Megan H-Brace and lower rear brace Review

604_ep3 · 11-27-2006, 09:03 PM

I recently received a set of Megan lower front h-brace and lower rear tie bar for my civic Si. I have always been a huge fan of chassis braces for my Hondas, but I was skeptical of the effectiveness of this mod because of the stiffness in the new civic chassis.

The installation was straight forward. Basic hand tools, a jack and a set of jack stands, would be all you need to do this install. The only difficult part of the lower h-brace installation is the pair of exceptionally long 17mm bolts, which holds the front sub frame of the car to chassis. The rear bar installation is quite easy. The only exception is with a fitment issue for the rear valence around the lower rear tie-bar. I was not willing to give up the factory rear valance for a lower tie bar, so I trimmed the rear valance a little bit and it fits perfectly around the rear bar.

My current suspension setup is a set of Megan Coilovers, which are set at front 13 and rear 17 for street driving. A fairly mild alignment setup with a little bit more rear toe. I am also running a Progress rear sway bar with a factory front sway bar and factory end links.

After installing the strut braces, I noticed an improvement in tracking and a substantial increase in stiffness in the front and rear end. When taking high speed sweeper, I found the vehicle was more stable. And with quick direction changes, the car seems to want to turn in quicker; not actually turn quicker, but react quicker to the changes in direction. With stock suspension I can not imagine the difference being that noticeable but with aftermarket shocks and springs, the difference is definitely noticeable.

The stiffness in the rear is definitely improved. I immediately noticed that the rear suspension was not flexing as much. My rear suspension problem with the Megan coilover rear springs was amplified. Due the lack of suspension travel with the current rear springs, the rear suspension “bangs” when it runs out of travel. Now this problem occurs more frequently, which leads me to conclude that whatever travel I was getting from the rear end flexing is no long happening due to the rear lower bar holding the rear suspension from flexing. I hope my replacement rear springs will arrive soon, but that is another post. The rear end is somewhat “twitchy” on high speed sweepers. I may need to stiffen up the front shocks or soften the rear shocks to compensate for the “twitchiness” of the rear end.

All in all, I think this is a worthwhile mod, but not a first suspension mod. I already have a Carbing upper tower bar on order, and I am looking for upper rear tower bar options. Hopefully, the Carbing bar will get me even more high speed stability and quicker turning response.

Black_civic_Si · 11-27-2006, 09:06 PM

damn, that hot. how much you got it for.

shglbmx · 11-29-2006, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black_civic_Si

damn, that hot. how much you got it for.

he got it for $110 + shipping through me and a local shop. if you're interested in a set, fire me up a PM and i'd be more than happy to help you pick up a set.

p.s. thanks for the awesome review, Dennis. I had a feeling that with additional suspension parts, these bars would totally come in handy. You have proved my theory to be correct.

***ILL FG2*** · 11-29-2006, 06:03 AM

Is the megan written on the rear lower tie bar a sticker? or emblem? Is it removable? I'm interested in picking one up, but I don't want to be flashing around a big megan emblem.

Zesti1 · 11-29-2006, 07:18 AM

Thanks for the great review!

+1 Rep

cappykd · 11-29-2006, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILL FG2

Is the megan written on the rear lower tie bar a sticker? or emblem? Is it removable? I'm interested in picking one up, but I don't want to be flashing around a big megan emblem.

It is a stick on emblem. You could remove it.

Ep3racer954 · 11-29-2006, 11:43 AM

nice review bro, looks like you got a pretty nice handling car there :thumbsup:

Htuner34 · 11-29-2006, 11:49 AM

damn, i'll be hittin ya up for that dude. looks awsome

RWatters · 11-29-2006, 12:26 PM

I ordered mine this weekend (front lower tie and rear lower tie, already have the Tanabe underbrace). Can't wait for them to arrive, but it looks like the weather is going to make me wait to install them.

Nice writeup, though.

604_ep3 · 11-29-2006, 12:58 PM

little update.

It's been snow little crazy up here the past couple of days. Unforunately I have had to drive the car through the ice and snow. Not sure if the lower front h brace is painted or anodized, either way it is been taking a quite a beating, but the finish is holding up quite well.

SIcBoy · 11-29-2006, 01:00 PM

thats clean any other colors. possibly red

604_ep3 · 11-29-2006, 01:14 PM

nope sorry only in blue.

shglbmx · 11-29-2006, 02:29 PM

bump. thanks for the update again 604_ep3. if anyone is interested, i am the one he got it from, and i can still get more. you forgot to mention that, bro. :P anyone else have any updates for the ones i sold?

oh, and Celcius on this forum is currently in the process of getting them anodized to red. awaiting pics, homeslice.

***Mikey6p*** · 11-29-2006, 11:28 PM

I still need to install mine....I cant find my other jack stand.

shglbmx · 12-01-2006, 08:00 PM

update: spoke to megan boss hog yesterday and i was told that a revision of the bars is currently under way and will hang about a half inch higher in the middle. seems like there is a little extra room to play with.

fa1 · 12-01-2006, 10:05 PM

Is this only for coupes?

shglbmx · 12-01-2006, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fa1

Is this only for coupes?

not sure. i'll give them a ring tommorrow and report back.

shglbmx · 12-04-2006, 05:50 PM

bump. celcius got his anodized. in for pix!

anyone else get their set installed?

604_ep3 · 12-05-2006, 02:34 AM

But that might cause exhaust clearance issue though. I just got my DC header today will install in a couple day and check out clearance then.

shglbmx · 12-05-2006, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 604_ep3

But that might cause exhaust clearance issue though. I just got my DC header today will install in a couple day and check out clearance then.

awesome. thanks dennis. let me know and i will report to megan about it.

11-27-2006, 09:03 PM	#1 (permalink)
604_ep3 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Vancouver Posts: 356 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Megan H-Brace and lower rear brace Review I recently received a set of Megan lower front h-brace and lower rear tie bar for my civic Si. I have always been a huge fan of chassis braces for my Hondas, but I was skeptical of the effectiveness of this mod because of the stiffness in the new civic chassis. The installation was straight forward. Basic hand tools, a jack and a set of jack stands, would be all you need to do this install. The only difficult part of the lower h-brace installation is the pair of exceptionally long 17mm bolts, which holds the front sub frame of the car to chassis. The rear bar installation is quite easy. The only exception is with a fitment issue for the rear valence around the lower rear tie-bar. I was not willing to give up the factory rear valance for a lower tie bar, so I trimmed the rear valance a little bit and it fits perfectly around the rear bar. My current suspension setup is a set of Megan Coilovers, which are set at front 13 and rear 17 for street driving. A fairly mild alignment setup with a little bit more rear toe. I am also running a Progress rear sway bar with a factory front sway bar and factory end links. After installing the strut braces, I noticed an improvement in tracking and a substantial increase in stiffness in the front and rear end. When taking high speed sweeper, I found the vehicle was more stable. And with quick direction changes, the car seems to want to turn in quicker; not actually turn quicker, but react quicker to the changes in direction. With stock suspension I can not imagine the difference being that noticeable but with aftermarket shocks and springs, the difference is definitely noticeable. The stiffness in the rear is definitely improved. I immediately noticed that the rear suspension was not flexing as much. My rear suspension problem with the Megan coilover rear springs was amplified. Due the lack of suspension travel with the current rear springs, the rear suspension “bangs” when it runs out of travel. Now this problem occurs more frequently, which leads me to conclude that whatever travel I was getting from the rear end flexing is no long happening due to the rear lower bar holding the rear suspension from flexing. I hope my replacement rear springs will arrive soon, but that is another post. The rear end is somewhat “twitchy” on high speed sweepers. I may need to stiffen up the front shocks or soften the rear shocks to compensate for the “twitchiness” of the rear end. All in all, I think this is a worthwhile mod, but not a first suspension mod. I already have a Carbing upper tower bar on order, and I am looking for upper rear tower bar options. Hopefully, the Carbing bar will get me even more high speed stability and quicker turning response.

11-29-2006, 11:28 PM	#14 (permalink)
*Mikey6p* :beer: Join Date: May 2006 Location: Santa Ana, CA Age: 22 Posts: 21,150 Mukey iTrader: 22 / 100%	I still need to install mine....I cant find my other jack stand. __________________ Have a 2009 ASM sedan? Want an 08 Front End? CLICK HERE

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11-27-2006, 09:06 PM	#2 (permalink)
Black_civic_Si Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oakland, Bay Area Posts: 969 iTrader: 2 / 100%	damn, that hot. how much you got it for.

11-29-2006, 06:03 AM	#4 (permalink)
*ILL FG2* I hate you Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago/Northbrook, IL Posts: 1,476 AJ iTrader: 1 / 100%	Is the megan written on the rear lower tie bar a sticker? or emblem? Is it removable? I'm interested in picking one up, but I don't want to be flashing around a big megan emblem.

11-29-2006, 07:18 AM	#5 (permalink)
Zesti1 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Brampton, ON Age: 29 Posts: 4,576 Joseph iTrader: 8 / 100%	Thanks for the great review! +1 Rep

11-29-2006, 11:43 AM	#7 (permalink)
Ep3racer954 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pompano Beach, Fl Age: 20 Posts: 1,673 FG*SQUAD #87 iTrader: 3 / 100%	nice review bro, looks like you got a pretty nice handling car there :thumbsup:

11-29-2006, 11:49 AM	#8 (permalink)
Htuner34 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arkansas Age: 24 Posts: 1,904 Phil iTrader: 7 / 100%	damn, i'll be hittin ya up for that dude. looks awsome

11-29-2006, 12:26 PM	#9 (permalink)
RWatters Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Gardner, KS Age: 24 Posts: 2,450 iTrader: 12 / 100%	I ordered mine this weekend (front lower tie and rear lower tie, already have the Tanabe underbrace). Can't wait for them to arrive, but it looks like the weather is going to make me wait to install them. Nice writeup, though.

11-29-2006, 12:58 PM	#10 (permalink)
604_ep3 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Vancouver Posts: 356 iTrader: 0 / 0%	little update. It's been snow little crazy up here the past couple of days. Unforunately I have had to drive the car through the ice and snow. Not sure if the lower front h brace is painted or anodized, either way it is been taking a quite a beating, but the finish is holding up quite well.

11-29-2006, 01:00 PM	#11 (permalink)
SIcBoy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: peoria az Age: 25 Posts: 3,547 jr iTrader: 4 / 100%	thats clean any other colors. possibly red

11-29-2006, 01:14 PM	#12 (permalink)
604_ep3 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Vancouver Posts: 356 iTrader: 0 / 0%	nope sorry only in blue.

11-29-2006, 02:29 PM	#13 (permalink)
shglbmx Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Westminster, CA 714 Age: 22 Posts: 1,332 Daniel Tam iTrader: 14 / 100%	bump. thanks for the update again 604_ep3. if anyone is interested, i am the one he got it from, and i can still get more. you forgot to mention that, bro. :P anyone else have any updates for the ones i sold? oh, and Celcius on this forum is currently in the process of getting them anodized to red. awaiting pics, homeslice.

12-01-2006, 08:00 PM	#15 (permalink)
shglbmx Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Westminster, CA 714 Age: 22 Posts: 1,332 Daniel Tam iTrader: 14 / 100%	update: spoke to megan boss hog yesterday and i was told that a revision of the bars is currently under way and will hang about a half inch higher in the middle. seems like there is a little extra room to play with.

12-01-2006, 10:05 PM	#16 (permalink)
fa1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: SF, CA Age: 19 Posts: 2,466 FA Squad Member #17 iTrader: 1 / 100%	Is this only for coupes?

12-04-2006, 05:50 PM	#18 (permalink)
shglbmx Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Westminster, CA 714 Age: 22 Posts: 1,332 Daniel Tam iTrader: 14 / 100%	bump. celcius got his anodized. in for pix! anyone else get their set installed?

12-05-2006, 02:34 AM	#19 (permalink)
604_ep3 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Vancouver Posts: 356 iTrader: 0 / 0%	But that might cause exhaust clearance issue though. I just got my DC header today will install in a couple day and check out clearance then.