Strut braces?

[blade7]

What's a typical clearance, between the underside of a strut brace and the top of the fuel rail?

[stitch2k1]

Depends on what engine you have. They're usually pretty tight but I wouldn't be concerned about contact.

[Black944 turbo]

They are extremely tight, my plastic cover over the rail has some minor rub marks where it has rubbed. It does not cause any issues however and I wouldn’t be concerned with it. I have had mine on the car for about 18 or 19 years now.

[blade7]

TBH I'd be concerned about the fuel rail hitting the strut brace. Seems like potential for causing a fuel leak at some point.

[Black944 turbo]

I agree, however the rail itself isn’t that close this is the plastic cover and it has a very minor mark.

[blade7]

I agree, however the rail itself isn’t that close this is the plastic cover and it has a very minor mark.

The plastic cover is on the fuel rail isn't it?

[Tom]

I know @Crazy Eddie has a fancy brace and is constantly trying to prevent contact to preserve his jewelry-like engine bay (and if memory serves, he doesn't use the plastic cover on the fuel rail). Part of the problem is that engines move when you hit the gas, and the amount varies based on a bunch of factors including motor mount health. For that reason, I've never felt all that comfortable with the braces I've seen out there.

[blade7]

Porsche fitted a strut brace on the 944 Cup cars, so it must be feasible. But I'm not sure it's a fit and forget item, when motor mount condition may affect the clearance.

[Black944 turbo]

Blade7, yes it is on the rail. The plastic is slightly elevated and you can physically push it down a little. If I removed the cover it wouldn’t touch at all which is the reason I am not concerned about it.

[blade7]

How old are your engine mounts?