This is just total assumption, and not based on any fact, but the Pontiac engineers knew this area was a problem and strengthened the frame rail on the ZOK's by adding extra metal and welding it to the frame rail. IMO, the product that best mimics what the engineers did is the Probeam. It is in the same place the engineers welded the extra metal, just on the bottom of the beam instead of the top. Just my two cents.
I have read about both the Pro-Beam and the reBAR. Assuming your exhaust will allow you to install either, is one preferred over the other? Why? Is there any data on the relative stiffness increase?
We prefer the Pro-beam, and I am pretty sure Kappashere prefers the reBAR
As far as we know there has only been one person on the boards that had both of them in their hands at the same time, and that would be Madmods.
Both of the rear braces are going to be an improvement over stock, but they go about their task in different ways. There are some pretty good replies already that go over the strengths and weaknesses of each brace.
I must admit that I was a bit sceptical when I first opened the box containing the Pro-Beam. I couldn't figure out how it was going to help stiffen the back end of the car ...8mm bolts and stuff? Mind you, I have a Z0K.
But I installed it ...needed to use the large diameter washer/spacers because my cross member arches... and I immediately realized the reason behind the madness sort of speak. It really ties everything together and the car feels more stable in the corners/apex then it did before.
Fits perfectly and clears my Magnaflow exhaust pipe without a problem. DDM Works did their homework for sure! Great Product!
I have been beating the crap out of my Probeam for a couple of weeks now and have to say that it has been the least expensive, most effective mod I have done to the car. The suspension from the factory is set up for ok control and a not too harsh ride. But the back end moves all over the place due to the flexing of the rear differential support. As soon as I put the beam on all that stopped.
It has the advantage to this 30 year engineer of being an outstanding example of the KISS principal in action. Its cheap, works great, is easy to install and performs better than anticipated.
I have not used the competitive brace but I suspect that it works well too. To my eye, the biggest difference is that the Kappasphere brace shows quite nicely while you have to crawl under the car to see the PB. Now if they could just powercoat the PB in florescent orange so it showed up under the car . . . .
We prefer the Pro-beam, and I am pretty sure Kappashere prefers the reBAR
As far as we know there has only been one person on the boards that had both of them in their hands at the same time, and that would be Madmods.
Both of the rear braces are going to be an improvement over stock, but they go about their task in different ways. There are some pretty good replies already that go over the strengths and weaknesses of each brace.
Hope that helps!
Thats right. DDM or Kappashere do not sponsor me, so I can talk the facts here. Both bars bolt to the sides. The DDM bar is sturdier. It actually bolts to the top member bar, a major advantage that kappashere does not have. You can use both bars with a little machining if you want. Only the ddm bar fit for me, due to the werks exhaust but I can get the kappashere bar to fit with some exhaust mods. One day, I will get them both to work. Overkill??? or just mad!!!mods!!!
2008 show sponsors: Team Solstice 2008, JPM, Wind Restrictor, Werks, Aspis, Norm's Fiberglass, DDM, AfterShock, Universal Studios, Cardomain, Easystreet AirLift, , Parkerracing, Madmods-Motorsports, Scap. To be a sponsor, just pm me.
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party with everyone. Some of you owe me a beer.
My car will be coming home from DDM with one! Stuck has the GMPP suspension plus the ProBeam - got to be all we should need for the road courses or Arkansas Leaf Run or Kerrville.
__________________ TEAM SOLSTICE 2008
NASSOA(tm) Founding Member #2 1st 1K #781 DDM Custom Turbo System DDM Pro-Beam, A-Pillar Pod, PLX gauges
Starlight red I/C pipes and coil cover
GReddy Profec B Boost Controller, HKS BOV
3" Magnaflow cat-free
Werks radiator / Precision billet grilles
Norms vented fenders / GXP Spoiler
Spec stage 2+ clutch & billet flywheel
Riken Raptor's 255/45/18
I must admit that I was a bit sceptical when I first opened the box containing the Pro-Beam. I couldn't figure out how it was going to help stiffen the back end of the car ...8mm bolts and stuff? Mind you, I have a Z0K.
But I installed it ...needed to use the large diameter washer/spacers because my cross member arches... and I immediately realized the reason behind the madness sort of speak. It really ties everything together and the car feels more stable in the corners/apex then it did before.
Fits perfectly and clears my Magnaflow exhaust pipe without a problem. DDM Works did their homework for sure! Great Product!
I can sum up my experience as a "ditto". I had a custom Magnaflow and the modified ProBeam brackets worked like a charm. Great customer support! The car seems much tighter and more stable in turns. I am sure that I would have noticed a great improvement with the reBar too, the ProBeam just fit my needs better. I would hazard a guess that either is a great improvement over stock. Anyone have this and the anti-roll bars too? I wonder how that complete package would compare to just the ProBeam alone?
__________________
Regards,
Bodean
(North TX, 2007 "Cool" GXP Automatic with Monsoon System, Escort 9500i, Custom Wind Restrictor, Gentex Mirror, K&N air filter, Hahn BSR Tune & Hahn IC, Dual Horns, Kappasphere luggage rack (when needed), Flash2Pass, MagnaFlow muffler, JLe430 amp with Pioneer Components & Blaupunkt rear, Crossfire amp with Sony Xplode Sub, DDR ProBeam, ADR Propulsion Wheels, Solo Hi-Flow CAT, Halo Demon Eyes), Hide-Away
The next batch is on the way to everyone! They shipped out yesterday, so look for those tracking numbers to be hitting your email boxes
Is this batch sold out? If so, when's the next batch expected around?
__________________
HAD - '07 Redline -292 whp & 327 wtq - SOLD :(
HAVE - '02 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 - STOCK....for now http://youtube.com/profile?user=talkaboutblue
NASSOA Founding Member
__________________ Aggressive GXP at $25,995.00 shipping of $600, Manual Transmission.
Options:
Air, $960; Chrome Wheels, $545; PCQ, Premium Package (Leather), $525; Radio, 6-Disc with MP3, $495; Monsoon, $395; Premium Acoustic Headliner, $150; and Sport Metallic Pedals, $115; all totals $29,180.00. No XM/OnStar and NO Spoiler. MODS (RKSport/Magnaflow dual exit exhaust system, K&N filter, Ventureshield.
First 1000. Aggressive with everything, NO XM/OnStar. SOLD
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~~~~~~~
I had a custom Magnaflow and the modified ProBeam brackets worked like a charm. Great customer support! The car seems much tighter and more stable in turns. I am sure that I would have noticed a great improvement with the reBar too, the ProBeam just fit my needs better. I would hazard a guess that either is a great improvement over stock. Anyone have this and the anti-roll bars too? I wonder how that complete package would compare to just the ProBeam alone?
