BMR vs Hotchkis chassis brace

[Jeffro]

Im looking for something to stiffen the chassis and make it handle a little better. Subframe connectors along with the tunnel brace offered by BMR mounts in a different position than the hotchkis brace. They mount differently but both claim the same results of strengthening the chassis and improve handling. Does anybody have either to help me decide??

[dmax86]

i like my hotchkis. it has a different appeal even if the do the same thing and its color blends in well. the hotckis connects further towards the rear connecting the subframe at a different point... check them out

[BMR guy]

Both are similar looking, but surprisingly different. Hotchkis chose to minimize rear cradle movement with their chassis brace, BMR chose to minimize rear cradle movement with better quality bushings and leave the chassis stiffening to our subframe connectors. Our chassis braces tie 3 main structural points together - the front subframe, the driveshaft tunnel carrier bearing mount, and the rear subframe.



This effectively creates a triangulating web, structurally tying all 3 points together. Hotchkis ties 2 frame points together and the third point is the rear cradle. We feel that bushings are a better solution to minimizing the rear cradle movement then by tying a rigid brace to a moving cradle. Two opinions, two different products.

[Silver2SSRS6spd]

Is there a BMR coupon code anywhere? I want to purchase the subframe connector and the driveshaft loop.

[Hotchkis]

Originally Posted by Jeffro

Im looking for something to stiffen the chassis and make it handle a little better. Subframe connectors along with the tunnel brace offered by BMR mounts in a different position than the hotchkis brace. They mount differently but both claim the same results of strengthening the chassis and improve handling. Does anybody have either to help me decide??

As BMR says, different solutions, both result in superior ride quality over stock.

We wanted to make our 2010 Camaro components as simple and effective as possible. The Hotchkis Chassis Brace reduces chassis flex and improves traction during hard launches and high-speed cornering by triangulating the rear sub frame to the chassis frame rails.

We wanted to make it an easy bolt on with no need for other components to make it work. We also designed it to have the best possible ground and exhaust clearance.

[nl12]

Maybe a dumb question, but can you install both or would they conflict?

[Hotchkis]

Originally Posted by nl12

Maybe a dumb question, but can you install both or would they conflict?

While your spirit of teamwork is refreshing, you'd have some clearance issues with both braces.

[urr2slo]

hotchkis is a superior product for all around use, easy to install, great exhaust clearance amd ground clearance. felt a big difference as soon as i installed it and its lightweight.

[axis]

Not putting down either of the units but if you're wanting better handling, there are better places to start. Better sways and bushings would be a better place to start and will give you a more noticeable improvement in handling. After you've done those, and you still feel you need more, then move on to subframe connectors. It just seems like you're skipping a obvious step in the upgrade path.

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by axis

Not putting down either of the units but if you're wanting better handling, there are better places to start. Better sways and bushings would be a better place to start and will give you a more noticeable improvement in handling. After you've done those, and you still feel you need more, then move on to subframe connectors. It just seems like you're skipping a obvious step in the upgrade path.

Both the BMR and Hotchkis braces are great products that will result in an improvement over stock. However, if you are just beginning to look into suspension mods then I agree with Axis. I would start with sway bars and springs and then start looking into bushings and braces.

[Silver2SSRS6spd]

Originally Posted by Apex Chase

Both the BMR and Hotchkis braces are great products that will result in an improvement over stock. However, if you are just beginning to look into suspension mods then I agree with Axis. I would start with sway bars and springs and then start looking into bushings and braces.

I did the sways and trailing arms first, now doing the SF connectors. Waiting on the springs till I get mire info since I have read hear that they might be an issue with the rear end breakage problems.

[axis]

Originally Posted by Silver2SSRS6spd

I did the sways and trailing arms first, now doing the SF connectors. Waiting on the springs till I get mire info since I have read hear that they might be an issue with the rear end breakage problems.

Chase and I were referring to the OP.

What rearend issues are you referring to? I've heard they may shorten the life of the shocks but haven't heard anything about rearend breaking issues.

[Silver2SSRS6spd]

Originally Posted by axis

Chase and I were referring to the OP.

What rearend issues are you referring to? I've heard they may shorten the life of the shocks but haven't heard anything about rearend breaking issues.

I read somewhere that the axles seem to be snapping on a lot of the cars that have been lowered. Not sure if this is true or not so I'm holding off until I have more facts.

[axis]

Originally Posted by Silver2SSRS6spd

I read somewhere that the axles seem to be snapping on a lot of the cars that have been lowered. Not sure if this is true or not so I'm holding off until I have more facts.

That's not a lowering issue but a power issue. I would say that 99% of snapped axles were on cars that are FI'd or cammed with stickier tires or at a race prepped track. I think it's just coincidence that most people that have greatly increased the HP in their cars have already done several suspension mods. That includes upgraded sways, trailing arms, and poly bushings. To my knowledge, lowering springs don't affect the axles in a way that would make them susceptible to breaking. It's more a aero/balance affect. Poly bushings would cause more possible harm to axles than springs.