Which X-brace for M6 convertible?

**tici** · 11-06-2005, 12:04 PM

I recently swapped my tranny (A4 to M6) and I need a new X-brace.
Which one is the original part for the convertible M6?
4 bolts straight or 6 bolts with a cross? (see pics).

Thank you - Stefano

**KP1** · 11-06-2005, 01:19 PM

My '02 M6 SS convertible has the straight piece. I don't know about the other years.

**tici** · 11-06-2005, 01:57 PM

Interesting: the M6 crossmember has two holes to hang something (the crossbrace?).
How does your crossmember look like?

Crossmember = where sits the transmission

**KP1** · 11-06-2005, 05:13 PM

I'll try to take a look at it tomorrow - weather permitting, but I'm fairly certain it is the exhaust hanger that bolts to it.

**tici** · 11-07-2005, 03:31 PM

Nope. The exhaust hanger bolts to the transmission using the same bolts as the the torque arm mount.

I only know that companies like SLP sell a replacement part if you want to install LT's on an automatic convertible. Apparently the M6 convertible hasn't the same problem.
BUt I don't know if it's because of a different 6 holes x-brace or because it's the same as the coupe (4 holes).

***Ed Blown Vert*** · 11-07-2005, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by tici

Nope. The exhaust hanger bolts to the transmission using the same bolts as the the torque arm mount.

I only know that companies like SLP sell a replacement part if you want to install LT's on an automatic convertible. Apparently the M6 convertible hasn't the same problem.
BUt I don't know if it's because of a different 6 holes x-brace or because it's the same as the coupe (4 holes).

Yep, I bought that and wouldn't fit with the DS Loop.

**KP1** · 11-07-2005, 04:03 PM

Of the two photos you posted, mine is exactly like the one on the right, straight across. There is nothing bolted to the brace other than the frame on each side. A total of 4 bolts, that's it. Mine is an '02 factory SS M6 convertible.

**tici** · 11-07-2005, 10:00 PM

Fine, thanks!

Have you tried to drive without it?
I haven't installed it yet and I have the feeling the car is a lot more flexible... like a piece of rubber! GM calls it "reinforcement".

**KP1** · 11-08-2005, 08:44 PM

Nope, I haven't driven the car without it. I had to remove it to replace my clutch but I bolted it back on before firing it up.

***Ed Blown Vert*** · 11-08-2005, 08:54 PM

Mine is off right now. I don't notice it. I really don't think it helps since I have SFC.

**tici** · 11-29-2005, 12:02 PM

OK I finally installed the crossbarce (the simple one, with 4 bolts).
Maybe it's because I don't have any other reinforcement, bu I do notice a difference!
The car was somehow too flexible without it.

limeytwo · 12-10-2005, 04:30 PM

The six bolt X brace shown is the correct part for a six speed convertible, but I'm looking for the GM part number to order a replacement for the missing one on my 97 convertible, my trans crossmember has the lugs to mount the front part of the "X" to, strangly GM doesn't illistrate the part in any of their parts or maintenance manuals, so if anybody out there has a part number for a M6 convertible X brace, I'd appreciate it.