Real world experience shows that adding the stiffer rear swaybar actually seems to add flex to the body shell in the rear of the 9-3. This is from my own testing.
When I used to autocross, I was always impressed by the effects of bracing whether simple chassis braces or full-fledged rollcages (roll cages obviosly having a more dramatic effect). The difference for simple bracing was usually just a more "solid" feeling when driving along with subtle but certain handling benefits; mostly in terms of predictability.

Concerning a front strut tower brace; If you jack up one wheel in the front of the 9-3, you can actually see it flex.

Here is a theory. Since the two sides are asymmetric, one could assume that there can be more flex in one lateral direction than the other. Because they are asymmetric, tying the two together can strengthen the unit as a whole because the lateral force acting on one end that would normally be weak and allow flex is shared with the other end which, since asymmetric, offers a stronger resistence to flex in that direction. This essentially lessens the flex in the top end.

The handling benefits of this alone would be marginal at best but the increase in solidity and predictability of the car's behavior will allow driving closer to the limit and an overall more solid feeling. Subtleties count here.

ie; I'd like one please. :)

Here you should see an image for the rear strut tower brace for the Saturn SC for this year's One Lap of America. They took 1st place in the economy class last year. This one is welded in.

Bill


posted by 64.3.16...

• Anybody try the rear strut body brace for the 9-3?, Schu, Thu, 9 May 2002 07:40:49
  • body defection issues LONG, Dean, Thu, 9 May 2002 09:45:24
    • point missed ..., Kevin K , Mon, 13 May 2002 01:13:15
    • Re: body defection issues LONG, Schu, Thu, 9 May 2002 14:34:27 <-- Viewing This Message
    • Re: body defection issues LONG, sean, Thu, 9 May 2002 13:09:23
      • Re: body defection issues LONG, Dean, Thu, 9 May 2002 14:15:07
        • Re: body defection issues LONG, Mike White, Thu, 9 May 2002 16:08:11
          • Latest Passat, Schu, Thu, 9 May 2002 21:03:34
            • End conclusion - Braces do not really help? n/m, KevinY, Fri, 10 May 2002 13:38:25
              • I think we can all agree on this, Schu, Fri, 10 May 2002 13:54:42
    • nature, dave n, Thu, 9 May 2002 12:38:33
      • Engineering and Nature (sorta long), Steven Q, Thu, 9 May 2002 14:50:50
        • just finished some basic patran/nastran, dave n, Fri, 10 May 2002 06:56:30
          • 2Slow is the man, Schu, Fri, 10 May 2002 07:26:11

No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.

• Prev by Date: Good call,totally forgot about the throttle switch.., Aaron Gilbert, Thu, 9 May 2002 14:28:10
• Next by Date: Engineering and Nature (sorta long), Steven Q, Thu, 9 May 2002 14:50:50
• Main Performance Bulletin Board

StateOfNine.com

SaabClub.com

Jak Stoll Performance

M Car Covers

Ad Available

The content on this site may not be republished without permission. Copyright © 1988-2024 - The Saab Network - saabnet.com.
For usage guidelines, see the Mission & Privacy Notice.
[Contact | Site Map | Saabnet.com on Facebook | Saabnet.com on Twitter | Shop Amazon via TSN | Site Donations]

Random Saabnet.com Member Gallery Photos (Click Image)