UNIbraces XB & UB - Review (UPDATED 23rd Oct)....

[rich83]

Proof that when the chassis is under torsion that the UB actually does something... i.e. reduces the amount of flex

[RedRobin]

Proof that when the chassis is under torsion that the UB actually does something... i.e. reduces the amount of flex

....Is your train of thought that the effect of the UB is placebo rather than anything scientifically definable, Rich?

[rich83]

Proof that when the chassis is under torsion that the UB actually does something... i.e. reduces the amount of flex

....Is your train of thought that the effect of the UB is placebo rather than anything scientifically definable, Rich?

I like to see things robin, if someone tells me XYZ, I want to be shown its effect... I'm  aware of placebo when it comes to car related mods.

The UB is quite narrow compared to the width of the cars chassis. Imagine a 3meter wooden pole with 2 people holding it either end. You stand at the middle of the pole with your hands on the pole 50cm apart. The two people at the ends of the pole tilt the pole like / and \ ... you try and stop them.... you wont be able to. Thats a similar principle to the UB...except only on one plane.

[berg]

i fitted xb and ub together to cant comment on the ub effect on its own, but there was definately a markable difference throwing it into a tight left hander on a route i do regularly, in fact i would almost say it was quite dangerous at first as it felt like the car was on rails and i had to reign myself in...i had the remember the RR addage of have fun but safe journeys  

[RedRobin]

.
As stated in my first post in this review, I consciously fitted and explored the UB on its own and most definitely felt a difference from stock without it. I have to say that without any scientific proof against the UB's effect, I am happy to rely on my physical senses and feelings, particularly as I did not have a lot of faith in either UNIbrace product before experiencing them.

Perhaps Bruce could comment................

[Bernhard30]

Had my handy mate visit on Sat with the intention to fit the XB.

However it all went a bit 'Pete Tong', when we realised that neither of us had a TRIPLE-SQUARE (aka “XZN” bit 12-points driver). To get the middle belt out.

So off to Halfrauds we went, our local one had these spline drivers, but only in a pack of 6, for £25.
Thinking that I'll never ever need these again post XB fit, think I'll try and see if my local garage has this magical 12 pointer thingy, to undo and then redo the fixing in the rear for dismantle/reassembly work. Suppose it's got that fixing to avoid people easily removing their belts. So will get there sometime I guess.

Note to self, read Bruce's list of required tools more thoroughly next time.

[bacillus]

However it all went a bit 'Pete Tong', when we realised that neither of us had a TRIPLE-SQUARE (aka “XZN” bit 12-points driver). To get the middle belt out.

So off to Halfrauds we went, our local one had these spline drivers, but only in a pack of 6, for £25.
Thinking that I'll never ever need these again post XB fit, think I'll try and see if my local garage has this magical 12 pointer thingy, to undo and then redo the fixing in the rear for dismantle/reassembly work. Suppose it's got that fixing to avoid people easily removing their belts. So will get there sometime I guess.

Note to self, read Bruce's list of required tools more thoroughly next time.

You do not need to remove the middle belt when doing the install!
On the one I did, I extended the middle seat belt belt and used a bull dog clip to prevent it from retracting before removing the seat back rests. You can then just push it(back rest) out of the way towards the rear of the boot.
This should give you enough room for the install.   

[E30Dom]

Yes you do not need to take the seatbelt off, just manoeuvre the seat through to sit in the rear well or in the boot...

As seen here.

[Ducky76]

Hi just wondering what the views were with the Xb v a rear into roll bar because just thinking that the Xb brace would be more DIY and easy
Cheers andy

[RedRobin]

Hi just wondering what the views were with the Xb v a rear into roll bar because just thinking that the Xb brace would be more DIY and easy
Cheers andy

....They do slightly different things, Andy:

- Anti Roll Bars reduce body roll - Feels as if the suspension is fixed and the body moves.

- Both the XB and UB stiffen the chassis - Feels as if the body is planted absolutely flat and the suspension moves.

[RobH]

This seems like a pretty no brainer mod then. Cheap and an easy install with good benefits. Looks good aswell

[RedRobin]

This seems like a pretty no brainer mod then. Cheap and an easy install with good benefits. Looks good aswell

....I think it's a no-brainer if you either enjoy spirited (but responsible!) road driving or trackdays. But it's not a mod worth doing if it doesn't interest or suit you (and family) to do other handling and performance mods. If you enjoy your ride being stiff and hard (not harsh) and taut and tactile, then it's very worthwhile.

However, in chatting to John Hurdy who has years of trackday experience and who doesn't hang about when the conditions are safe, he reckons that the XB did nothing for his highly modified Ed30. It's difficult to understand because the XB has done a lot (unexpectedly) for my GTI.

You get used to the feel of the UNIbraces though and it becomes normal. I really must drive a standard Mk5 GTI if I get an opportunity.

[RedRobin]

.
I have been asked by berg about what is the best setting for an adjustable ARB when the XB/UB are fitted. I don't know the answer, so any input would be appreciated  

I haven't changed the adjustable setting on my Eibach rear ARB since fitting my XB and UB and I have yet to experience any adverse suspension behaviour with my existing ARB setting as pic below:



^ I can't remember if this setting is at its softest or stiffest. Someone please advise? < I now know it is set to stiffer.

As I wrote in an earlier post:

- Anti Roll Bars (ARB's) reduce body roll - Feels as if the suspension is fixed and the body moves.

- Both the XB and UB stiffen the chassis - Feels as if the body is planted absolutely flat and the suspension moves.

Consequently, I'm inclined to think that fitting a XB/UB does not mean that an aftermarket adjustable ARB then needs a particular setting. Same as a coilover doesn't need any adjustment when a XB/UB is fitted.

Further comments very welcome........  

[ashley]

Stiffer setting. The other bolt hole would mean the bar is effectively longer allowing more flex 

[RedRobin]

^^^^
Thanks, ashley 

So, on the stiffer setting my car isn't so stiff that I get a rear wheel to lift like a BSCC racer on Knock Hill! Neither do I suffer from excessive oversteer.

Until someone explains otherwise I think that a stiff ARB and XB/UB are complimentary to each other - One is suspension, the other is chassis.