If you are concerned about strut tower mushrooming and looking for improved handling, the M7 Strut Tower Brace (STB) is the solution. This is the ONLY strut tower brace on the market that features anti-mushrooming technology.
Repeatedly, we've heard the same complaint: strut towers mushroom after heavy impacts from shocks and low aspect ratio tires. Initially, the shock towers take on a barely visible convex shape, but if compared to the original sheet metal, you'll find the horizontal plane has moved as much as 3/8" upwards, making alignment nearly impossible.
This issue often shows up as a slight pull to the left or right, depending on which strut tower is affected. The M7 Strut Tower Brace's end mounting plates solve this problem by sandwiching the sheet metal and shock top plate, creating a reinforced surface that won't bend, even during hard impacts.
The M7 STB features 1/2" (13mm) thick end plates that add extra strength to the strut towers, preventing mushrooming and potentially costly repairs. The cross brace significantly improves handling by adding torsional stiffness to the front body structure, helping keep your tires planted and pointed in the direction you want to go, especially during hard turns. Machined from billet aluminum and matte black powder coated, the M7 Strut Tower Brace boasts a durable black finish that looks great and won't chip or oxidize.
We have customers who won't drive their new MINI off the lot without one and dealers that sell every new MINI with either the M7 Strut Reinforcement Plates or the M7 Strut Tower Brace.
Concerned about clearance? No worries. The M7 STB profile is designed to clear both stock and aftermarket cold air intakes and ECUs. Its modular design allows easy access to the oil filter or any other accessories that might normally be blocked and require removal of the entire brace.
Installation is a snap (often taking less than 20 minutes)! No need for new nuts—the brace uses the three stock nuts on each side. Installation instructions are available online by clicking the "INSTALLATION" link on this page.
The M7 Strut Reinforcement Plates and the M7 Strut Tower Brace are two separate products that address strut tower mushrooming (you only need one or the other).
If your MINI is mainly a daily driver, the M7 Strut Reinforcement Plates are sufficient. If you have performance driving in mind, the M7 Strut Tower Brace is what you're looking for!
Please note:
- You cannot buy the SRPs and attach the cross-bar at a later time.
- The brace does not directly fit on the R50 and R52 Non-"S" Cooper due to limited hood clearance of the non-supercharged cars. It will fit but may push up on the hood slightly, requiring molding or cutting of the hood insulation after installation.
- Trimming of the underhood insulation material may be required to fully clear this brace. This is a very tight space.
