange/Blk: Orange stitching, DCT, exec pkg, bicolor rims Gone '18 M550i, '16 X4 M40i, '15 M5, '13 X3 35i, '12 335is, '11 X5 50i, '09 Z4 35i, '08 550i, 06 X3, 06 650i, '02 M5, '99 540i
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06-25-2021, 07:49 AM	#5
NISFAN Major General 3487 Rep 9,709 Posts Drives: BMW M2 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Bedford UK iTrader: (0)	The BMW official WIS states not to even drive a car without the carbon brace in place. Only you can decide. Attached Images
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