DDM Backbone, Probeam, and Venom Brace Install

[jareed17]

Hi all,

I'm looking to make some upgrades to my 2.4 NA auto. It looks like these braces are a pretty cheap way to get better handling and feel out of the Sol. I see the Venom brace takes about 30 minutes to install, but I haven't seen how long it takes to install the backbone or probeam. Do you need special tools? How long does it generally take? Is this something a DIY person can do easily? If I wanted to install one thing at a time, like the venom brace one week, then wait till my next pay period before adding the probeam, then next period the backbone, would this make the car unstable for the road?

Thanks.

[Carbon Sky]

Search is your friend, there are a few DIY instruction pictorials for all the parts either here, on the sister sky forum, on the kappaperformance forum.

Nothing at all wrong with adding additional stiffening piece by piece.

Basic tools (jack, jack stands, socket set, extensions, wrenches, etc).

[rob the elder]

The probeam requires two holes be drilled through the rear cross member. It's easy but you need a good drill with the right size bit. Also goggles as the beam you will drill is full of expanded foam and will get into your eyes

The back bone is a matter of raising the car do you can get at the mounting bolts. It's a direct replacement for the factory brace. Just need a torque wrench.

Either job is very straight forward. Not complex at all.

[jareed17]

thanks for the info. I just ordered the Venom Bar. I think next Ill replace the backbone. Does replacing the existing backbone make that much of a difference? I'm thinking of going with the race version.

[TomatoSoup]

Yes - it makes a huge (read: very discernible) difference. Not sure that going to the race version might be past the point of diminishing returns though. I have the mid-level one on mine. Interesting thing though, is that the race (with holes) weighs about the same as the mid-level one (thinner, but solid) - note: that statement is based on holding one in each hand - not scientific weighing

[JesseB]

Good choice on upgrades , I havnt done them yet, but have been advised to by many on here for my next upgrades ! Please let me know (pm or post to all) on the differences you feel from the upgrades!

[LatinVenom]

My advise to folks here is to go at least 1st with the BackBone and then the ProBeam and Venom Brace.

[RandB]

The upgrades are well worth it...If you do them one at a time then go out and drive it's a lot of fun to feel the difference each one brings to the car.

[GaryMacDonald]

I am not the greatest DIY guy but I installed all three on my 2006 NA with very little difficulty. I would say all three took less than 2 1/2 hours to install. All you need is a decent set of sockets, (deep sockets help), ratcheting wrenches help, and a good drill bit for the probeam. I love how my car handles now.

[jareed17]

Thanks y'all. I'll get it in Monday and will give y'all an update after I install it.

[LiquidPT]

Originally Posted by TomatoSoup Yes - it makes a huge (read: very discernible) difference. Not sure that going to the race version might be past the point of diminishing returns though. I have the mid-level one on mine. Interesting thing though, is that the race (with holes) weighs about the same as the mid-level one (thinner, but solid) - note: that statement is based on holding one in each hand - not scientific weighing

The race is the middle one. It goes street, race, extreme

[rob the elder]

For what its worth, I have the street version on Punisher and it will easily pick up a wheel when crossing a steep driveway where previously it would not.

I have to agree with Soup. The street brace gets you 80% of the improvement at least and going for more is a personal decision.

[silverfox90]

Keep us posted on the install and the difference in ride. I am looking to do these mods myself, but the backbone is out of stock right now. I will probably do the front brace and rebar for now.

[jareed17]

Wow both the Street and Race are now out of stock! They were in stock a few days ago!

[Preacher]

I ordered the cup holder and was going to order the backbone but as you said it is
out of stock. I was hoping to take advantage of the 10% discount they were offering for thanksgiving.