Topic: DDM front spring tower brace

[snaponbob]

Just because my right shoulder is screwed up and my right knee was "scoped" last Tuesday does not mean I can't pester Dave @ DDM. Well, they seem to be far enough along on their front spring tower brace that he is sending me one to install on Streak. He seems to think that I will be able to install it without being forced to relocated the power steering reservoir. In order to remain legal in mt SCCA Solo class this is a must. Should have it by the enc of the week. Assuming I can get into my shed to retrieve the torpedo heater, I'll be documenting it and the new Solo exhaust that Jeff fabbed up for me.

[Ben L]

If it passes SOB muster, I'd pop for one.

[snaponbob]

If it passes SOB muster, I'd pop for one.

The only thing I will be concerned with will be fit. As we know, the OEM tires turn to granite below 35 degrees, so handling will not be something I'll be able to "feel". I know that there is cowl shake on the Kappas, and anything that can tie together the front of the car is a plus. 

[kennysabarese]

If this is worth the weight increase, I'd go for it.

I know Werks has one as well. But I haven't looked into either of these parts closely.

Bob have you checked out the Werks part?

[Critterman]

I have a DDM front tower brace, floating around their shop somewhere.  With the S/C there is a bit of a fitment issue.  My S/C was slapping the support brace under WOT.  I had it on for a couple of months before I did any suspension changes and the front was nice and crisp.  Last time I talked to them they were re-designing the mounting braces to fix the clearance issue.  

[1KULSOL]

I have a DDM front tower brace, floating around their shop somewhere.  With the S/C there is a bit of a fitment issue.  My S/C was slapping the support brace under WOT.  I had it on for a couple of months before I did any suspension changes and the front was nice and crisp.  Last time I talked to them they were re-designing the mounting braces to fix the clearance issue. 

I had the same problem ... and mine is laying around their shop as well ... hopefully by the next time I pass thru Greenville they'll have the problem solved.

[snaponbob]

If this is worth the weight increase, I'd go for it.

I know Werks has one as well. But I haven't looked into either of these parts closely.

Bob have you checked out the Werks part?

Not SCCA legal, nor do I think it is very useful. The DC Sports bar ties together an area that is already tied together !!!!! Based on the very low weight of the ProBeam (practically nothing) I have no concerns about the tower brace.

[LatinVenom]

What DDM needs to do is come up with a design that does not go over the engine but instead it goes on the very front of it.
The design would need to have the portion on the tower brace going forward in angle towards the front of the car and then bending to go just in front of the engine then it bends again and attaches to the other tower brace.
This would be a perfect design for the GXP owners.

[snaponbob]

Probably would not work as it would be a great u-shape and thus not rigid enough.

[LatinVenom]

No it does not have to be, it just takes someone with CAD experience to come up with the design.
I do not believe it will be anymore than 30 degrees.

[Ben L]

Paging Larry Casey . . .   

[snaponbob]

No it does not have to be, it just takes someone with CAD experience to come up with the design.
I do not believe it will be anymore than 30 degrees.

You may very well be correct. But their were (and still are) people that insisted that the ProBeam was a joke and simply could NOT work. Now, even the must ardent nay sayers who have tried a ProBeam have admitted that there IS something going on. For me it's fairly straight forward - I haven't designed, from scratch, things that work on our cars, so I defer to those that have. The DC Sports bar connects the frame channels where the frame channels are already connected. But tying the spring towers together can't be a bad thing. The difference may not be as profound as the BackBone and ProBeam, but those that have used the tower brace are all saying they are feeling some difference. Placebo effect? Not ALL of them.

[spicy3480]

I have had one installed on my GXP for months, and have not had any fitment issues.  It comes real close to the top of the block, but never touches it.  It was a noticeable improvement in the rigidity of the front end.  I also have the ProBeam and Extreme Backbone, and both of those also showed noticeable positive differences in the handling.

[snaponbob]

I have had one installed on my GXP for months, and have not had any fitment issues.  It comes real close to the top of the block, but never touches it.  It was a noticeable improvement in the rigidity of the front end.  I also have the ProBeam and Extreme Backbone, and both of those also showed noticeable positive differences in the handling.

Did you relocate your reservoir?

[spicy3480]

Yes, I am assuming you mean the power steering?  They relocated that when they installed the Mach I kit.  (Intercooler, Ram Air Intake, and IC piping)  They moved it to right above the battery.

[Ben L]

Picture, or link to picture, please.

[Critterman]

This is from when mine was installed

[duckSol]

My tower brace don't have holes 

[snaponbob]

My tower brace don't have holes 

Own a drill ???? 

[Critterman]

Own a drill ???? 

 

[snaponbob]

Thank you, thank you very much. WHAT a crowd. We'll be at the Holiday Inn by the freeway all weekend !!!!!