rear sway bar question
 

So I'd like to find some answers to some rear sway bar confusion. @CSGMike recommends getting a stronger, stiffer rear sway bar because it helps resolve some understear issues. But a lot of the folks I autox with actually detach the rear sway bar (on one side, and keep it from moving around with a piece of wire). Why the two thoughts? Can anyone explain to me the logic behind both of these opposing approaches? Apologies if this is a very basic question, but it something that has been bugging me for some time.

Thanks!

--Me

Track people value static cornering. Autox people value fast transitioning.

Disconnecting a rear sway is somewhat the similar effect as a larger front sway, and lets the rear roll more while keeping the tire on the ground.

Different purposes.

Wow, that was succinct, to the point, and made everything clear. Weird to think those posts really do exit. Gracias, jefe!

--Me

I found the stock tires (standard on a Prius) to be nearly undriveable at speed and may be causing you some understeer issues. With good tires and BRZ crash bolts up front (for more negative camber which will also help with understeer), I found a 20mm front swaybar and good sticky summer tires (Tirerack is closing out their Continental DW tires in a 225/45-17 for $82.25 each, and is an excellent tire for dry and rain) to be a well balanced option and gives you a very neutral handling car for few $s...

The squishy sidewall and tread squirm hurt response, and as a result, cause people to give the steering more response than is actually needed. Slow down your inputs and listen to what the car is telling you with the stock tires.

The ultra high hard rubber compound with the soft sidewalls make the stock tires suck no matter how slow you drive. Good tires make he biggest handling improvement since they connect your car to the road. I have used the Bridgestone Re71R tires very successfully in autocross.

Mine is a daily driver as well, so I've been using Star Spec IIs this year. Good compromise for me. The RE71s just don't last that long.

Thanks,

--Me

I had no issues tracking the stock tires.

You can adapt to the tires, or you can adapt the car to you; two different ways to get the job done.

Star Spec IIs are a great street tire! But if your car is pushing with them, you may just be overdriving them. More neg camber in front will help a lot with the understeer.

I have done my own alignments for over 20 years (as well as custom alignments/ suspension components to help balance the car). I have found the best way to set up a car is to maximize the front end grip, then adjust the rear to give you your desired handling characteristics.

You won't really know how your car is going to handle till you turn off the handling nannies. The 6 second traction control button old till the TCS and VSC and allows you to control the car. When I have tried the pedal dance at an autocross, the car felt more pushy, so I just do the TCS button hold...

I'm pretty comfortable with where my car is right now, I just was trying to figure out the disconnect between what CSG Mike had said (which is track related) and what the folks I autox with say. Wasn't sure what and what, but he summed it up nicely. Track (which I have no experience with) wants different characteristics than autox. I'm cool with it! :)

Thanks folks!

--Me

Also, spin out at 50mph, no big deal. Spinning out at 100mph, not so fun.

Ohhh, it can be fun!
This was a buddy recently.


[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS0kyZEzZpE"]100mph spin in heavy rain at VIR - YouTube[/ame]