Quote:
Originally Posted by
kappasphere
Are you qualified to say that it is much stiffer than ours or is that just your opinion???
Everyone - take a look at the folowing .... and then make your decisions .... I do know that the DDMWorks design went through numerous iterations in their design software before the design was finalized ..... if you'll take a look at some of the prototypes you might see some similarity .... and then the discussion with some GM engineers brought us the ProBeam ..... I have not seen the Rebar on a vehicle and will not denigrate it because Kappasphere does make some quality products for our Sols/Skys ..... but I have the ProBeam installed on 1KULSOL and it definitely makes a difference .... I am by no means an engineer but have been around structural steel and piping for +/- 40 years ... and the way the ProBeam is constructed and attached to the vehicle is by far a much stronger structural brace .....
Life and Death of a Brace
With the Kappa community starting to have options in the power development of our unique platform, DDMWorks has been in development of new suspension and other components. Drawing for our extensive work with other roadster platforms, we have developed a rear structural cross member brace for your Kappa.
Beginning in the early fall of 2007, we began testing prototypes for a stiffening brace on our test Solstice. The objective was to improve on some shortcoming built into our beloved car due to the nature of production vehicles. We began with some very simple and straight forward concepts. However, our test mule proved to be quite a fighter. Feeling all good about a brace design, we merrily bolted up several prototypes and went blasting down the back roads. At least 3 different design concepts met their untimely demise this way. The problem? Our primary test vehicle is lowered and has an aftermarket exhaust. Most of the concepts that we modeled would work perfectly on a stock Kappa, but being lowered and having an aftermarket exhaust killed several designs we had spent days modeling in the computer. Below the photos show several design that, obviously, did not make the final cut.
We continued our quest with what we called the "X-brace". Very functional and VERY cool looking from the rear. But the lowered vehicle and Center exit exhaust setups still proved to be a problem.
Then we engaged a few GM Performance Racing engineers about the problems and what they had discovered were the weakness of the Kappa. From our track brothers in SSB & T2 SCCA racing, we discovered that it's not so much the two lower rear control arm mounts thats the problem. The engineers at GM found the cross member that holds the back of the differential in place is flexing. Although this looks to be very beefy, it is actually very thin metal filled with foam. Due to this flex, all ZOK's use a HD version of this piece. We we're able to inspect the changes they made at the factory, and tailored out new brace like-wise. To do like GM, you would have to weld additional steel in place, not for the average shade tree mechanic.
The
DDMWorks Rear Pro-Beam is engineered to bring your light-duty stock cross member up to the par with the 2006 & 2007 SCCA winning Kappas. It has been tested on vehicles lowered as much as 2" with low profile tires. It survived over 10,000 miles of abuse on roads that most of you would never take you rides. Exhaust fitment has been verified with Stock, Magnaflow, SOLO Center, GM Performance and DDMWorks exhaust systems. This is the first brace to tie and link together the diff. cross member to the suspension mounting components. It is made from high quality STEEL and is seam welded. The brace is E-coated black for corrosion protection. Installation is accomplished with simple hand tools and an electric drill.
The DMMWorks Rear Pro-Beam will be available at an introductory price of $159 and will come with Stainless Steel hardware and complete instructions. They are available for Pre-Order now and should be in stock and ready to ship on March 14th
And now KAPPASPHERE
We are excited to offer a new product for the Solstice and Sky, in stock, and ready to ship on Monday. We spent a lot of time on R&D for this product to help maintain better neutrality and increase the handling of your kappa roadster.
Less flex = better performance. During aggressive driving your Kappa car will experience rear chassis flex, which negatively affects handling. Our reBAR reinforces a weak point in the rear sub-frame to better maintain the shape and performance of your roadster. Special introductory price of $175.
Rear Chassis Flex Reduction
* Brace strengthens chassis integrity.
* Better suspension control and driving performance.
* Reduces long term squeaks and rattles.
Easy Installation
* No permanent alteration to your car body.
* Bar stays behind the valence.
* Easily DIY – installation instructions provided.
o Just 8 bolts, 13mm socket and a ratchet.
Durable Quality
* Hand MIG welded in USA.
* Designed to handle the demands of both daily and aggressive driving.
* Powder coated red to protect the bar and give it a great look.
Model Compatibility
* Sky and Redline
* Solstice and GXP
* Will fit certain aftermarket exhausts including 3" systems.
Our introductory price for the reBAR is $175.
You can order it
here