Topic: Upgrading the suspension on my GXP

[fiziksgxp]

Today I finished the installation of my LV Front Frame Brace, DDM Backbone and Kappasphere ReBar. The LV Brace took about 15-20 minutes to install, the DDM Backbone took about 25-30 minutes to install (I used silicone spray and my Stanley Wonder Bar pry bar to drop the exhaust), and the ReBar took 10-15 minutes to install. Now that all three are installed, the effect on my GXP is remarkable. The front suspension is much more solid, especially on road irregularities. The rear suspension is also much more solid ... now neither the front nor the rear suspensions transmit forces nor torques to the suspension/body ... the suspension works smoothly in each corner. The Backbone raised the structural stiffness of my GXP to the point of feeling now like a coupe or sedan, not a convertible. To anyone considering one, two or all three of these additions, I would strongly recommend them.

I took some pictures of the installation of the Kappasphere ReBar; see the Gallery at this link http://gallery.me.com/tonym1#100073

[Brad Kenny]

Congratulations on the installations and Happy Motoring!!!

[Kelu]

Good job Tony, now is time for an adjustable coilovers set and Z0K bars

[LatinVenom]

True to that Kelu.

[ophidia31]

Anyone just buying a kappa, or even those that have one, should automatically add the money into the fund to do these three mods right off the bat. Even if they dont plan on doing anything else to the car, the increased drivability just makes driving it that much more enjoyable.

Took me less than a month after getting my car to do the probeam and backbone. And less than a month after that, the lv front brace. I really didnt want to put them onto the credit card, but just constantly thinking about them, how the car would drive from other people talking about them, I was starting to become itchy and anxious and they grew slowly into a need instead of a want because I wouldnt be happy or be right without them. 

[GXPinKC]

Today I finished the installation of my LV Front Frame Brace, DDM Backbone and Kappasphere ReBar. The LV Brace took about 15-20 minutes to install, the DDM Backbone took about 25-30 minutes to install (I used silicone spray and my Stanley Wonder Bar pry bar to drop the exhaust), and the ReBar took 10-15 minutes to install. Now that all three are installed, the effect on my GXP is remarkable. The front suspension is much more solid, especially on road irregularities. The rear suspension is also much more solid ... now neither the front nor the rear suspensions transmit forces nor torques to the suspension/body ... the suspension works smoothly in each corner. The Backbone raised the structural stiffness of my GXP to the point of feeling now like a coupe or sedan, not a convertible. To anyone considering one, two or all three of these additions, I would strongly recommend them.

I took some pictures of the installation of the Kappasphere ReBar; see the Gallery at this link http://gallery.me.com/tonym1#100073

Awesome thread and post indeed, fiziksgxp!!!  Thanks for the great documentation and pictures...sweet indeed!!!

[elff]

I got to really thrash my SKy on some winding backroads yesterday.
I am really blown away with how level the front stays now with the LVCB.

It's like I added a thicker front sway bar, only better and with no tendency to push. 
My wife even noticed the difference as a passenger

[crappa]

I am waiting for my front brace from LV, looks like I will be getting it before I park the car for winter. I am looking forward to an AB test without a winter season between rides. Thanks Tony for showing me the installed brace. Looking forward to instalation day.

[ChopTop]

Sorry if this should be in another thread, but wondering since I already have BC coilovers installed on both our 09 GXP coupe and base NA 06 vert....is the LV Front brace, DDM Backbone, and Kappasphere ReBar still recommended for NA 06?  Note, I'm a cruiser (means neither vehicle pushed to their limits).

[ophidia31]

Sorry if this should be in another thread, but wondering since I already have BC coilovers installed on both our 09 GXP coupe and base NA 06 vert....is the LV Front brace, DDM Backbone, and Kappasphere ReBar still recommended for NA 06?  Note, I'm a cruiser (means neither vehicle pushed to their limits).

I would say yes. Before and after with all three braces (ddm probeam not rebar) was night and day for me. It ended up being a much more solid vehicle. I was looking in the performance categroy for them, so the increase in drivability was a plus for me. Id see it as the other way for you. Increase in drivability and added performance thrown in when you do toss it around. Youd be the first Ive seen who doesnt take their car out once in a while for a good romping.

[kennysabarese]

Sorry if this should be in another thread, but wondering since I already have BC coilovers installed on both our 09 GXP coupe and base NA 06 vert....is the LV Front brace, DDM Backbone, and Kappasphere ReBar still recommended for NA 06?  Note, I'm a cruiser (means neither vehicle pushed to their limits).

Street backbone makes everything better. I wouldn't bother with the others.