Sway Bars..Do they really make a difference for a DD?

[swift996]

Originally Posted by 7thgear

so according to your data logging, how much is much faster and on what type of turn? Skid pad? Slalom?

graphs? charts? before/after comparisons?


See, I'm very skeptical when people say that a mere swaybar change makes the car "much faster" because the car has no problem rotating in its OEM trim.

Most often is the case where people who perceive a flatter car feel more confident in attacking a corner and simply drive faster. Not everyone can overcome that loose feeling of the car wobbling around and back off rather than dive right into it.

Graphs graphs graphs!

Sway bar hatters can hate all they want. It comes down to your ability and comfort level in driving with a given setup. I'm showing a 1-3mph increase in exit speeds on a few turns I test consistently (I haven't shown an increase in entry speed so I know the car is able to take a little more throttle through some of the longer turns). The turn in is night and day better and with about 300% stiffer bar in the rear the car pivots much better. I got a set for $375 shipped, so for me it's awesome bang for your buck and gives a much better driver feel. Obviously struts or tires will have a larger impact to cornering speed and lateral grip.

[swift996]

I will also add that the OEM sways do a pretty darn good job. Relative to other cars I've swapped sway bars out on, the difference was relatively small between OEM and Hotchkis. However, it was well worth it IMO.

[ATL BRZ]

RaceComp front and rear sways inbound. I'll be sure to give my opinion



25mm hollow front (about 22mm solid) and 19mm hollow rear (16mm solid). Lighter than they would be solid, and a nice subtle grey/black color. Great match for RCE Yellow springs.

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by 7thgear

so you've been to the track and recorded an improved time after extensive testing, yes?

why would anybody evaluate the daily driveability of a car at a track?

[mad_sb]

My $.02

If your are going to upgrade sways, do both front and rear and get adjustable at both ends. That will give you the ability play with relative stiffness at each end and find a setting that suits your driving style the best. And, assuming you don't land on the stiffest setting on either bar for street tire use, then allow you to make quick change adjustments for track day tires.

So if softest front and middle rear is great on street rubber you can bump it up to middle front and stiffest rear when you slap on the r comps for track days.

[mad_sb]

Originally Posted by ATL BRZ

RaceComp front and rear sways inbound. I'll be sure to give my opinion





25mm hollow front (about 22mm solid) and 19mm hollow rear (16mm solid). Lighter than they would be solid, and a nice subtle grey/black color. Great match for RCE Yellow springs.

Nice! How much lighter than stock?

[ill86]

Originally Posted by 7thgear

the burden of proof should be on everybody, at all times and on everything.

unless it is an opinion, in which case it should be stated as such.

People use forums for information

Some bloke says that he bought product X and now his car mad-fast-yo, next bloke goes apeshit and buys product X.

In the end misinformation is spread and little is learned and the overall state of enlightenment does not shift.

So why not buy them and form your own opinion? Bloke x may not drive like you, or have the same tires as you, etc etc.

Also, where did he state anything but his opinion?

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by ill86

Also, where did he state anything but his opinion?

"my car is faster now" is a statement of fact,

"i think my car is faster now" or "i perceive my vehicle to achieve greater velocity" are opinions

i know it's just one word but ohh how much difference a word could make. Reading and writing is important you see. Yes i'm an asshat.

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by swift996

Sway bar hatters can hate all they want. It

I'm not a swaybar hater, I'm just an OEM lover

[ATL BRZ]

Originally Posted by mad_sb

Nice! How much lighter than stock?

Don't know yet, but I'd expect RCE to chime in soon with more info.

[ill86]

Originally Posted by 7thgear

"my car is faster now" is a statement of fact,

"i think my car is faster now" or "i perceive my vehicle to achieve greater velocity" are opinions

i know it's just one word but ohh how much difference a word could make. Reading and writing is important you see. Yes i'm an asshat.

Perception is key.

The hint would have been when he typed "IMO"..

Originally Posted by swift996

I will also add that the OEM sways do a pretty darn good job. Relative to other cars I've swapped sway bars out on, the difference was relatively small between OEM and Hotchkis. However, it was well worth it IMO.

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by ill86

Perception is key.

The hint would have been when he typed "IMO"..

"I installed my hotchkis front and rear, turn-in is phenomenal and the car rotates easier and more consistent. The first time you feel the additional stiffness in the rear, you may think..what did I get myself into? However, you adjust your inputs quickly and master it. My car is much faster through turns and the change of direction is so firm and planted."


also please do not use the whole perception and "you know what he meant" as an argument for vague language.

[Racecomp Engineering]

Originally Posted by mad_sb

Nice! How much lighter than stock?

Lighter than a similarly stiff solid bar is what he meant. .

- Andrew

[swift996]

Wow you people take this too seriously. I made several statements backed by my sensory (some data logging and some sense of feeling). I made a conclusion in the fact that it was worth the price.

It's an under $400 investment in parts. If you don't want to spend it or don't think my sensory and analysis is valid, don't buy the hype. I've owned and modified 14 cars, mostly for street but have done plenty of autocross and spent time on a track. My focus is optimizing feel and performance while maintaining driveability. I would argue that most people on the forums are in the same camp. There is a complete section on HPDE/Tracking if you want to get into specific set ups.