Rear Swaybar/Brace

[JohnT]

Adding an LSD is definitely a game changer and would significantly help put the power down, but unfortunately the class with LSD would be STX, and the cars there are much more powerful, eg WRX, RX8, 325i...

 

[theenico]

It's definitely not legal in Stock or STF.

Edit: Beat me to it.

 

[sx sonic]

guess who just ordered a rear brace and shifter bushings........

This fuqqin guy

 

[JohnT]

I'm pooped so it will have to wait until tomorrow. I leave early Sat morning to drive to Lincoln, NE and then to Portland...and I haven't really started getting ready.
I'll hopefully report back tomorrow how it is with the stock suspension and a more thorough feedback after spring nats

 

[pighair47]

I don't doubt that Dave is super busy cranking out new and exciting stuff, so maybe he hasn't had much time to hit the forum.

I did gather from my conversation with him that color options will be just like with most his items. Probably a few standard choices, at a small additional price, and custom colors for a little more.

But until the color option is updated on the site, I believe red is the advertised standard.

The current price is a steal for what you get. I've had more time to push mine around. I was showing off for Tmo, and we hit a right turn (that was banked away, unfavorably) at about 40mph. We laughed like schoolgirls, when my car stayed completely flat and the tires didn't give at all.

i was on the fence about buying this brace, but then i read your comment and now i have one on order! :banana:

 

[JohnT]

Well I put it on this morning with the stock suspension. I only had a few minutes to play around on the stock tires before it started storming, so I haven't had a chance to really play with it yet.

Its less transformative than you might expect from what has been posted, but definitely a good upgrade, especially for the price. The softly sprung car still sort of falls over on the front suspension when turning (no surprise there as nothing has changed) but the rear bites a bit better after initial turn in and from what I could tell it is helping keep the front planted when accelerating out of a turn as the weight is transferred back...which is what I want. The car balance did not seem to change from what few turns I made, and thats important. I'm hoping it doesn't end up picking up and bad habits from the increased roll stiffness.

Its wet now and I have to get the car loaded up with gear. If its dry this weekend hopefully I'll have a more thorough impression of what it has done to the handling on course when mixed with some good traction

Also on the install...it took a bit longer than expected as you are drilling through about a 1/4" of steel for each hole. I'm sure I was overcooking, but I killed my drill bit with impatience and then it really took a while to get through.

 

[Preloader]

I'm glad to hear a more in depth review from someone that knows the turning behavior of the Sonic and how to explain it better than me. Also to have feedback for a more stock suspension.

The spring rate on my rear Pedders is a little soft in relation to the front rate. That has been discussed quite a bit about the Pedders and even other c/o's. it caused noticeable understeer for me. What made me really happy about the DDMW brace is that it seems to have helped confront some of the understeer without adding the harshness I would have had to live with by going to 5kg springs in the back (Pedders kit comes with 3kg).

My results are also gonna be different as I'm slammed 3" below stock.

One thing I was apprehensive about adding in my install write-up, was a little more depth about drilling steel. As I've learned through the years, and as John found out, drill bits are almost the opposite of saws. With a saw, you let the saw do the cutting...... You don't try to assist with force.
With drilling steel, it's the other way around. You want to apply generous amounts of force and a really slow drill speed. Your bit will last for many more uses with this technique.

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/ddm-works/7659-ddmw-rear-brace-install-review.html

 

[mitdr774]

WHat size hole did you have to drill for mounting? Anything over 5/16" and I always drill a pilot hole, then step up drill sizes until I get to my final diameter.

 

[rdss]

Preloader drilled a small hole first and finished with the 1/2" bit as well.

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/ddm-works/7659-ddmw-rear-brace-install-review.html

 

[Preloader]

I did a 3/16" pilot. Then stepped to 1/2". The bolt diameter is 12mm, but 1/2" was the closest I could find here in 'Merica.

 

[RoXXXanne13]

I cant find it on their site maybe its a sign I don't deserve to have one:sadbanana::blankface:

 

[laborsmith]

It can be found in the 1.4L Hatchback section. I have no idea why it would not be available for the 1.8L. If you are interested you could email Ivie.

Laborsmith

 

[rdss]

I cant find it on their site maybe its a sign I don't deserve to have one:sadbanana::blankface:

Sonic Rear suspension brace

 

[Ubryaj]

Ordered mine. Thought about asking for orange but I guess red will be fine...can't see it really anyways. Can't wait to get it on and see how it does. Just with the Pedders coilovers, there's hardly any body roll.

 

[sonic24740]

Got mine yesterday.. but don't think i will have time to install this weekend

 

[rdss]

That's no fun!

 

[laborsmith]

Ordered mine. Thought about asking for orange but I guess red will be fine...can't see it really anyways. Can't wait to get it on and see how it does. Just with the Pedders coilovers, there's hardly any body roll.

But you will add red to the Pedders red. I wonder if the brace red is the same as the Pedders red?

Laborsmith

 

[Preloader]

It is damn close if not identical. And unfortunately, you'll never see it once installed unless you crawl hallway under your car.

 

[Preloader]

 

[$ub$onic]

I thought you already had coil overs?