I was wondering which brace is the strongest, a fixed or hinged STB? (example: BMR vs Hotchkis) To me a fixed tubular brace looks stronger because -> no hinges for it to flex against. Am I wrong here? Opinions please, would like to know before I decide to buy.

 

That one is argued amongst people. I dont think a STB should have to avoid flex other than keeping the fenders from kissing each other. I have a Hotchkis STB and am happy with it. I really think if you want more than that, you sould have your cage come through the firewall, and/or maybe weld in some real bracing up front.

 

I also went with the Hotchkis and am very happy with the piece.

 

So a Hotchkis brace is noticable when installed? I want to get a polished or chrome STB to dress up the engine bay while also strenghtening the car. I know Hotchkis has a polished STB, does anyone else make one that isn't as expen$ive?

 

I got my STB before my subframes, and yes its noticeable, most especially on a bumpy freeway that is south of me.

 

The hotchkiss is definity noticable, it makes the front end a lot tighter (esp on a high milage car) and with the hinge it makes it easier to work on the motor, just remove the middle or swing it to the side instead of removing the whole bar

 

It seems like alot of the other autox cars I have checked out have fixed STB's.

I went with a Hotchkiss also. I did notice a little difference. But this was on course. On the street I noticed nothing. On course the inside front was more willing to pull off the ground, for some reason. The front of the car just felt stiffer.