Strano Master Cylinder Brace

**Naaman** · 12-21-2017, 03:48 AM

So, Sam Strano is still making stuff for our cars.

The latest thing I'm seeing is this master cylinder brace, here:
Strano Performance Parts - Part Details

He claims it will improve pedal feel by preloading the master cylinder.

I don't assume it will quantifiably improve braking performance, but I am always after ways to improve the driver/car interaction. My "build" focuses on the experience of interacting with the car, and am wondering what others think of this.

Does the idea make sense?

Always looking for ways to make my car feel more involved, and this looks like a possible way to tighten up some otherwise tolerable slop.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 12-21-2017, 04:05 AM

I don't recall ever having an issue with how the brake pedal felt. Do you have that problem?

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**Naaman** · 12-21-2017, 05:58 AM

No, I don't have a problem with how the brakes feel, honestly. This is one of those things that would be a "cool, now it's even better" kind of thing. Kind of like supercharging a V8 that already makes lots of power.

Not really solving a problem, but rather, making it better than it is. There is a 10-page thread over on the "other" LS1 forum with rave reviews, FWIW.

***SMWS6TA*** · 12-21-2017, 06:22 AM

In theory I can see it working. Kinda like the way on the Moser and some others rear cover that has these adjustable stops on the differential main bearing caps. The load of the MC is should be dispersed over a plate that is placed between the MC and the firewall. I know it is on the clutch MC so I'm assuming it would be the same. I think it would have to be in order to handle force of braking, 20g sheet metal won't last that long.

If you get it let me know, I'm interested in your opinion on it. I have done the C5 front brakes & SS line mod and yes there is much improvement over the stock. Seeing how I got them for free doesn't hurt either. I may still upgrade to the CTS-V Brembos later on but for now I'm ok with the C-5 mod. I really need to see if my Snowflake wheels will clear, I had to move my weights to the outside for clearance of the calibers.

**Naaman** · 12-21-2017, 07:11 AM

I was looking at this part earlier over on the other forum. There was mention of the CTS-V mod causing problems with the ABS. The issue was that the 4-piston calipers were not designed to replace a 2-piston design, which can cause some problems. I'm not savvy enough on the subtleties of it to really understand, though.

***SMWS6TA*** · 12-21-2017, 07:33 AM

I think that is an issue if you have 4 channel. I have 3 channel and no longer use the abs because I deleted it due to upgrading to my 8.8.

**raynor139** · 12-21-2017, 01:33 PM

Just ordered it after watching Sams video and reading through all the pages on the other site. Figured it would be a good Christmas gift to myself. Haven't put anything new on the car geared towards performance this year. Been thinking to myself for years that the brake pedal has too much travel. So I'll let you guys know after I get it installed and have a chance to try it out.

**Naaman** · 12-21-2017, 09:20 PM

Right on!

**Whamhammer** · 12-22-2017, 03:28 PM

Originally Posted by raynor139

Just ordered it after watching Sams video and reading through all the pages on the other site. Figured it would be a good Christmas gift to myself. Haven't put anything new on the car geared towards performance this year. Been thinking to myself for years that the brake pedal has too much travel. So I'll let you guys know after I get it installed and have a chance to try it out.

Let us know how it goes.

I have a feeling that we are going to need a brace for the shock tower to support the stress put on it by all of the braces that are being put on it.

**raynor139** · 01-21-2018, 04:20 PM

Hadn't driven the car in over a month so took the opportunity to get it going today with it being so warm. Drove it before putting the brace on and then after. The pedal is definitely firmer with less travel. Took me more time to get tools out and everything then it did to actually install the brace. Just requires some basic sockets and wrenches to do. It does come across as pricey but the results in the end to me are worth it overall.

**Naaman** · 01-24-2018, 04:23 PM

Thanks for the update. I'm still thinking about getting one, myself.

***SMWS6TA*** · 01-25-2018, 07:00 AM

Looking at the video I now have a better feeling it will work with my custom Shock Tower Brace. I may end up modifying it a little but I don't think by much if I had to.

***SMWS6TA*** · 01-31-2018, 01:28 PM

Placed my order today

***SMWS6TA*** · 02-07-2018, 06:04 AM

Chase,

How much tension did you place on the MC? I'm not sure just how much to put on it. I did feel a little more firmer and less pedal travel then before.

It did clear my custom STB, so I can't see how it would have issues with others unless you have the Hotchkis STB like they stated.