I am thinking of upgrading my front sway bar ( i think my rear is ok stock). I can probably get a good discount on a GM parts one which i think is the 1LE which is hollow. Is there going to be that much of an improvement if it's hollow?

How do you guys find the 35mm bar for street applications?

 

I installed the 35mm front swaybar about 4 weeks ago. I went with this size bar for autocross. On the street, it is fine and turn-in is exceptionally crisp (when I put it in, it was the only suspension change). Since then, I have put in Bilstein HD's in the rear and will be installing my Koni SA's in the front when I get a chance.

So, on the street, I like the 35mm bar.

 

I have a 35 mm solid up front and I love it.. With a new set of Bilstien shocks revalved to Sam's specs, the car feels buttoned down..

I haven't been able to autox it yet though, but this month I should be able to make a local event.

 

Another vote for the 35 especially if you're using stock springs. I've used both and love the 35.

 

I really like my 35mm bar. i have koni's 17" SS wheels, and stock springs, thats it. wouldn't have the Z28 w/out it.

 

My concern is how it will react with potholes (because i can't seem to avoid all of them) .

Also, where did you get yours from and how much?

Thanks for the input.

 

Ahh, it does my heart good to see so many happy folks!!!
I remember when that bar was "too big".

I think most of them got the bar from me. Price went up about $10 a couple of weeks ago (ST's increase, not mine!). It's $147 now, including all new hardware and urethane bushings.

 

I did think the bar would be too big, but apparently not! How much would it cost to ship to Toronto, Canada? Also, how much more will it weigh compared to my stock 30mm bar?

 

Are we talking about decently sized and deep potholes? They come in with a healthy THUMP.. A bit harsher...


In normal day to day driving, my gf sitting shotgun can't tell the difference.. driving around town and in the city normally is just fine.. This car is my daily driver so I drive it everywhere.

 

The thing to remember is that most people overinflate their front tires in an attempt to make up for inadequate roll/camber control (whether they understand why or not).

With an adequate swaybar and "proper" alignment (or as close as you can get within the rules), you don't need or want as much pressure to stay off the sidewalls. I still wouldn't go under 30 in front, but you don't need to max them out either.

Reducing the front pressure will make up most of the ride difference. You will still feel the potholes more, but it's still within reason for a daily driver.

Plus, with that nice crisp front end response, it's easier to dodge the potholes

 

[/B][/QUOTE] Plus, with that nice crisp front end response, it's easier to dodge the potholes [/B][/QUOTE]

Good point!

I keep my pressure at about 32lbs in the front. I already have ES bushings on my stock bars, but was wondering the difference - doesn't sound like it will be much.

But the weight fo the bar is another concern of mine.

 

It would be nice if the bar was lighter, but it's not. I think the only hollow bar that big is MUCH more expensive (like $400 more or something stupid like that).

Nevertheless, the improvement in camber control more than offsets the weight increase.

 

Hmmm, shipping to Canada. Ouch. Because of the size of the box, it ships what UPS calls "oversize 2" (which is a 70 pound rate). Don't worry the box and all is about 44 pounds, it's the size of the box that screws it. To get to me it's $35 or so U.S.... I have no idea what it'd be to ship to Canada. Unfortunately, ST won't drop ship it out of the country at all...

I wouldn't be at all surprised if the total would run somewhere's between $205-210 U.S.

I'm sure not what you wanted to hear, and I cringing when I was typing it......

The bar is heavy, no doubt about it. But Sean hit the nail on the head, the gains trump the weight (and hey, the car is probably 3600 when you're in it anyway). There are only two other ways to get near the roll stiffness from other bars. One is Hotchkis, who has a hollow 36mm bar. But you have to buy it as a kit with a way too huge 25mm rear bar and it's about $400 or so. OR you could try and procure an SLP 35mm Hollow bar (I hear it may be discontinued), which itself was I think close to $500.

 

... I'll have to take some time to think about this. Time which i have now since we're in the middle of an 'ice' storm up here - the car won't be out for a little while now!

Thanks for the input.

 

Sam - Suspension Techniques sway bar kit has a 1 3/8" front bar and a 1" rear bar. According to my calculations, that is 35mm for the front. But the back one is 25.4mm!!! That's huge! Is this the one you use?

I run Victoracers when I autocross and can no longer induce any oversteer. I like oversteer much more than underster. Fun runs aren't so fun any more when I can't drive "opposite lock".

So... If you run a 25mm rear bar, do you find it to be too tail happy? Do you recommend it on a street car?

If you don't run the 25mm rear bar, what size do you recommend?
BTW - I want to get a set of bars in the mail today!