General > Product Reviews
UNIbraces XB & UB - Review (UPDATED 23rd Oct)....
RedRobin:
--- Quote from: alackofspeed on June 18, 2012, 11:00:43 pm ---
Whilst it's interesting to read the subjective analysis, and credit for the comprehensive write-up, it'd be interesting to know if anyone in the UK or across the pond performed an objective assesment of the braces?
The usual DIY approach is to mount a laser pointer on a rear turret and aim the laser at a jury rigged board in the front of the car. You then jack up the car to a known height, once with and once without the stiffening device, noting where the laser beam hits the board when at ride height and the two jacked scenarios. Obviously this technique will only provide a relative comparison, but it's not a bad approach for DIY.
--- End quote ---
....Certainly I've been very aware that what I have written is not only very subjective but is totally unscientific. I could not possibly measure exactly what's going on without both the scientific equipment and also the knowledge how to use it. Also, my review and impressions are written in the context of the mods which my individual car already has.
However, the bottom line is not necessarily the science but more importantly the difference which UNIbraces make to the FEEL of the drive.
I emphasise that my comparisons with a Quaife are only that of degree of change following the mod - That's why I used the word "equivalent". What a diff does and what the UNIbraces do are quite different but the degree of change is similar. Both mods transform the car's handling experience to a similar degree. Which way you wish to transform your car is always up to you.
alackofspeed:
--- Quote from: GTItraveler on June 19, 2012, 04:35:59 am ---Here's a MUCH easier way to note chassis deflection. This only works for the UNIbrace XB however. Take the XB off, jack up the car on one side and then see how far the bolt holes have shifted. But as Robin noted, this is about feel empirically. Something you definitely notice when driving the car. :happy2:
--- End quote ---
That assumes the unibrace doesn't flex at all when in service. I'm not doubting the device stiffens things up, just that I'm genuinely curious to understand how much.
RedRobin:
--- Quote from: alackofspeed on June 19, 2012, 07:18:45 am ---
--- Quote from: GTItraveler on June 19, 2012, 04:35:59 am ---
Here's a MUCH easier way to note chassis deflection. This only works for the UNIbrace XB however. Take the XB off, jack up the car on one side and then see how far the bolt holes have shifted. But as Robin noted, this is about feel empirically. Something you definitely notice when driving the car. :happy2:
--- End quote ---
That assumes the unibrace doesn't flex at all when in service. I'm not doubting the device stiffens things up, just that I'm genuinely curious to understand how much.
--- End quote ---
....As a single panel lattice-cut structure (says he who is not an engineer or architect), which furthermore is anchored and positioned to maximise its effect, it is surely bound to absorb some of the kinetic energy and forces which movement of the car subjects it to while driving. I suggest, but Bruce would know better than myself, that the XB does have a small but insignificant amount of flex just as most materials have. With absolutely no flex whatsoever wouldn't the XB be subject to break or crack? Doesn't energy need to be dissipated?
I would expect a full, or even a half, roll-cage to stiffen up the open box body of a hatchback more than the UNIbraces simply because of a structure which spreads the loads.
Although interesting, for me I don't care what the scientific data is as much as I do about the extra enjoyment to driving which the UNIbraces bring to the party. If you read my posts in the Group Buy thread and elsewhere you will see that I was sceptical about the UNIbraces - I expected the results to be scientific and academic rather than so tactile and tangible.
But as I have already said, having a permanent stiffy permanently stiffer car and ride is not every driver's cup of tea. Me? - Bring on the bends and roundabouts!
E30Dom:
The XB is working in tension and compression across the chassis, it does not flex.. a flat brace does not have compression stiffness(it will buckle in compression) which is why the box section part stiffens it/restrains it to give it compression abilities...
As a structural engineer who specialises in steel framed building, if bracing is used, then generally two types. Flat cross bracing or tubular sections.
1) Flat bracing is laid out in pairs (like X) so in a panel the load can be transfered into a diagonal section in tension. Load one way and the brace is in tension, load the other way and the other cross brace is in tension, meaning the original brace doesn't have to go in compression.
2) Tubular bracing you have a single strut diaginally across, and this can work in tension or compression.
Well that's how I see the XB working...
RedRobin:
--- Quote from: E30Dom on June 19, 2012, 09:51:37 am ---
The XB is working in tension and compression across the chassis, it does not flex.. a flat brace does not have compression stiffness(it will buckle in compression) which is why the box section part stiffens it/restrains it to give it compression abilities...
--- End quote ---
....Which is doubtless why the XB incorporates a box section cross member as the photo below:
I haven't gone into the structural details in my original post but at least it is now being discussed within the UNIbraces review thread. :happy2:
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