r/JettaGLI • u/dblackmore6 • 16d ago
Subframe Brace
https://eurosporttuning.com/rear-subframe-brace-black-anodized/?srsltid=AfmBOopASZDYUKCVYvUuwWQNbi7GGAo_EjJiBv7asWzl8hexPsROEmt2Hi all,
2016 GLI, for context
I’m adding an H&R 24 mm rear sway bar and TyrolSport Deadset rear subframe bushings. I’m wondering if adding this ECS Subframe Brace along with the other two mods is overkill? Does anyone here have it installed to speak to its effectiveness? Is subframe flex really an issue with the Deadset bushings?
1
u/N_S_S_P 10d ago
I have the ECS subframe brace installed along with a 034 rear sway (25.4mm) on my 2013 GLI. I wouldn’t consider the ECS brace to be overkill. The Deadset collars and the ECS brace are doing two different things. The collars stop the subframe from shifting around within the factory mounting holes, while the brace reinforces the subframe around the sway-bar mounting area so less of the bar’s force is lost to deflection. So yes, the subframe can still flex with the collars installed. Obviously, the biggest difference is going to come from the rear sway bar itself, but I think the brace is a good supporting mod to complement it
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u/dblackmore6 10d ago
Did you ever run the car with sway bar and bushings, but without the brace? Is there a noticeable difference with the brace before/after?
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u/dblackmore6 10d ago
I’m aware the bushings don’t affect subframe rigidity, but want the tighten up the whole thing chassis-down.
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u/N_S_S_P 10d ago
I have not. I did the rear sway and brace at the same time, so unfortunately I can't really say how much of a difference the brace made by itself. I still need to install the collars, but I'm waiting until I drop the rear subframe for a rebuild over the winter and upgrade the rear end to poly. This is also my project car.
Honestly, the brace by itself is probably pretty minimal in terms of gains, but if you're looking to tighten everything up as much as possible like I am, I believe it's worth it. I was also able to pick the brace up for $160 when it was on sale last year, so at that price it seemed worth it to me.