awdorgtfo

iTrader: (17)

Could just make it so the quick release bolts stick out very slightly..

Lowend

iTrader: (5)

The video is here
CARLAB Development - X-Brace


I'm betting that a set of BIG Torsion pins could be used as a quick release

Lowend

iTrader: (5)

Goddammit - I know I shouldn't have looked at this thread again

X-Brace ordered... shipping it to work hopefully the wife doesn't notice

awdorgtfo

iTrader: (17)

l m f a o

Awesome, be sure to update with your opinion!

ddavis

iTrader: (4)

You Sedan guys are lucky.... im still waiting for a wagon version :'(

aboothman

iTrader: (8)

Cobb DP. Catted will reduce the chance of overboost (with a good 18-19 psi 91 tune) and it is easy to swap out for smog. Huge powerband increase makes it a great bang for the buck mod.

I see you already picked up the x-brace. I think I may try one myself. I also highly recommend the fender braces. HUGE increase in steering sensitivity and turn in.

slugrx

iTrader: (12)

Xbrace is $450?! Not much luck finding a used one so I may have to just cringe and buy it...fender braces too

Concillian

iTrader: (2)

Heh, why do they never have any in stock? Because he works out of his house and can't store huge quantities. He takes orders and does a batch of material when he gets enough orders. Any leftovers sell out quick.

Call him and get on a waiting list if you want it.

TIC said at one point they tried quick releases on the x-brace for a wagon version but it didn't work out to be effective. It was pretty much a full install/ uninstall to get the benefit.

Lowend

iTrader: (5)

Both braces showed up today.
Man TIC makes nice stuff!

I got in the mode (and a bonus @ work) and ordered an AVO catted downpipe (CARB legal!).
Ralitek is blowing out stock for $499 so I couldn't resist. For the record, they have one left

AVO Downpipe - Manual Trans

Concillian

iTrader: (2)

They used a cat that was CARB approved before CARB changed the rules on aftermarket cats.

The DP doesn't have a CARB EO# and you're replacing 2 cats with one, so if you get a tech with a stick up his butt, it still won't pass visual.

But it doesn't hurt to try and feign ignorance when you go in if they ask about it... "The place that sold it said the cat was CARB approved." ... "That's why I bought this one" Might work.

And let us know how much better the turn in gets with your new braces!

vaj

iTrader: (7)

Winning. Winning! WINNING!

STi-owns-evo

iTrader: (4)

Those braces are going to make a nice difference with your car. I do love TiC's stuff.

In terms of that CARB legal DP, there are CARB approved aftermarket cats (very few, and none 3" ID), however, there are NO CARB legal DPs. The cat looks like a metallic spun, and there were some that used to be legal, but are no longer. Heck, you can't even take a CARB legal cat for another car and put it on your car legally. So, as someone else said, you can feign ignorance, but it's still not 100% legal.

IIRC, it is only legal to either replace the cat with 100k+ miles on the car, or you have evidence of the prior one failing. In either case, it must be a direct replacement specific to your make and model.

JelloChex

iTrader: (6)

Yup, I have the AVO CARB Catted Downpipe. As was mentioned it doesn't carry the EO#. From the top section it looks stock (or at least stock enough), but if someone crawls under the car they see that it doesn't have the 2nd cat which is a cause for failure.

With it installed it passed the sniffer, but failed the visual.

That being said, I still prefer the AVO Downpipe to most any other downpipe as it at least looks stock enough that most people won't really notice it from the top section to really dig too deeply with it. Plus the top section of the pipe can be swapped off for a twin scroll top section (if one was so inclined to switch from single to twin scroll) all while keeping a catted downpipe that is USDM length.

Lowend

iTrader: (5)

I left the car @ Speed Element for install today

Yeah - its costs a couple bucks, but I don't have the time or patience to sweat over the car this weekend. I'd rather have someone who's done it before put the fender braces on

CHESTON

iTrader: (19)

lowend,

looks like you ordered both sets of braces, which (having just seen this post) i would have voted for. fender braces made a subtle but noticeable difference, and i'll say a nice stiffer back end once the x-brace went on.

However, let me throw one more thing on the fire if you want to really make your chassis solid and then I really really encourage you to think to get this:

LAILE
Beatrush 02+ Impreza Floor Performance Bar S86010PB-C

oh GAWD after i installed this, it was a very very noticeable difference. turn the steering wheel, and the whole car followed. no flex, no delay. for me, best "bang-for-the-buck" mod i spent for suspension (well, ok, except for maybe sway bars).

this was the last thing i put on my car, and was the most noticeable, at least when considering chassis bracing.

my current list, chassis bracing only,

• TiC fender braces
• Whiteline Front strut bar
• TiC / Carlabs X-brace
• Primitive Enterprises front skidplate <-- LOL j/k!
• Beatrush Floor Performance bar

the first time i tried rotating tires after i installed the floor performance bar, i was like--WHAT--did i get olive oyl weak all of a sudden trying to jack the front of my car up?!? had to lean in with both hands and body weight...then i looked back at the car...the rear was coming up with the front.


so yeah, my chassis is nice and stiff, and from what your list is, i'd highly recommend that Floor Performance Bar to you too.

p.s. it's easy enough to do this yourself with some patience and time...