Engine Braces

Do engine braces and strut braces make any difference? And if so what make should be recommended? 

Personally I would say yes they do

http://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&id=technical%2Frunning-gear_2%2Fgolf-gti-mk1-suspension&kfs77=60

I could feel the difference

And to keep it balanced I cannot say I noticed any difference on a tintop road driven, although I would always fit the front bottom one cause the wishbone mountings do seem to lack support.

Even more balance I think you will feel the difference in terms of the body feeling tighter and riding quieter.

If you are looking to improve handling I doubt you would feel it on the road with standard tyres.

My view is that all the small differences add up in the right direction, strut braces don't cost much, but they won't give you a handling transformation in place of quality dampers/springs for example.