Review: Spoon Rear Strut Brace

[l3vnd1]

After much speculation as to which strut brace to buy it finally came down to two options for me. Either Spoon or OEM.

The reason for this choice was that they were the only two brands that worked without cutting/modifying the boot plastic trim.

Having a DC2R, the OEM was discontinued and was very difficult to find.

Never the less, I recently purchased a second hand Spoon Rear Strut Brace from J-Imports (a reputable trader on this forum).

Next day delivery was impressive and there was not much work to install.

Removal of strut plastic covers and the corresponding four bolts.

Install the strut bar in place.

Tighten bolts in a star pattern.

Tighten adjustable allon key arms on either side of the brace.

On the first drive I noticed a very slightly firmer ride. Bumps were a little more prominent than previously, especially when the rear axle impacted.

With some sharp cornering it was evident that the rear was less sloppy and more tidy. Turn in was sharper and more stable, however bumps seem to upset the snappy rear more now.

Overall not a major improvement in handling, however still noticable for those that understand their car. An advisable mod for those who want that little bit more without going all out with coilovers.

[squish85]

don't the DC2r come with factory front and rear struts ?

[lil_foy]

don't the DC2r come with factory front and rear struts ?

They never came with a front strut. Its a chassis brace. And afaik the rear one was on limited edition or was optional.

[xntrik]

the rear was an optional part, not many came with it.
the front one is a chassis brace, not a strut brace as said.

i also had the spoon rear strut brace for a little while,
i didnt notice much change apart from the bling.

[Chi]

Spoon strut braces are useless.

I dont think a single pivotable bolt on each mounting point will do much for rigidity.

Solid one piece bars like Carbing, Rigid, Benen etc will actually be noticeable.

Honestly the stock chasis brace on the dc2r actually will do more than alot of these fancy aftermarket reinforcement bars.

[night_wolf]

I agree with CHI but then again normal pivotable struts will help out a bit in corning as l3vnd1 stated. as for rigidity solid one piece struts are the best. people having difficulty pickin stuts should check out the cusco or whiteline site. the have a couple of vids that help explain the function of different types of struts.

[night_wolf]

Spoon strut braces are useless.

I dont think a single pivotable bolt on each mounting point will do much for rigidity.

Solid one piece bars like Carbing, Rigid, Benen etc will actually be noticeable.

Honestly the stock chasis brace on the dc2r actually will do more than alot of these fancy aftermarket reinforcement bars.

although spoon does not look tough we have to take into consideration that spoon ONLY builds parts for :honda:

[l3vnd1]

Spoon strut braces are useless.

I dont think a single pivotable bolt on each mounting point will do much for rigidity.

Solid one piece bars like Carbing, Rigid, Benen etc will actually be noticeable.

Honestly the stock chasis brace on the dc2r actually will do more than alot of these fancy aftermarket reinforcement bars.

I think useless is a bit harsh.

Compromise maybe. I stated that I chose the Spoon because of the fact that you dont have to cut/alter the boot plastic.

For ultimate rigidity - Agreed. Solit braces dominate.

But Spoon Strut > No strut. :)

[peejayy]

the front one is a chassis brace, not a strut brace as said.


In regards to this. what is a more effective mod. As in if it came down to it would a strut brace or a chassis brace be more effective? What would you choose?

[l3vnd1]

Both

Strut brace is probably superior.

[xntrik]

In regards to this. what is a more effective mod. As in if it came down to it would a strut brace or a chassis brace be more effective? What would you choose?

i run strut braces. and a cage.