Madness Lower Stress Brace for the MINI Cooper S

This should have been included on the mini from the factory. How can a simple device change a car so much? Mini is extremely solid feeling with the addition, and creaks and groans during normal driving as well as tracking are pretty much gone. I did notice it creaks when cranking the wheel at low speeds (like getting into my carport), but not a big deal. I was afraid of less clearance over speedbumps, but the ones I go over every day are not an issue. Turns at speed feel a tad smoother as well. Overall, a GREAT addition. Install was simple. Hardest part was finding the pre-drilled holes on the car haha!

2006 Cooper S Convertible (R52) The Brace is great. The car feels more solid. Went over a very rough RR track on the way home. It hit the RR track dips hard without shaking. Very noticeable difference. Steering seems even more on center, and the car turns in instantly. Feels like a real sports car now. Initially, George installed the strut bar. The car felt more solid then, but there was still some cowl shake. Now, there is none that I can detect other than the actual bump itself. Before the bars, bumps caused additional vibrations felt in the steering wheel and windshield. Now I feel only the single bump. These bars are a must - especially for convertibles. The car is truly a pleasure to drive. Now, I need another 50 HP or so.

The Madness lower brace, used in conjunction with the upper tower brace, helped save my life. They helped to keep the car together,drivable,and able to get me home, after I found some black ice in Northern California hwy 49 and went over a cliff. Solid Craftmanship! Easy Install, a product that proves Madness knows how safety, reliability, and affordabilty can help make the MINI even better. S. Carpenter

I've had my S at Madness stage two for a few months now and am loving it. After talking with George for a while and seeing the new strut brace I took the plunge. Installation is very easy, there are two bolts to undo and replace and two studs to install into existing threaded holes in the sub frame. This brace is a bit different in that it not only ties the two sides of the body together,but it also ties the body to the subframe as well. The fit is very exact and the kit was complete. I had no idea how much I could feel the flexing of the body and frame until after the strut stopped it from happening. There is less squirming under hard accelleration. Cornering, both fast and slow, is more precise. The added stiffness stopped a number of rattles, including some extra noise added at idle by an earlier insatllation of polyurethane engine mounts. The difference in the car was evident from the moment I first drove off, and I continue to be surprised by the improved handling and reduced noises. While I haven't tried other braces, I think this one works very well and I recommend it. ex997guy

The Mini-Madness Lower Stress Brace is a MUST for your Mini. Currently I have a M.M. 22mm Sway Bar and Rear Poly Bushing. Installation is simple and compliments the other suspension upgrades. My Mini is more responsive under quick changes in steering and it tracks straighter on uneven roads. The Madness Lower Brace is a must for your Mini's Suspension