[Suspension] Pfadt Sway Bar Comparisons
07-06-2010, 01:28 PM
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Pfadt Sway Bar Comparisons
Hey everyone,
Since we have a handful of different sway bar options available for the Camaro 5th gen now, we have been getting frequent requests for us to explain the relative differences between them.
So, we listened and put together a simple to read relative comparison between the OEM sway bars, and all of our Pfadt offerings. It is scaled so the user can see where some of them cross over, and what kind of balance one can achieve with the different combinations of adjustments etc. There has been some misinformation recently about comparisons using formulas that have no direct influence on the end user. We will not give you information that mis-leads anyone. Also, I have included a brief weight list as well to highlight the importance of how we engineer products.
The chart below is a result of calculating the roll stiffness of the actual front and rear suspension, respectively. Calculating the strength of a straight line bar has no bearing on how it affects the balance of the Camaro. All of the comparisons below are relative to each other and are derived by normalizing the roll stiffness figures relative to the OEM FE3 front bar, and factoring to show scale. This way, the scale is not completely arbitrary and it can be viewed in terms of "relative percentage" differences.
These figures can not be compared to any other manufactures figures, but is meant as a comparison of Pfadt and OEM products only. It will illustrate the trends that we engineer with all of our sway bars. It is important to get the front to rear balance correct, and using this information below, you can decide which package it right for you.
Weights:
Front ARB:
OE FE3 Weight - 7.5 lb
Pfadt Sport ARB - 10.6 lb
Pfadt Race ARB - 8.25 lb
Rear ARB
OE FE3 Weight - 5 lb
Pfadt Balance Bar - 16.5 lb
Pfadt Sport ARB - 12.25 lb
Pfadt Race Bar - 10.1 lb
Pfadt Balance Bar:
Engineered to create a much more desirable balance at an entry level price, the Balance bar is an excellent choice for occasional drag racers or auto-xers as well, who are looking for an effective mod that won't break the bank. This product, as seen on the chart above, brings the front to rear roll stiffness values into a better range of one another, eliminating excessive understeer, and delivers performance handling the way it should have been from the factory! This is why this bar, in conjunction with our 1.25" lowering springs, is the package of choice for GM dealerships that install these on all their 5th Gen Camaro stock.
Pfadt Sport Sway Bars:
Engineered from a front and rear solution perspective, we knew that we needed to not only get the balance perfect, but also dial out excessive body roll at the same time, by increasing the overall rates of both bars. Utilizing precision machined rear adjustable ends, this package gives the user the opportunity to adjust their balance, according to other supporting mods you may have that influence balance, like springs, wider tires etc. These bars also give you the means to keep modding your suspension, and still allow for you to keep the same overall balance you desire. This is the bar set that really lays down the performance, as it, in addition to our 1.25" lowering springs only, resulted in a FIRST PLACE at the Camaro5 Fest autocross street tire competition. Only 5th Gen Camaros competed, only Pfadt suspension was featured on all of the winning vehicles. Again, using the charts above, you can see that you will get an aggressive balance that is needed for performance handling, but also be able to dial it back to suit your understeer/neutral/oversteer preference.
Pfadt Competition Sway Bars:
This set of bars is the ultimate for anyone with a competition mindset. Featured on the American Iron racing series Camaro that took all three wins and even a track record at BIR in Minnesota. Unique to Pfadt, is the super light, 3-piece rear adjustable sway bar design gives the user all of the adjustability you will need for street use, and competition. Using the charts above, you will see the adjustment range is greater, giving you even more means to fine tune the balance for street cars or all-out race cars. Let's face it, everyone knows our reputation was built in racing, winning national Championships, working with Camaro race teams and providing actual engineered solutions to suspension components. These Competition Race Sway bars are no exception and represent the lightest, more proven Camaro race sway bars set to date. These come with our heavy duty Camaro Endlink package as well, so you can dial in half-steps for precise balance tuning.
Any more questions please let us know. We are here to help people understand the differences, and inform you so you can choose what is best for your Camaro. All of these products are street worthy, and will give you an amazing performance increase whether you are truly racing frequently, or simply looking for a fantastic feel on the street when taking turns!
Since we have a handful of different sway bar options available for the Camaro 5th gen now, we have been getting frequent requests for us to explain the relative differences between them.
So, we listened and put together a simple to read relative comparison between the OEM sway bars, and all of our Pfadt offerings. It is scaled so the user can see where some of them cross over, and what kind of balance one can achieve with the different combinations of adjustments etc. There has been some misinformation recently about comparisons using formulas that have no direct influence on the end user. We will not give you information that mis-leads anyone. Also, I have included a brief weight list as well to highlight the importance of how we engineer products.
The chart below is a result of calculating the roll stiffness of the actual front and rear suspension, respectively. Calculating the strength of a straight line bar has no bearing on how it affects the balance of the Camaro. All of the comparisons below are relative to each other and are derived by normalizing the roll stiffness figures relative to the OEM FE3 front bar, and factoring to show scale. This way, the scale is not completely arbitrary and it can be viewed in terms of "relative percentage" differences.
These figures can not be compared to any other manufactures figures, but is meant as a comparison of Pfadt and OEM products only. It will illustrate the trends that we engineer with all of our sway bars. It is important to get the front to rear balance correct, and using this information below, you can decide which package it right for you.
Weights:
Front ARB:
OE FE3 Weight - 7.5 lb
Pfadt Sport ARB - 10.6 lb
Pfadt Race ARB - 8.25 lb
Rear ARB
OE FE3 Weight - 5 lb
Pfadt Balance Bar - 16.5 lb
Pfadt Sport ARB - 12.25 lb
Pfadt Race Bar - 10.1 lb
Pfadt Balance Bar:
Engineered to create a much more desirable balance at an entry level price, the Balance bar is an excellent choice for occasional drag racers or auto-xers as well, who are looking for an effective mod that won't break the bank. This product, as seen on the chart above, brings the front to rear roll stiffness values into a better range of one another, eliminating excessive understeer, and delivers performance handling the way it should have been from the factory! This is why this bar, in conjunction with our 1.25" lowering springs, is the package of choice for GM dealerships that install these on all their 5th Gen Camaro stock.
Pfadt Sport Sway Bars:
Engineered from a front and rear solution perspective, we knew that we needed to not only get the balance perfect, but also dial out excessive body roll at the same time, by increasing the overall rates of both bars. Utilizing precision machined rear adjustable ends, this package gives the user the opportunity to adjust their balance, according to other supporting mods you may have that influence balance, like springs, wider tires etc. These bars also give you the means to keep modding your suspension, and still allow for you to keep the same overall balance you desire. This is the bar set that really lays down the performance, as it, in addition to our 1.25" lowering springs only, resulted in a FIRST PLACE at the Camaro5 Fest autocross street tire competition. Only 5th Gen Camaros competed, only Pfadt suspension was featured on all of the winning vehicles. Again, using the charts above, you can see that you will get an aggressive balance that is needed for performance handling, but also be able to dial it back to suit your understeer/neutral/oversteer preference.
Pfadt Competition Sway Bars:
This set of bars is the ultimate for anyone with a competition mindset. Featured on the American Iron racing series Camaro that took all three wins and even a track record at BIR in Minnesota. Unique to Pfadt, is the super light, 3-piece rear adjustable sway bar design gives the user all of the adjustability you will need for street use, and competition. Using the charts above, you will see the adjustment range is greater, giving you even more means to fine tune the balance for street cars or all-out race cars. Let's face it, everyone knows our reputation was built in racing, winning national Championships, working with Camaro race teams and providing actual engineered solutions to suspension components. These Competition Race Sway bars are no exception and represent the lightest, more proven Camaro race sway bars set to date. These come with our heavy duty Camaro Endlink package as well, so you can dial in half-steps for precise balance tuning.
Any more questions please let us know. We are here to help people understand the differences, and inform you so you can choose what is best for your Camaro. All of these products are street worthy, and will give you an amazing performance increase whether you are truly racing frequently, or simply looking for a fantastic feel on the street when taking turns!
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