Topic: DDMWorks Cross Bay Brace

[kennysabarese]

Another thread would be cool for a direct comparison of brace offerings for the Kappa.

My original question was intended to ask Dave for an explanation between two different categories of stiffening devices, shock tower vs chassis, not a direct product comparison.

Critter pretty much answered my question, but I was hoping Dave might be able to go into detail on the way the characteristics of handling would change.

[DRM]

Just placed my order for a Black brace on the DDM Works Web site....thanks...can't wait.

[Dave@DDMworks]

The brace is officially up on the site:

http://www.ddmworks.com/solstice/suspension/cross_bay_brace.html

Sales pricing is for the first 20 braces only, after that the price goes back to the regular price.

Thanks!
Dave

PS - the color option of red or black is being added as we speak. If you do not see it when ordering just put the color you want in the order comments box, thanks!

[Dave@DDMworks]

Another thread would be cool for a direct comparison of brace offerings for the Kappa.

My original question was intended to ask Dave for an explanation between two different categories of stiffening devices, shock tower vs chassis, not a direct product comparison.

Critter pretty much answered my question, but I was hoping Dave might be able to go into detail on the way the characteristics of handling would change.

The brace that goes along the front of the engine (Werks) is to be considered more of a ladder brace for the chassis, what we are introducing is a brace to tie the shock towers from side to side together. We have not done testing on any ladder brace on the kappa platform like the Werks brace, so I will not speculate on how effective it is. Also there is already a ladder brace a little further up on the frame rails, it is a large aluminum bumper and since the Werks brace and the earlier similar DC Sports bar are on the market, we did not see the reason for developing anything along those lines. We instead chose to stay with the development of a true cross bay brace/shock tower brace because it ties the upper shocks to each other and closes out the "U" that is left open by the lower motor cradle, suspension and frame rails. Also the cross bay brace is in direct line of the force of the spring on the shock pushing and pulling on the chassis, instead of being in front of that force. When we did the same testing on the brace that we did with the backbone brace and although this brace does not provide the same benefit as the backbone, a difference is able to be measured and that difference is consistent. This is not the first brace we are recommending when upgrading the cars chassis, but the benefit of the brace is a nice upgrade over stock. The result is tighter, quicker turn in response and also better feedback from the steering inputs to the driver.

Hope that helps!
Dave

[TomatoSoup]

So I looked at the photos again prior to ordering, and then went out to look at my car.  No way you can mount this thing with the PS fluid reservoir in place and no way you can bend the bracket enough to move it out the way.  The thing is *right* smack in the way of the right hand bracket.

So where does your relo kit put the reservoir and what is included?

UPDATE: (Bad) photo here of the reservoir from a photo I already had:

[attachment=1]

[shabby]

You can clearly see the ps reservoir in the first pic in the first post, seems like it fits.

[kennysabarese]

Hope that helps!
Dave

Thanks for the info. I know lots of cars have these things, so about time ours does!

[Dave@DDMworks]

The P/S relocation kit puts the reservoir above the battery away from the heat of the engine. Same kit we have been using with the supercharger kits since we started with those and have also installed them on several LNF cars. The kit consists of a bracket, hardware, hose barb, 3/8" oil hose, 5/8" oil hose (do not use radiator hose) and the instructions to complete the relocation.

Thanks,
Dave

[Dave@DDMworks]

You can clearly see the ps reservoir in the first pic in the first post, seems like it fits.

That is on a 2.4L car, I am checking if you can do the same thing with the LNF this afternoon.

Thanks,
Dave

[IBDRINKEN]

if you look at my occ pic you can see that mine was relocated as well.

[IBDRINKEN]

pm sent...

[joshmass]

So I looked at the photos again prior to ordering, and then went out to look at my car.  No way you can mount this thing with the PS fluid reservoir in place and no way you can bend the bracket enough to move it out the way.  The thing is *right* smack in the way of the right hand bracket.

So where does your relo kit put the reservoir and what is included?

UPDATE: (Bad) photo here of the reservoir from a photo I already had:

[attachment=1]

Here's a pic of my relocation kit installed:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/43695877@N05/4904905318

[TomatoSoup]

That is on a 2.4L car, I am checking if you can do the same thing with the LNF this afternoon.

Thanks,
Dave

Just about to pull the trigger...  Dave, any more news on not having to relocate the PS resevoir?

[Dave@DDMworks]

I am sending a prototype to Snaponbob next week, it looks like you may be able to get away without relocating the P/S reservoir on the LNF cars with some slight bending of the bracket. I am around 80% sure that it will be able to be installed without relocating the PS reservoir on the LNF cars. We should all know around the end of next week.

Thanks,
Dave

[Uranium-238]

I am sending a prototype to Snaponbob next week, it looks like you may be able to get away without relocating the P/S reservoir on the LNF cars with some slight bending of the bracket. I am around 80% sure that it will be able to be installed without relocating the PS reservoir on the LNF cars.

Awesome! Bob, let us know how it all works out ASAP.

[snaponbob]

Awesome! Bob, let us know how it all works out ASAP.

Please send money in denominations no small than 20 to my PayPal account !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

BTW, I have been sucking up to Dave for almost a YEAR !!!!!!!!! Phew.

As soon as I have it, I will get it fitted and let Dave know what's going on. If Dave okays it, I will post some pics. His call on that.

2nd BTW, thanks Dave. (Ongoing sucking up!!!!) Let me know when the CAI is sorted out on the new dyno. That is on the "to do" list as well.

[kennysabarese]

I ordered one yesterday. I guess I'll move the PS pump anyway since I already ordered it.

[TomatoSoup]

OK, pulled the trigger.  Ordered with the relo kit in the end.  Think I want to be able to easily see the PS fluid level - just in case

Thanks Dave!

[DRM]

I have had the DDMWorks Power Steering Relocation kit for almost a year now and have not installed it yet...I will now.  Just picked up the GM Power Steering fluid at the dealership.  I will see if I have the time to can relocate it tonight.

[GXPinKC]

I just ordered the DDMWorks Cross Bay Brace from Dave at DDMWorks.  We got the Probeam and Race Backbone installed by DDMWorks at the Denver National Meet.  I am asking that he install at the Austin NASSM!  PM has been sent to Dave and all the great guys and gals at DDMWorks!!!!!!!    

DDMWorks, Dave, Mike, and all the great employee's at this great Vendor  

Oh, Dave, almost forgot, ours must be "Red" to go along with the Victory Red on Miss Red Eagle.  Don't want a pink one like "Gentleman Jack"!

[DeepBlueGXP]

Wow, nothing like scheduling the first install for the Nationals next year

[Arabas]

Oh, Dave, almost forgot, ours must be "Red" to go along with the Victory Red on Miss Red Eagle.  Don't want a pink one like "Gentleman Jack"!

  Ron!

[Dave@DDMworks]

Wow, nothing like scheduling the first install for the Nationals next year

Actually we already have a couple installs on the books for the nationals next year, really looking forward to it!

[Critterman]

Just a couple, is it that bad Dave, do I need to buy something?  

[GXPinKC]

Just a couple, is it that bad Dave, do I need to buy something?   

I think you got the drift Critterman!