Which K member and A arms to choose?
03-04-2003, 10:44 AM
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Which K member and A arms to choose? I plan to get a tubular K member and A arms for my 98.
I have done a search but find varying weights and varying applications as far as with or without motor mounts, with power steering or without and mild steel verses chromoly steel. I would like a set with motor mounts and in mild steel.
What are the weights, quality, fit and any other advantages or disadvantages of BMR verses PA.
Here are the suggested retail prices from their web sites. I have shown the part numbers I need for my car.
BMR K member KM003 lists for 439.95
BMR A arms AA002 lists for 399.95
PA K member 1205MM lists for 359.00
PA A arms 1189MS lists for 369.00
Here are their web sites:
http://www.paracing.net/gm_products1.htm
http://www.bmrfabrication.com/K-Members/k-member.htm
<small>[ March 04, 2003, 10:55 AM: Message edited by: Larry ]</small>
I have done a search but find varying weights and varying applications as far as with or without motor mounts, with power steering or without and mild steel verses chromoly steel. I would like a set with motor mounts and in mild steel.
What are the weights, quality, fit and any other advantages or disadvantages of BMR verses PA.
Here are the suggested retail prices from their web sites. I have shown the part numbers I need for my car.
BMR K member KM003 lists for 439.95
BMR A arms AA002 lists for 399.95
PA K member 1205MM lists for 359.00
PA A arms 1189MS lists for 369.00
Here are their web sites:
http://www.paracing.net/gm_products1.htm
http://www.bmrfabrication.com/K-Members/k-member.htm
<small>[ March 04, 2003, 10:55 AM: Message edited by: Larry ]</small>
03-04-2003, 02:07 PM
#2
Re: Which K member and A arms to choose? I have the BMR K-member and am overall quite happy with it. It did move the steering rack down about a half inch so I had to extend the stearing shaft (cut and reweld). Later I learned that the steering mounts were welded too low but it has not had any impact on the handling of the car. Other people have had this problem but the customer service has always been VERY VERY GOOD so people got it solved right away (they actually shiped a K-member to a guy two day delivery <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> at THEIR cost <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> ).
I can't say anything good or bad about the BMR a-arms or the PA-Kmember.
I have heard of the sway bar mounts on the PA a-arms have broken on some people's cars. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="gr_sad.gif" />
Chris
I can't say anything good or bad about the BMR a-arms or the PA-Kmember.
I have heard of the sway bar mounts on the PA a-arms have broken on some people's cars. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="gr_sad.gif" />
Chris
03-04-2003, 03:20 PM
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Re: Which K member and A arms to choose? </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by 2001CamaroGuy:
<strong> I have the BMR K-member and am overall quite happy with it. It did move the steering rack down about a half inch so I had to extend the stearing shaft (cut and reweld). Later I learned that the steering mounts were welded too low but it has not had any impact on the handling of the car. Other people have had this problem but the customer service has always been VERY VERY GOOD so people got it solved right away (they actually shiped a K-member to a guy two day delivery <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> at THEIR cost <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> ).
I can't say anything good or bad about the BMR a-arms or the PA-Kmember.
I have heard of the sway bar mounts on the PA a-arms have broken on some people's cars. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="gr_sad.gif" />
Chris </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Cutting and welding doesn't sound very good on that steering shaft. Do you know if they have fixed the problem?
Did you get a weight on your K member before you installed it? Their web site says 24.5 pounds. There are several variations, with/without motor mounts, with/without power steering that they can't all weight 24.5 pounds.
<strong> I have the BMR K-member and am overall quite happy with it. It did move the steering rack down about a half inch so I had to extend the stearing shaft (cut and reweld). Later I learned that the steering mounts were welded too low but it has not had any impact on the handling of the car. Other people have had this problem but the customer service has always been VERY VERY GOOD so people got it solved right away (they actually shiped a K-member to a guy two day delivery <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> at THEIR cost <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> ).
I can't say anything good or bad about the BMR a-arms or the PA-Kmember.
I have heard of the sway bar mounts on the PA a-arms have broken on some people's cars. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="gr_sad.gif" />
Chris </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Cutting and welding doesn't sound very good on that steering shaft. Do you know if they have fixed the problem?
Did you get a weight on your K member before you installed it? Their web site says 24.5 pounds. There are several variations, with/without motor mounts, with/without power steering that they can't all weight 24.5 pounds.
03-04-2003, 04:11 PM
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Re: Which K member and A arms to choose? My BMR K-member, mild steel, w/motor mounts, & w/power steering mountings was ~25lbs...
(I've never seen the PA Racing K-member that cheap either - make sure it comes with the motor mounts & steering mountings...)
good luck!
Shane
(I've never seen the PA Racing K-member that cheap either - make sure it comes with the motor mounts & steering mountings...)
good luck!
Shane
03-04-2003, 05:47 PM
#5
Re: Which K member and A arms to choose? </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Larry:
<strong> Cutting and welding doesn't sound very good on that steering shaft. Do you know if they have fixed the problem?
Did you get a weight on your K member before you installed it? Their web site says 24.5 pounds. There are several variations, with/without motor mounts, with/without power steering that they can't all weight 24.5 pounds. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">It didn't hurt anything to cut and weld it. I just cut it on a band saw, put a solid bar inside the pipe and the rewelded it longer.
The K-member is VERY light compared to the factory one. Get the one with the motor mounts (unless your going to solid mounts). A lot of the weight savings is getting rid of the cast iron mounts. The 24.5 is just the K-member with the motor mount option without anything on it.
Chris
<strong> Cutting and welding doesn't sound very good on that steering shaft. Do you know if they have fixed the problem?
Did you get a weight on your K member before you installed it? Their web site says 24.5 pounds. There are several variations, with/without motor mounts, with/without power steering that they can't all weight 24.5 pounds. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">It didn't hurt anything to cut and weld it. I just cut it on a band saw, put a solid bar inside the pipe and the rewelded it longer.
The K-member is VERY light compared to the factory one. Get the one with the motor mounts (unless your going to solid mounts). A lot of the weight savings is getting rid of the cast iron mounts. The 24.5 is just the K-member with the motor mount option without anything on it.
Chris
03-04-2003, 06:33 PM
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Re: Which K member and A arms to choose? I have the bmr k frame and upper and lower a arms and they good stuff I would suggest those over any other everything fits real nice. <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />
03-04-2003, 06:35 PM
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Re: Which K member and A arms to choose? I have the PA k member and a-arm package myself (no uppers yet) Really liked them and it all fit in nice and smooth. I have talked to BMR a few times and really like them just haven't bought any products from them as of yet..
Steven <img border="0" alt="[driving]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_driving3.gif" />
Steven <img border="0" alt="[driving]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_driving3.gif" />
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03-04-2003, 06:36 PM
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Re: Which K member and A arms to choose? I have the bmr k frame and upper lower a arms. everything bolted up real nice I would suggest those over any other. They also have good service. <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />
03-04-2003, 06:43 PM
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Re: Which K member and A arms to choose? I have the PA K-member, A-arms, MADMAN solid mounts and it looks KILLER!!! Damn, I now have alot of room in the engine compartment to work... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
03-04-2003, 07:49 PM
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Re: Which K member and A arms to choose? Here are the four part numbers I would want. Hopefully these part numbers are for the K members with motor mounts and for the factory power steering. The PA sure is a lot cheaper!
PA K member, part number 1205MM, list price on PA's web site = $359
PA A arms, part number 1189MS (they say 4th gen, I assume 98 Camaro), list price $369
BMR K member, part number KM003, list price on their site = $439.95
BMR A arms, part number AA002, list = $399.95
Here are their web sites:
http://www.bmrfabrication.com/F4.htm (click on chassis and suspension for both)
http://www.paracing.net/gm_products.htm
PA K member, part number 1205MM, list price on PA's web site = $359
PA A arms, part number 1189MS (they say 4th gen, I assume 98 Camaro), list price $369
BMR K member, part number KM003, list price on their site = $439.95
BMR A arms, part number AA002, list = $399.95
Here are their web sites:
http://www.bmrfabrication.com/F4.htm (click on chassis and suspension for both)
http://www.paracing.net/gm_products.htm
03-05-2003, 09:05 AM
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Re: Which K member and A arms to choose? </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by zturbo:
<strong> I have the PA k member and a-arm package myself (no uppers yet) Really liked them and it all fit in nice and smooth. I have talked to BMR a few times and really like them just haven't bought any products from them as of yet..
Steven <img border="0" alt="[driving]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_driving3.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Did you reuse the factory cast iron motor mounts? If you did then they are 6 pounds each according to BMR. PA says their K member is 19 pounds and BMR 24.5 but if you add the 12 pounds for the cast iron motor mounts to the PA then it's actual installed weight is 31 pounds.
<strong> I have the PA k member and a-arm package myself (no uppers yet) Really liked them and it all fit in nice and smooth. I have talked to BMR a few times and really like them just haven't bought any products from them as of yet..
Steven <img border="0" alt="[driving]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_driving3.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Did you reuse the factory cast iron motor mounts? If you did then they are 6 pounds each according to BMR. PA says their K member is 19 pounds and BMR 24.5 but if you add the 12 pounds for the cast iron motor mounts to the PA then it's actual installed weight is 31 pounds.
03-05-2003, 04:12 PM
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Re: Which K member and A arms to choose? I've got a full BMR front end in my car. The thing I love about BMR is that all the welds are PERFECT. My PA k-member that I sold had several spots in the welds where it looked like the MIG jumped, leaving small holes. I also noticed that the slag wasn't cleaned off the bars before powdercoating.
Maybe I'm a little **** about things, but BMR's quality is unparalleled. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Maybe I'm a little **** about things, but BMR's quality is unparalleled. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
03-06-2003, 07:01 AM
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Re: Which K member and A arms to choose? </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by mongse:
<strong> I've got a full BMR front end in my car. The thing I love about BMR is that all the welds are PERFECT. My PA k-member that I sold had several spots in the welds where it looked like the MIG jumped, leaving small holes. I also noticed that the slag wasn't cleaned off the bars before powdercoating.
Maybe I'm a little **** about things, but BMR's quality is unparalleled. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">You sold your PA because of a few spots in the weld and some slag? Why did you switch to the BMR? Seems like a pretty expensive change out unless you had other issues.
<strong> I've got a full BMR front end in my car. The thing I love about BMR is that all the welds are PERFECT. My PA k-member that I sold had several spots in the welds where it looked like the MIG jumped, leaving small holes. I also noticed that the slag wasn't cleaned off the bars before powdercoating.
Maybe I'm a little **** about things, but BMR's quality is unparalleled. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">You sold your PA because of a few spots in the weld and some slag? Why did you switch to the BMR? Seems like a pretty expensive change out unless you had other issues.
03-06-2003, 01:07 PM
#14
Re: Which K member and A arms to choose? Larry,
I'm the one who had the defective K-Member where the steering mount was too low. I emailed BMR with some photos attached and explained that the steering coupling was about 1/2" too low. Frank at BRM called me the next day and told me they would build another unit and ship it out the next day via UPS 2nd day. The new K-Member arrived as promised, and it fit fine. What I liked most was that this was a NO HASSLE solution. He didn't force me to return the defective unit first, and he didn't even mention additional costs of any kind. BMR paid the freight both ways.
BMR appologized for their mistake and within 3 days I had a new unit at my door...problem fixed!
Did I say I like BMR?...YES!
This is a good project, I'm anxious to get the car back on the road again and feel the difference from all the changes I've made.
Also, I saw a PA K-Member about a week ago. I agree, the welding and finishing were clearly not as good as the BMR unit.
Have fun,
John
I'm the one who had the defective K-Member where the steering mount was too low. I emailed BMR with some photos attached and explained that the steering coupling was about 1/2" too low. Frank at BRM called me the next day and told me they would build another unit and ship it out the next day via UPS 2nd day. The new K-Member arrived as promised, and it fit fine. What I liked most was that this was a NO HASSLE solution. He didn't force me to return the defective unit first, and he didn't even mention additional costs of any kind. BMR paid the freight both ways.
BMR appologized for their mistake and within 3 days I had a new unit at my door...problem fixed!
Did I say I like BMR?...YES!
This is a good project, I'm anxious to get the car back on the road again and feel the difference from all the changes I've made.
Also, I saw a PA K-Member about a week ago. I agree, the welding and finishing were clearly not as good as the BMR unit.
Have fun,
John
03-06-2003, 02:28 PM
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Re: Which K member and A arms to choose? </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Did you reuse the factory cast iron motor mounts? </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">They were in their but there is now lightweight custom motor mounts (fj smith pieces) in their place for the 347 (non lt1)
Didn't know that the ONE cast one weighed 12# though as one is on the block and the other is on the k member on lt1's not sure on ls1's
Steven
Didn't know that the ONE cast one weighed 12# though as one is on the block and the other is on the k member on lt1's not sure on ls1's
Steven
03-08-2003, 03:13 PM
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Re: Which K member and A arms to choose? sorry to highjack this thread, but i have a quick question...is the k-frame swap a do it yourself in the driveway thing or do you need a lift and a mechanic.thanks in advance
03-10-2003, 12:48 AM
#17
Re: Which K member and A arms to choose? </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by 99blueblur:
<strong> sorry to highjack this thread, but i have a quick question...is the k-frame swap a do it yourself in the driveway thing or do you need a lift and a mechanic.thanks in advance </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I did mine when I did the head/cam swap. Just put jack stands under the front subframes and then support the engine with a small jack under the oil pan. The factory one is HEAVY so you will need a jack to help you lower it down to the ground. The BMR is very light and one person can lift it into place and bolt it up.
Chris
<strong> sorry to highjack this thread, but i have a quick question...is the k-frame swap a do it yourself in the driveway thing or do you need a lift and a mechanic.thanks in advance </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I did mine when I did the head/cam swap. Just put jack stands under the front subframes and then support the engine with a small jack under the oil pan. The factory one is HEAVY so you will need a jack to help you lower it down to the ground. The BMR is very light and one person can lift it into place and bolt it up.
Chris
03-10-2003, 02:24 AM
#18
Re: Which K member and A arms to choose? How much abuse can that k-frame take? I know it's a weight saver but it still looks scary to me. Which is stronger mild or chromoly?
I assume everyone avoids potholes and the like but for that one you miss for any reason can that thing withstand the impact?
Just wondering,
Thanks!
I assume everyone avoids potholes and the like but for that one you miss for any reason can that thing withstand the impact?
Just wondering,
Thanks!
