I installed the TIC master cylinder brace this weekend. Made a great difference in braking feel. Not sure if it is a phantom effect or not, but I am really happy with this mod. Took about 1 hr. to install.
so these really do make a difference? i've never heard of a master cylinder brace for any other car, explanation?
I did not do it, but someone said to have someone push the brakes and you watch the master cylinder flex. I heard it was up to 1/4". The feel improvement is dramatic to me. As far as pictures, there was a good writeup here: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1957474 The 06/07 apparently have some sort of air pump that has to come out. My '02 did not have this. I removed the fuel filter and windshield washer reservior to get a bit of access. The TIC brace is well made and very strong. Some of the pictures of the others don't look quite as beefy.
Not sure your questions - the rod that the brake pedal is attached to is the rod for the master cylinder. The brace I installed attaches to the strut tower and has a threaded rod that butts up to the back of the master cylinder. The brace is very strong and thus eliminates any possible flex of the master cyliner.
I was referring to nicad's comment, you can adjust the rod to take out any play on the pedal assembly. Have to be careful in doing this as you can adjust it to far though.
This isn't so much to reduce that pedal free play as flex in the system after that free play is taken out (by adjustment or braking).
air pump (read smog pump) i have wanted one of these braces, but havent been able to justify the money. maybe if i find a used one
spend the extra money and get the TiC. perrin has a. fallen off, quality wise b. fallen off, in terms of customer service and TiC is awesome, and they do a LOT of testing on their products before selling it.. besides, function over looks...it sits in the engine bay, after all..no one will SEE it while you're driving around
Not a fan of Perrin products and refuse to support them now. I'd rock TIC all day long and you know that Clint and Tony are there for post-sale support.
David I was referring to the adjustment rod on the master cylinder itself, nothing to do with the TIC part. Matt it will work on your car, you'll have to change out to a WRX master cylinder though.