MR2 Spyder Handling Upgrades and Breastplate Install!

[@frankthatank4818]

Thanks for confirming there is a noticeable difference with the upgrades. I was on the fence with the strut braces but now I’ll be adding them. Concord and Moores are a couple of my favorite on ramps to hit too.

[@ZipTieNinja]

we need a local meet up!

[@reneneron2971]

I had a Corky breast plate (replaced with a larger mid brace) along with a TRD front strut bar; big improvement. A bit skeptical of the improvement with the rear strut bar, as the cross diagonal factory piece is well engineered to begin with. Bracing makes more of a difference on the PFL models.

[@ZipTieNinja]

Agreed!

[@tubarata_na_val]

I had Planted technology seat brackets and M3 Recaro seats. Later I had to remove the seats cuz they were too bulky and put back the stock ones. Believe it or not the car felt much different with the planted brackets. Every rigidity mod is worth it!

[@ZipTieNinja]

That's interesting. I bet the larger braces that cage out more of the bottom of the car would help even more than just a breastplate!

[@maxsinventions8913]

The front brace is the best one in my opinion!

[@ZipTieNinja]

The front lower or strut bar?

[@james94582]

Awesome install and review... Digging back into fixing my Spyder up.. And just saw the Phat's plate online the other day... Might look into the Cusco braces too, if I can't find the reproduction TRD style you spoke of..

[@ZipTieNinja]

Thanks! Phats is out of the breastplate for now. I'll see if I can dig up a link to the TRD style strut bar for you

[@zan8085]

Nice car man! That hole alignment issue seems to be a common issue with Phat's plates, the same hole on mine doesn't line up perfectly either, I think the factory screw points are somewhat offset just enough to prevent the screw from going in. How did you end up enlarging yours?

[@ZipTieNinja]

Thanks! Phats said that only like three out of 100 he has sent out have this issue. I do think it's probably a Toyota alignment problem more than his. I just used a Dremel to enlarge the hole

[@dadisphat6426]

Is it possible to install the Cusco brace while still keeping the plastic cover intact in the front?

[@ZipTieNinja]

Yes, but as I stated in the video, you have to trim it. Cusco does provide a template. That all just feels a little too final for me.

[@mongus2]

how do you like those direzza ziiis? i was going to get those, but they were backordered so I ended up going with the a052 in the same sizes

[@ZipTieNinja]

So far I absolutely love them. I used to run the old Z 1's on my WRX. Super sticky, a bit noisy, but ride very well.

[@t.c.1010]

I bought a Cusco front upper strut bar used. Any chance to get a copy of your Cusco templates?

[@ZipTieNinja]

I looked high and low and can't find them! Sorry I can't be of more help!

[@mortisvan]

Beautiful car! How many miles are one it?

[@ZipTieNinja]

Thanks! Only about 30,000 miles!

[@mortisvan]

Where's the link for the aftermarket TRD front brace?

[@ZipTieNinja]

It's Marc Wiggers on Facebook. You have to be in the MR2 Spyder Group to see the post, FYI: facebook.com/groups/ToyotaMR2Spyder/permalink/10159217401878612/