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SLP has introduced a new product for us A4 convertible owners to replace the factory "X" brace with a new assembly, so that we now have the option to install LT Headers and or the SLP Y Pipe!
It costs $130.00. I have purchased and installed this item.
The instructions provided do not indicate all the steps required to install this puppy.
The easiest way / time to install this brace is before the new exhaust goes in. But it is possible to install after the exhaust is in place. You need to remove and reinstall the factory transmission cross brace in order for it to "slide" in. Don't forget to support the trans with a jack! I still have the factory exhaust with future plans for headers or at least a new Y Pipe.
Also, the hardware supplied is pretty weak. The holes in the trans cross brace are so big that the washers provided crushed trough the hole once torqued down. So I installed my own 1/8" thick 1" diameter washers.
Part look good installed, sorry no pics right now but just wanted to provide and FYI!
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I need one of those for my M6 with the FLP's. i do not have the x - brace in there right now as there is no way it will go back on.
-------------------- 1997 T/A WS6 Conv. 383, AFR p&p 190's, ATI D1 @ 15lbs, FAST ECM, FLP's, Borla, Hotchkis trailing and panhard, Spohn TA, SLP springs, STB, Hal's, Kenny Brown DD SFC, Poly bushings, Chrome ZR1 (11*17 in back). Chrome 5 point roll bar.
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Yeah, I barely got mine on once the Kenny Brown DD SFC's were welded in. Took a little trial and error on which bolt to put in first to make it all fit.
Slightly longer bolts would help as well.
I've been thinking about this lately. I wonder if we could make a tubular steel piece to replace the x-brace. It would mount in the same locations, be stiffer, and provide some extra clearance where needed.
Maybe BMR, PA Racing, or Spohn would throw something together for us. Heck, the same thing would work on the hatchbacks. I know a guy around here running the X-brace and SFC's on his hardtop with a 8-point roll bar!
Surely someone could fab up something to use (would be nice to include a bolt-in driveshaft loop option as well)
quote:Originally posted by Steve in Seattle: oh hang on, you're talking about the transmission cross brace. Me and Shawn are referring to the x-brace piece farther back.
Although my comments above still stand.
This part REPLACES the "X" brace. It is designed so that us A4 Convertible owners can now install LT headers, and/or "Y" pipes. I'm not talking about the Trans brace. The "X" brace attaches to the trans brace though. This part is designed to work with drive shaft loops too.
quote:Originally posted by Xsta Z 28: Both the Convertible A4 and M6 have additional cross braces. The braces are not interchangable.
Besides this one piece, are there any others? (In case your wondering, this will help those who are autocrossing our cars in the Steet Prepared class where updates and backdates are allowed).
posted
Try the BMR tunnel brace. It is a tubular steel brace that replaces the whimpy looking stamped steel POS from the factory.
Posts: 878 | From: Hoffman Estates, IL | Registered: Feb 2000
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posted
I just installed this brace with the FLP's. It does NOT work without a modification. I had to cut the brace at almost the base of the passenger side rear mount, then straighten the curve, cut off an inch of the brace, then weld a piece from the mount up to the brace where I cut. Anyway it came out fine, but for the average person with no welder ??? The reason why you ask-- The brace goes back then drops down to the mount. But the drop down is too early, and will come in contact with the y-pipe where it cuts to the middle of the car then back. The cross brace(sheetmetal one) barely fits ,I had to bend the edge of it straight to give an 1/8 inch space between it and the y-pipe. I know it isn't meant for the flp's, but it could be better.
-------------------- 2002 SS LE vert. SY 3500, FLP's, Comp cam, TEA heads, FTRA, Pace MAF Posts: 4 | Registered: Apr 2002
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I've read these posts, but still unclear... I'm considering the SLP Y-pipe for my '02 Vert, with 6sp (and Bilstein).
Am I correct in that the STOCK underbody brace will NOT be OK? And is the SLP brace for Auto's only? or can it be used on a 6sp? ...yet (from what I read) it seems the bracket leaves a bit to be desired??? ...Thanks for any clarification, ...I'm slow today.
KevinK
Posts: 1046 | From: Pine Bush, NY USA | Registered: Aug 2001
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The 6 speed cross brace is different and will work with the slp y-pipe. A buddy has one and fits fine.
Posts: 4 | Registered: Apr 2002
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I got "lucky" because my FLP's didn't line up worth a damn so I took the car to the muffler shop where Kevin fitted the FLP's to work with the brace. I also had him open up that narrow Y-pipe on the FLP's. Total price wa $75. Guess that worked out okay considering what the braces are going for.
[ 14 April 2002: Message edited by: Gary 97 WS6 T/A Conv ]
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Well, I thought I had it figured out. it turns out that my 6-spd T-top car already has the 6-spd convertible brace. I bought my car new, so I have no idea why my car has this..... Unless all cars got one version and the convertible A4's got the other.
The other thing is that from this last picture, it looks like the front of the X-brace is at the start of the driveshaft. If so, then the A4 X-brace "should" fit the M6 cars.....
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Hey Guys, newbie here from CamaroZ28.com, this thread got me here. It seems there are very informative members here. I'm going to install FLP headers in my 01' vert with an A4 sometime in the spring. Anyone have any advice or issues I may be aware of? Any help would be great.
Thanks guys,
Mike
Posts: 5 | From: Vancouver, Canada | Registered: Nov 2002
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