Stern Subframe Brace versus Alu Kreuz/X-Brace

[CONative]

Who out there has bit the bullet and upgraded their existing OEM sub frame brace to the Stern version? I have been on the fence the last year solely based on the price point of Eurocode and 034. The brace made by Stern is roughly half the cost (since there's a cord charge) and is in reality - a beefed up OEM brace. Just looking for feedback before I become the guinea pig in this forum.


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[treginginco]

I put the AK on my allroad. It's a beefier product than the OEM brace, but weighs less. I'm really impressed with the improved driving dynamics since doing the AK. Honestly.... I've never heard of the Stern version.

[KFizz]

The stern brace just looks cheap.

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[Dub_prime]

It's about the cost of the factory brace and only has an extra length of metal at one end and the panels welded on. I would say do that before replacing a factory brace with another, but if you are upgrading spend the money for an improved design.

[Poodini]

Link to this Stern brace? Is that the name of the company that makes it?


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[NLPed68]

Here yah go...

http://www.uspmotorsports.com/Steeri...-A5-S4-S5.html

Looks cheesy to me. And for that kinda money, you could buy a used Alu Kreutz, or get might close.

[Poodini]

Unless someone impartial bought this and throws up a review, who's to say..
I'm sure it helps but a head to head comparison would be ideal. Won't happen but you never know


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[xander3zero]

As long as this thread is here...is there much of a difference between the X-brace and the AK? Looks to me like 034 and eurocode have the same product line of drivetrain mounts but not sure if there is much of a difference between any of them? Eurocode is cheaper across the board.


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[BrewDude]

It's about the cost of the factory brace and only has an extra length of metal at one end and the panels welded on. I would say do that before replacing a factory brace with another, but if you are upgrading spend the money for an improved design.

Exactly. It's just a modified factory brace, so the weight is still there with added stiffness along with whatever additional weight is added with the panels and metal brace.

[SleeperCar]

id say stick with AK or 034 xbrace....this product looks like one of those traps of "buy nice or buy twice"...but i have no experience with this product...the pics just dont look as solid as the other two options

[The Infiltrator]

I really can't see a big benefit to either to be honest. The stock is pretty solid and any of these aren't really going to do very much. Paying almost $500 for one seems like a waste and could be put into another mod. Just my opinion since I was looking into this and couldn't justify the small amount of difference it would make vs price.

[S4'ed]

I agree 100%...there are much better mods to spend your $ on...the factory subframe. and the chassis parts it bolts-to, don't exactly look "flimsy" to me......not much performance improvement to gain here.....spend your money on a tune, some upgraded anti-roll bars, better tires, and maybe, if you have some money left to burn, buy the CR15 Upper Chassis brace ($150), or the Ultraracing upper brace ($170). The tops of the strut-towers look a lot less rigid (between them) than the lower subframe chassis structure does.

[CONative]

I agree 100%...there are much better mods to spend your $ on...the factory subframe. and the chassis parts it bolts-to, don't exactly look "flimsy" to me......not much performance improvement to gain here.....spend your money on a tune, some upgraded anti-roll bars, better tires, and maybe, if you have some money left to burn, buy the CR15 Upper Chassis brace ($150), or the Ultrasport upper brace ($170). The tops of the strut-towers look a lot less rigid (between them) than the lower subframe chassis structure does.

I really can't see a big benefit to either to be honest. The stock is pretty solid and any of these aren't really going to do very much. Paying almost $500 for one seems like a waste and could be put into another mod. Just my opinion since I was looking into this and couldn't justify the small amount of difference it would make vs price.

100% with both of you. The price for the gain is not there. Wondering if the CR15 will get me close for a fraction of the cost.

Already have the tune, sways and sport suspension :) just trying to complete the setup!


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