Is the tunnel brace really necessary?

[Silver2000V6]

My 3" i-pipe does not allow enough clearance for the tunnel brace and it causes a huge rattle. I took the tunnel brace off and drove around and the car didn't feel any different. Is it safe for me to just leave it off, or should I get some washers and try to drop it down a little?

[viper98885]

I have it on mine and when it is removed, it feels like it does make some difference. It probably will not hurt to leave it removed, except that you will have a little more chassis flex....no big deal really.

[Silver2000V6]

hmmm...maybe I don't notice it on mine because of the subframe connectors and the strut tower brace? It seems like the crossmember that the transmission mounts to does the same job as the tunnel brace too. Thanks for the reply.

[Charles]

If you don't mind spending a little money, you can get a tunnel brace from BMR. I got one from them on a group purchase for like $60 and it gave me more clearance for my exhaust. My exhaust was rattling on the brace, but after adding the BMR brace, I gained enough room so the pipe doesn't hit it anymore. I also got another red powdercoated part under my car that looks cool :D Only downside is that the brace is now the lowest part on my car and has scraped a few times. It has held up well though. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Skinny]

My tunnel brace has been off for about a year. Haven't noticed any related problems. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Silver2000V6]

Thanks for the replies guys. I guess I'll just leave it off and if I notice any problems I'll look into the brace from BMR.

[viper98885]

I have the tunnel brace from BMR...I thought that was the one you were talking about. It's a good mod, and it's cheap. It will lower your ground clearance a bit though, but the chassis feels stiffer with it.