My understanding with the U-Brace is that no only is it designed to help distribute the damage from an impact across multiple points in the car rather than through a focused section, it also allowed the engine & transmission to drop down in the event of a front impact. This would help protect the driver as the engine should avoid coming through the front firewall and into the cabin area.

With the Oswald Subframe, the engine and transmission are much more likely to not drop down so much as be pushed back into the cabin area doing more damage in that department.

 

i think they use to make that rear X brace that was super gangster

 

I read that too, although with what little mech E background I have (because I'm EE) I'm not sure how much the u-brace would do that. I suspect the "engine submarining" effect during a crash is probably more of a combination of the chassis design plus the u-brace, rather than just the u-brace itself.

For sure, it distributes the energy... which is a huge issue. I'd like to see a frontal collision that had a cross bar brace replacement.

That being said... check your u-brace for rust, because it all goes out the window if it's rusted through.

 

Most definitely... something's always got to give. So you kind of have to choose what that is.

 

man all this crash talk is making me feel like I should just give up and buy a hummer. C'on guys, Im well aware of the potential effects of altering purpose-built designs. If I were to preserve the original quality of a car, then I would have gotten bored of my Subaru and had sold it for something like a corvette or lambo. But I, most people here, love the fun in driving a car that I can afford with a bit of enthusiasm when the roads are clear and no one is around (I like to think i'm more responsible than speeding in crowded roads). And the notion that I can get around a corner or through a twisty road with more excitement then the average person and their average car makes me itch for a way to make my car better than the average cars. With a bit of responsibility to keep the safety of others in mind, why not make the best of what I can, be better than average, and enjoy it?


I remember that one. It was pretty nice, and I think the rear seat can still be mounted over it. I may have to check with Mickey to see if they'll bring it back in production

 

I was actually encouraging you to get the Oswald bumper beam.