Has anyone ever used the BMR tunnel brace? I was looking at their website and they have one, so I took a look at mine. The stock one is VERY flimsy! I could twist it with bare hands, so I was wondering if the BMR brace is a good investment.

 

My first question would be why you want it.
If you aren't running the car hard then I wouldn't spend the $$. IMO its not the first weak point to go after.
If you are looking to upgrade, go with a brace that includes a driveshaft safety loop. That is a more worthy investment. Mike

 

I seriously doubt any of us really knows why that sheet metal plate is even there. Some people claim its only to retain the DS if it breaks.... others feel its some sort of structural brace. Does anyone know WITH ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY why that piece of sheet metal is there?

I know on the convertibles, that straight plate is replaced with a more intricate X-shaped sheet metal plate.

 

can you remove the damn thing with no problems? my exhuast pipe rattles off it, and its quite annoying..... rather not spend the $$$ for a bmr tunnel brace if i dont have to...

 

IMO it's a waste of time. I've taken mine off and left it that way. Get subframes, they work MUCH better. I had a tunnel brace once (Granatelli) and it was nothing but trouble. At the stock ride height it BARELY cleared speed bumps because it hung too low. And it wasn't a simple bolt on like they said either. The holes didn't line up correctly so I had to take a round file and make it fit. Then after it was installed the exhaust would bang on it and it was loud as hell inside the car. Then I had to make some shims for it. What a PITA. Took it off and Ebay'd that sucker.

- Brent

 

You'll be fine. I've been running without that brace for over a year now.

 

always good news to hear..... so I can remove this thing no problems..... but would in be in good interest to replace it ?

 

Cool, thanks gents, I wanted to get opinions so that I don't get duped into spending 90 bucks

 

Put some washers between the brace and floor board and it will clear your exhaust. That way you keep whatever the brace was designed for.

 

I always thought it was just to keep the car from polevaulting if the DS broke up front, I really can't see how that thin stamped piece of steel could do anything structuraly. I replaced it with the BMR DS loop, the brace is thicker steel but I don't think even that would stiffen the car up much.