Dinan Carbon Strut Tower Braces

Mavrick151 · 04-01-2010, 08:34 PM

So I decided to get them. They looked cool and thought that I might as well. It defiantly does clean up the engine bay. I probably didnt need to get them but they look nice.

Sorry for the crappy pictures, they were taken with an iPhone
Name: IMG_0047.JPG
Views: 11933
Size: 732.8 KB

Name: IMG_0047.JPG
Views: 11933
Size: 732.8 KB

Name: IMG_0048.JPG
Views: 5672
Size: 715.1 KB

Name: IMG_0049.JPG
Views: 4641
Size: 710.4 KB

dgbos · 04-01-2010, 08:45 PM

Nice - they look great. Feel any different?

Mavrick151 · 04-01-2010, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgbos

Nice - they look great. Feel any different?

I havent driven it more than 5 miles since I put them on. But I will let you know when I get her out this weekend if the weather doesn't suck.

swamp2 · 04-01-2010, 10:04 PM

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that no "butt-o-meter" and probably no performance based testing method will be able to discern the difference between the OEM steel part and the CF part. Recall - the stiffness and strength of any component depends on the material and design (i.e. shape, i.e. ID and OD and thickness). These may or may not be significantly stiffer than stock. Now that being said, if this is a "weak link" in the stiffness path of the front end, and if the parts are significantly stiffer than the OEM parts you might be able to measure their effect on a static deflection or torsion test of the front end. I still doubt you would could measure a performance benefit on the track.

How about we challenge Dinan to tell us both the OEM part stiffness, their part stiffness and the effect on the chassis. I'd be willing to bet it won't happen. Why? Because they almost for sure did not even bother formal testing. That makes is mostly a cosmetic mod and I'm sure an overpriced one at that.

/engineering rant

Mavrick151 · 04-01-2010, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swamp2

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that no "butt-o-meter" and probably no performance based testing method will be able to discern the difference between the OEM steel part and the CF part. Recall - the stiffness and strength of any component depends on the material and design (i.e. shape, i.e. ID and OD and thickness). These may or may not be significantly stiffer than stock. Now that being said, if this is a "weak link" in the stiffness path of the front end, and if the parts are significantly stiffer than the OEM parts you might be able to measure their effect on a static deflection or torsion test of the front end. I still doubt you would could measure a performance benefit on the track.

How about we challenge Dinan to tell us both the OEM part stiffness, their part stiffness and the effect on the chassis. I'd be willing to bet it won't happen. Why? Because they almost for sure did not even bother formal testing. That makes is mostly a cosmetic mod and I'm sure an overpriced one at that.

/engineering rant

Im sure that it is not much better than the OEM parts. They sure do look good though. Painted reflectors and matte black grills don't do much now do they.

leemik · 04-01-2010, 10:48 PM

I like it.. I consider it a "dress up" item like the CF air box covers.. I was going to get me a set too but they wanted to charge me $52 for UPS ground shipping so I just couldn't hit that buy button lolz

swamp2 · 04-01-2010, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mavrick151

Painted reflectors and matte black grills don't do much now do they.

Come on get real. What a weak attempt at a come back, based on something that I wrote that was entirely factual, objective and did not insult anyone. Did I say anything like cosmetic modding is bad? No I didn't. What I dislike are mods purported or portrayed to be functional but in the end are just cosmetic.

Mavrick151 · 04-01-2010, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leemik

I like it.. I consider it a "dress up" item like the CF air box covers.. I was going to get me a set too but they wanted to charge me $52 for UPS ground shipping so I just couldn't hit that buy button lolz

It is kind of a "dress up" item but it is functional so maybe a "dressy functional item" may be more appropriate. Airbox covers and all that nonsense do nothing. $52 is ridiculous. These weigh next to nothing.

Mavrick151 · 04-01-2010, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swamp2

Come on get real. What a weak attempt at a come back, based on something that I wrote that was entirely factual, objective and did not insult anyone. Did I say anything like cosmetic modding is bad? No I didn't. What I dislike are mods purported or portrayed to be functional but in the end are just cosmetic.

I wasent poking fun at your matte black grills and what not I was just stating facts as you were. There isn't any thing about these that are not functional. Like you said in your post before there should be some testing. Im sure that there is or that there could be.

aus · 04-01-2010, 11:55 PM

They'll be some knock off's in 2 months. They look cool.

Mavrick151 · 04-01-2010, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aus

They'll be some knock off's in 2 months. They look cool.

Just like everything else out there there probably will be.

isugoo · 04-02-2010, 01:04 AM

Looks great. I was thinking about getting one as well as a complement cosmetic mod.

biglare · 04-02-2010, 02:26 AM

Oh Snap! Wait until Shady1 sees these!

This is the only CF that he does not have under his hood!

smmmurf · 04-02-2010, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swamp2

Come on get real. What a weak attempt at a come back, based on something that I wrote that was entirely factual, objective and did not insult anyone. Did I say anything like cosmetic modding is bad? No I didn't. What I dislike are mods purported or portrayed to be functional but in the end are just cosmetic.

+1... these types of "all for show" mods are definitely not going on my car.

A1 RDL · 04-02-2010, 07:56 AM

I have these and the Front DINAN roll bar coming. Obviously its mainly a cosmetic mod, perhaps some weight reduction. But lets face it, we spend $500+ on both front splitters and rear diffusers, neither of which do anything for performance (aero). Splitters and diffusers are meant to generate downforce on a car, but most of what we add will only cause drag. Each to there own, its a cheap mod considering you get some extra carbon under the hood.

leemik · 04-02-2010, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aus

They'll be some knock off's in 2 months. They look cool.

I bet they already source this item from Asia.. The Dinan stickers look like an after thought..

Mavrick151 · 04-02-2010, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leemik

I bet they already source this item from Asia.. The Dinan stickers look like an after thought..

They are not stickers.

swamp2 · 04-02-2010, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mavrick151

I wasent poking fun at your matte black grills and what not I was just stating facts as you were. There isn't any thing about these that are not functional. Like you said in your post before there should be some testing. Im sure that there is or that there could be.

I owe you an apology then. Sorry I misunderstood your comment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by smmmurf

+1... these types of "all for show" mods are definitely not going on my car.

I guess I am a bit more "lenient" in my opinion of these than crap like interior CF door panels. This is a structural component and should be strong and stiff. That makes CF a good choice on the surface if cost is not a factor. Heck if someone gave them to me I'd probably run them. The do look really nice as well.

Mavrick151 · 04-02-2010, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swamp2

I owe you an apology then. Sorry I misunderstood your comment.

I guess I am a bit more "lenient" in my opinion of these than crap like interior CF door panels. This is a structural component and should be strong and stiff. That makes CF a good choice on the surface if cost is not a factor. Heck if someone gave them to me I'd probably run them. The do look really nice as well.

No harm, no foul. I would like for some one or even Dinan for that matter to produce some information about this, instead of saying that they are stronger than the OEM ones.

KASM3 · 04-02-2010, 01:24 PM

Hey Mavrick, I see you have the Dinan intake. Do you think the carbon fiber intake part provides any more power(of course butt-o-meter) over stock? I have MS Filter and I was wondering if its worth changing the tubing. Another company makes something similar, just cheaper.
2. Good job. I like the look of your braces. Nice conversation piece. Sets your car apart.
3. What other Dinan Goodies do you have?

Mavrick151 · 04-02-2010, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KASM3

Hey Mavrick, I see you have the Dinan intake. Do you think the carbon fiber intake part provides any more power(of course butt-o-meter) over stock? I have MS Filter and I was wondering if its worth changing the tubing. Another company makes something similar, just cheaper.
2. Good job. I like the look of your braces. Nice conversation piece. Sets your car apart.
3. What other Dinan Goodies do you have?

I think that it does a little. Its very hard to notice 7-10 hp in this car. If anything it sounds better. When I added the crank pulley is when I noticed something. Then the software on top of that makes all the difference. To what I have done from dinan is pulley, intake, strut braces and software. Stage 3 suspension and diff got ordered today so those should be on sometime soon when they get the parts in and when i can find time to get them installed. So everything is coming along very nicely.

mastek · 04-02-2010, 03:17 PM

The only "Front Strut Tower Tie-Bar" that would actually improve the "performance" over the OE design......
is one that would span directly across the engine bay from driver's-side strut tower to passenger's-side strut tower.

This would add front-end torsional rigidity and slightly improve the car's handling.

Of course, this would require a total redesign of the engine cover ...or a crazy retrofit that would require going through the engine cover somehow.

Other then that, this mod is purely aesthetic.

04-01-2010, 08:34 PM	#1
Mavrick151 First Lieutenant 12 Rep 321 Posts Drives: 2020 M2C Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: OC CA --> Dallas, TX iTrader: (1)	Dinan Carbon Strut Tower Braces So I decided to get them. They looked cool and thought that I might as well. It defiantly does clean up the engine bay. I probably didnt need to get them but they look nice. Sorry for the crappy pictures, they were taken with an iPhone
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

04-01-2010, 08:45 PM	#2
dgbos Second Lieutenant 42 Rep 216 Posts Drives: 2015 M5 BSM CP Join Date: May 2009 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	Nice - they look great. Feel any different?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-01-2010, 10:04 PM	#4
swamp2 Lieutenant General 609 Rep 10,407 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Diego, CA USA iTrader: (3)	I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that no "butt-o-meter" and probably no performance based testing method will be able to discern the difference between the OEM steel part and the CF part. Recall - the stiffness and strength of any component depends on the material and design (i.e. shape, i.e. ID and OD and thickness). These may or may not be significantly stiffer than stock. Now that being said, if this is a "weak link" in the stiffness path of the front end, and if the parts are significantly stiffer than the OEM parts you might be able to measure their effect on a static deflection or torsion test of the front end. I still doubt you would could measure a performance benefit on the track. How about we challenge Dinan to tell us both the OEM part stiffness, their part stiffness and the effect on the chassis. I'd be willing to bet it won't happen. Why? Because they almost for sure did not even bother formal testing. That makes is mostly a cosmetic mod and I'm sure an overpriced one at that. /engineering rant __________________ E92 M3 \| Space Gray on Fox Red \| M-DCT \| CF Roof \| RAC RG63 Wheels \| Brembo 380mm BBK \| \| Vorsteiner Ti Exhaust \| Matte Black Grilles/Side Gills/Rear Emblem/Mirrors \| \| Alekshop Back up Camera \| GP Thunders \| BMW Aluminum Pedals \| Elite Angels \| \| XPEL Full Front Wrap \| Hardwired V1 \| Interior Xenon Light Kit \|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-01-2010, 10:48 PM	#6
leemik Lieutenant Colonel 509 Rep 1,570 Posts Drives: 2013 LRP M3 Coupe Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Quincy, MA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2020 Acura NSX [0.00] 2013 BMW M3 [9.50]	I like it.. I consider it a "dress up" item like the CF air box covers.. I was going to get me a set too but they wanted to charge me $52 for UPS ground shipping so I just couldn't hit that buy button lolz
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-01-2010, 11:55 PM	#10
aus Major General 890 Rep 9,031 Posts Drives: Odysse Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach, CA iTrader: (10)	They'll be some knock off's in 2 months. They look cool. __________________ Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2010, 01:04 AM	#12
isugoo Major General 247 Rep 6,125 Posts Drives: 991.2 GTS Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (73)	Looks great. I was thinking about getting one as well as a complement cosmetic mod. __________________ PAST: F80 M3 ZCP \| 911.1 C2S \| F10 M5 ZCP \| E70 X5M \| E90 M3 \| E46 M3 \| E36 M3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2010, 02:26 AM	#13
biglare Bulldog 482 Rep 3,355 Posts Drives: BMW & Porsche Join Date: May 2008 Location: ? iTrader: (3)	Oh Snap! Wait until Shady1 sees these! This is the only CF that he does not have under his hood! __________________ Prev: Individual F80 M3 - Fjord Blue/Silverstone(interior) \| Fashion Grey(exterior) GTS
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2010, 07:56 AM	#15
A1 RDL www.ryandalziel.com 24 Rep 208 Posts Drives: 2009 JB E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0)	I have these and the Front DINAN roll bar coming. Obviously its mainly a cosmetic mod, perhaps some weight reduction. But lets face it, we spend $500+ on both front splitters and rear diffusers, neither of which do anything for performance (aero). Splitters and diffusers are meant to generate downforce on a car, but most of what we add will only cause drag. Each to there own, its a cheap mod considering you get some extra carbon under the hood.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2010, 01:24 PM	#20
KASM3 Lieutenant 160 Rep 466 Posts Drives: 2015 M4 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	Hey Mavrick, I see you have the Dinan intake. Do you think the carbon fiber intake part provides any more power(of course butt-o-meter) over stock? I have MS Filter and I was wondering if its worth changing the tubing. Another company makes something similar, just cheaper. 2. Good job. I like the look of your braces. Nice conversation piece. Sets your car apart. 3. What other Dinan Goodies do you have?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2010, 03:17 PM	#22
mastek e36s54, e70x5d 151 Rep 1,723 Posts Drives: slow Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (15)	The only "Front Strut Tower Tie-Bar" that would actually improve the "performance" over the OE design...... is one that would span directly across the engine bay from driver's-side strut tower to passenger's-side strut tower. This would add front-end torsional rigidity and slightly improve the car's handling. Of course, this would require a total redesign of the engine cover ...or a crazy retrofit that would require going through the engine cover somehow. Other then that, this mod is purely aesthetic. Last edited by mastek; 04-02-2010 at 03:22 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote