Sway Bars...are bigger necessarily better...?
02-24-2003, 11:42 PM
#1
Three Wheelin'
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Sway Bars...are bigger necessarily better...?
I just received my PSS-9 w/ turbo sway bars (F=22mm, R=21mm). Talking with my mechanic, he suggested that the larger sways wouldn't even come into play unless I had the extra grip of slicks...which I don't use. He suggested that I install the PSS-9 and keep the stock swaybars (F=20mm, R=17mm). If I think the needs to be adjusted after that (to be honest, I wouldn't know what to look for), then we can add the larger sways then...This makes sense to me. He told me that the lean you get in corners is mostly affected by the srings/shocks...that the sways really are about tuning the under/oversteer. I really don't want to put the larger bars on there and have the car sliding all over the place. I do know of a guy who has the PSS-9 with stock sways and is cars handles like it's on rails. Anybody else using stock sways with PSS-9?
Like so many other people on here, I started this suspension journey because I wanted to lower my car. From everything I read, it seemed real clear that a matched set of springs/shocks was the way to go over just a lower set of springs...and many felt the PSS-9 was a great choice. Then I see that for not too much more money I can get larger sway bars...hey there a higher performance part, they can only make things better right. Besides, I really don't know that much about sway bars and what they do, but for $200, and "while I'm in there" I might as well add those too. But I'm starting to think that it's possible for my car to actually handle WORSE with the largers sway bars. I think I'm gonna install the PSS-9 without the larger sways and see how it does...I may soon have an unused set of Turbo sway bars for sale!
Like so many other people on here, I started this suspension journey because I wanted to lower my car. From everything I read, it seemed real clear that a matched set of springs/shocks was the way to go over just a lower set of springs...and many felt the PSS-9 was a great choice. Then I see that for not too much more money I can get larger sway bars...hey there a higher performance part, they can only make things better right. Besides, I really don't know that much about sway bars and what they do, but for $200, and "while I'm in there" I might as well add those too. But I'm starting to think that it's possible for my car to actually handle WORSE with the largers sway bars. I think I'm gonna install the PSS-9 without the larger sways and see how it does...I may soon have an unused set of Turbo sway bars for sale!
02-25-2003, 12:31 AM
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Allen,
It has been my experience with larger sway bars that you do need alot of tire to handle the forces. When I put on larger bars (w/PSS9's & monoballs) the normal street driving certainly got interesting from a perspective that the street tires slide more. The additional camber did not help either on the street. That was not a problem for me as I spend more time track driving now than street driving so the bigger bars (and other stuff) work very well on the track with slicks.
So I think you are on the right track. Decide what you want to use your car for and add bars (and other things) accordingly.
It has been my experience with larger sway bars that you do need alot of tire to handle the forces. When I put on larger bars (w/PSS9's & monoballs) the normal street driving certainly got interesting from a perspective that the street tires slide more. The additional camber did not help either on the street. That was not a problem for me as I spend more time track driving now than street driving so the bigger bars (and other stuff) work very well on the track with slicks.
So I think you are on the right track. Decide what you want to use your car for and add bars (and other things) accordingly.
02-25-2003, 09:33 AM
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If bigger sway bars are only good for the track, maybe all those 993 owners who will never see the track or even a suspension upgrade should just go ahead and disconnect the stock sway bars now? Especially since its the shocks and springs that control lean in the corners.
02-25-2003, 04:50 PM
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I wouldn't mind some feedback from our guru's on the relative merits of the Turbo 21mm, M030 20mm and RS adjustable 20mm rear bars for a street ride. Gert offers all three these rear bars in combo with the M030 front bar on the PSS-9. How to choose? 
(and yes I am leaning towards the full PSS-9 set-up). Here's thinking out loud.
PSS-9's: Too many variables may be confusing and I know that I will never get to the bottom of it. Adjusting tire pressures and PSS-9 damper settings is probably all I need (or can handle). So, what fixed bar to get for the C4? Gut feeling says go with the larger 21mm as it will reduce understeer, contrary to the starting argument in this thread. I figure M030 all round is designed with understeer so the turbo bar "helps".
Someone out there with an M030 switched to the Turbo bar and cares to comment?
And then I'm up for new tyres as well (17's) and increasing to 225's in the front is an option, though not preferred as I don't like 225's on 7" rims. The alternative to PSS-9s is M030 shocks and springs with RS bars front and rear. This is still tunable, just less, and locally available. Choices..choices..
Enjoy <img border="0" alt="[burnout]" title="" src="graemlins/burnout.gif" />
Nol
(and yes I am leaning towards the full PSS-9 set-up). Here's thinking out loud.PSS-9's: Too many variables may be confusing and I know that I will never get to the bottom of it. Adjusting tire pressures and PSS-9 damper settings is probably all I need (or can handle). So, what fixed bar to get for the C4? Gut feeling says go with the larger 21mm as it will reduce understeer, contrary to the starting argument in this thread. I figure M030 all round is designed with understeer so the turbo bar "helps".
Someone out there with an M030 switched to the Turbo bar and cares to comment?
And then I'm up for new tyres as well (17's) and increasing to 225's in the front is an option, though not preferred as I don't like 225's on 7" rims. The alternative to PSS-9s is M030 shocks and springs with RS bars front and rear. This is still tunable, just less, and locally available. Choices..choices..
Enjoy <img border="0" alt="[burnout]" title="" src="graemlins/burnout.gif" />
Nol
02-25-2003, 06:11 PM
#5
Three Wheelin'
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</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by E. J. - 993 Alumni:
<strong>If bigger sway bars are only good for the track, maybe all those 993 owners who will never see the track or even a suspension upgrade should just go ahead and disconnect the stock sway bars now? Especially since its the shocks and springs that control lean in the corners. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">What are you talking about...? Who said anything about getting rid of the stock bars? I'm pretty sure I asked about the larger bars compared to the stock bars. I would bet that most of the people who have the larger bars in place of the stock bars would not be able to tell any difference at all on the street...if they switch BACK to the stock bars...with street tires I'm talking about.
<strong>If bigger sway bars are only good for the track, maybe all those 993 owners who will never see the track or even a suspension upgrade should just go ahead and disconnect the stock sway bars now? Especially since its the shocks and springs that control lean in the corners.
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">What are you talking about...? Who said anything about getting rid of the stock bars? I'm pretty sure I asked about the larger bars compared to the stock bars. I would bet that most of the people who have the larger bars in place of the stock bars would not be able to tell any difference at all on the street...if they switch BACK to the stock bars...with street tires I'm talking about.
02-25-2003, 06:29 PM
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Allen, my tongue in cheek comment was derived like this:
You and your mechanic think that the stock sway bars are up to the task of street driving on street tires with the much superior PSS9 springs and shocks. So then it would reason that no sway bars would compliment and be up to the task of street driving on street tires with the stock crappy 030 suspension.
My point was simple. Just as you agree that a sytem change like the PSS9s rather than just springs is the way to go, so is the system change that includes upgraded swaybars to match the upgraded PSS9 springs and shocks.
I would agree with your statement that most people with upgraded bars would not be able to tell any difference on the street, but there are some here that would. Just like there are some here that could tell the difference between ROW M030 and PSS9 and some that wouldn't. You never say if you want to take the car with the new suspension on the track or not. If you do, then by all means the better bars should be used. If you don't, then maybe you should be looking at a cheaper system like the ROW M030 or Bilstein HD.
Bottom line, lots of folks cant tell the difference between a Denon and a Mark Levinson CD player. But both models continue to sell - and I bet you will find more M.L. CD players than Denon on this forum.
Oh yea, and other bottom line, your mechanic is full of crap if he says
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"><strong>larger sways wouldn't even come into play unless I had the extra grip of slicks</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Good luck,
You and your mechanic think that the stock sway bars are up to the task of street driving on street tires with the much superior PSS9 springs and shocks. So then it would reason that no sway bars would compliment and be up to the task of street driving on street tires with the stock crappy 030 suspension.
My point was simple. Just as you agree that a sytem change like the PSS9s rather than just springs is the way to go, so is the system change that includes upgraded swaybars to match the upgraded PSS9 springs and shocks.
I would agree with your statement that most people with upgraded bars would not be able to tell any difference on the street, but there are some here that would. Just like there are some here that could tell the difference between ROW M030 and PSS9 and some that wouldn't. You never say if you want to take the car with the new suspension on the track or not. If you do, then by all means the better bars should be used. If you don't, then maybe you should be looking at a cheaper system like the ROW M030 or Bilstein HD.
Bottom line, lots of folks cant tell the difference between a Denon and a Mark Levinson CD player. But both models continue to sell - and I bet you will find more M.L. CD players than Denon on this forum.
Oh yea, and other bottom line, your mechanic is full of crap if he says
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"><strong>larger sways wouldn't even come into play unless I had the extra grip of slicks</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Good luck,
02-25-2003, 06:33 PM
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Allen, how low do you plan on going? I tried to use my new PSS9's with ROW M030 swaybars, and the Jim Morton custom rear upper spring perches, with the car set to RS ride height. The standard sway wouldn't clear the lower rear control arm, even with the shorter droplinks supplied by Bilstein. My mechanic tried shortening the bilstein links by cutting out a section from the center, then threading the cut ends & rejoining them with a sleeve. I just discovered that one of the droplinks has snapped.
I like the ride height, so I'm probably going to go to an RS rear sway if for no other reason than to avoid this clearance issue. If I switch from the custom rear strut perch to monoballs, that *might* get me the needed clearance, after I buy another set of bilstein droplinks. But since the cost is basically a wash, I think I'll feel more secure with the beefier RS links, and the adjustability will be a bonus.
This stuff still isn't simple!
I like the ride height, so I'm probably going to go to an RS rear sway if for no other reason than to avoid this clearance issue. If I switch from the custom rear strut perch to monoballs, that *might* get me the needed clearance, after I buy another set of bilstein droplinks. But since the cost is basically a wash, I think I'll feel more secure with the beefier RS links, and the adjustability will be a bonus.
This stuff still isn't simple!
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02-25-2003, 07:27 PM
#8
Three Wheelin'
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Look...like I said in my beginning message, I'm mostly after a lower ride height...I guess the Euro ride height...(BTW, is that what you guys are calling ROW height?). But I do go to the track a couple times a year, so I do want something that is matched. I'll be the first to tell you that I don't know that much about it. That is why I'm here...to learn about things I don't know about, and I will continue to ask questions about things I don't know about...even if it means putting up with "tongue in cheek" comments from the 'Guru'. Clearly, I don't know what to do with the suspension. I bought PSS-9 because many here seemed to think it is really good...I value that opinion, so I bought it. My mechanic agrees that it is probably the best out there for street/some track...I understand some don't agree with my mecahnic, which is fine, but that doesn't make him full of crap...geeez, let's be nice.
Forgive me for not knowing...but if money wasn't an issue...is there a better suspension than the PSS-9 for 90% street and 10% track (no slicks)? For those who know about these things, if it was your car, would you use the Turbo sways or stick with the stock bars. If I do use the Turbo bars, might I expect any more sliding of the rear or front than with stock bars...is this the behavior I should be looking for if I install them and take it to the track ? (which I am this weekend).
I'm sorry if I'm beating this to death, but I am sure I'm not the only one who has these questions. As always...thanks for sharing your knowledge and input!
Forgive me for not knowing...but if money wasn't an issue...is there a better suspension than the PSS-9 for 90% street and 10% track (no slicks)? For those who know about these things, if it was your car, would you use the Turbo sways or stick with the stock bars. If I do use the Turbo bars, might I expect any more sliding of the rear or front than with stock bars...is this the behavior I should be looking for if I install them and take it to the track ? (which I am this weekend).
I'm sorry if I'm beating this to death, but I am sure I'm not the only one who has these questions. As always...thanks for sharing your knowledge and input!
02-25-2003, 07:34 PM
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Allen, I didnot mean to come across that way, I just thought it was weird that your mechanic would think uprated sway bars don't do anything unless you have slicks on the car.
With that said, and now since I know you are going to the track, let me say this. I have driven many 993s over the years on the street and at the track. You have made it 85% of the way to a good street/track suspension setup. Now take that last 15% jump and spend a few extra dollars and buy the RS adjustable sway bars. You don't need to know how to adjust them, set them and forget they are adjustable. You wont be sorry.
Just the like ROW 030 suspension is a mid level setup, so is the turbo sway bars. You didn't skimp on the springs and shocks, don't on the sway bars either. You will be happy.
Good part for you is that since you are going to the track this weekend, you wouldn't have any new bars on the car no matter what you went with. So you will know what its like with PSS9 with stock bars. Then next time you will have the RS bars on and you will be able to feel the difference, I guarantee it.
Good luck,
With that said, and now since I know you are going to the track, let me say this. I have driven many 993s over the years on the street and at the track. You have made it 85% of the way to a good street/track suspension setup. Now take that last 15% jump and spend a few extra dollars and buy the RS adjustable sway bars. You don't need to know how to adjust them, set them and forget they are adjustable. You wont be sorry.
Just the like ROW 030 suspension is a mid level setup, so is the turbo sway bars. You didn't skimp on the springs and shocks, don't on the sway bars either. You will be happy.
Good part for you is that since you are going to the track this weekend, you wouldn't have any new bars on the car no matter what you went with. So you will know what its like with PSS9 with stock bars. Then next time you will have the RS bars on and you will be able to feel the difference, I guarantee it.
Good luck,
02-25-2003, 08:05 PM
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Allen
FWIW, when I upgraded to the RoW M030 springs w/Bilstein HD struts I also upgraded from stock to M030 sways. I found a noticeable decrease in body roll and understeer. My car is now well balanced, handles much better & is easily controlled w/all 3 sets of my tires: 18" P-Zero, 17" MXX3 & even w/my very narrow (225 rear) high profile 16" Winter Sports.
IMO & from my experience, your mechanic's statement that "the larger sways wouldn't even come into play unless I had the extra grip of slicks," is just plain wrong.
FWIW, when I upgraded to the RoW M030 springs w/Bilstein HD struts I also upgraded from stock to M030 sways. I found a noticeable decrease in body roll and understeer. My car is now well balanced, handles much better & is easily controlled w/all 3 sets of my tires: 18" P-Zero, 17" MXX3 & even w/my very narrow (225 rear) high profile 16" Winter Sports.
IMO & from my experience, your mechanic's statement that "the larger sways wouldn't even come into play unless I had the extra grip of slicks," is just plain wrong.
02-25-2003, 08:12 PM
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Allen,
Without denigrating your mechanic, one way you could try to weight the merits of these opposing views on upgrading your swaybars is:
who has 5,000 to 15,000+ track *miles* under their belt, and has actually driven a wide variety of 911s, in different states of modification/tune, at track speeds?
I don't doubt your mechanic has lots of experience working on these cars, but not all Porsche mechanics can show as large an amount of (track) seat time, on a wide variety of cars, as the people here who serve as DE instructors.
Without denigrating your mechanic, one way you could try to weight the merits of these opposing views on upgrading your swaybars is:
who has 5,000 to 15,000+ track *miles* under their belt, and has actually driven a wide variety of 911s, in different states of modification/tune, at track speeds?
I don't doubt your mechanic has lots of experience working on these cars, but not all Porsche mechanics can show as large an amount of (track) seat time, on a wide variety of cars, as the people here who serve as DE instructors.
02-25-2003, 08:17 PM
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</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by Dan 96C2 St.Louis:
<strong>Allen
FWIW, when I upgraded to the RoW M030 springs w/Bilstein HD struts I also upgraded from stock to M030 sways. I found a noticeable decrease in body roll and understeer. My car is now well balanced, handles much better & is easily controlled w/all 3 sets of my tires: 18" P-Zero, 17" MXX3 & even w/my very narrow (225 rear) high profile 16" Winter Sports.
IMO & from my experience, your mechanic's statement that "the larger sways wouldn't even come into play unless I had the extra grip of slicks," is just plain wrong.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">I would agree 200% with Dan. Your mechanic really... sorry... I have on my cab the H&R coilovers with the M030 sways which is extremely close setup to the PSS-9. I was running until recently on the track on street P-Zeros. I can tell you off and on the track the sways and general setup played a huge roll.
I would agree with your hesitation on spending the extra money for the RS sways. While a worthwhile upgrade the cost difference between the M030 and RS sways is a nice set of new tires and that cannot be overlooked. If you have money to spend, then splurge on the RS bars. Otherwise I will not blame you for not doing it. Just remember that stiffer is not always better especially for a rookie...
<strong>Allen
FWIW, when I upgraded to the RoW M030 springs w/Bilstein HD struts I also upgraded from stock to M030 sways. I found a noticeable decrease in body roll and understeer. My car is now well balanced, handles much better & is easily controlled w/all 3 sets of my tires: 18" P-Zero, 17" MXX3 & even w/my very narrow (225 rear) high profile 16" Winter Sports.
IMO & from my experience, your mechanic's statement that "the larger sways wouldn't even come into play unless I had the extra grip of slicks," is just plain wrong.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">I would agree 200% with Dan. Your mechanic really... sorry... I have on my cab the H&R coilovers with the M030 sways which is extremely close setup to the PSS-9. I was running until recently on the track on street P-Zeros. I can tell you off and on the track the sways and general setup played a huge roll.
I would agree with your hesitation on spending the extra money for the RS sways. While a worthwhile upgrade the cost difference between the M030 and RS sways is a nice set of new tires and that cannot be overlooked. If you have money to spend, then splurge on the RS bars. Otherwise I will not blame you for not doing it. Just remember that stiffer is not always better especially for a rookie...
02-25-2003, 08:38 PM
#13
Three Wheelin'
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</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by E. J. - 993 Alumni:
<strong> you wouldn't have any new bars on the car no matter what you went with. So you will know what its like with PSS9 with stock bars. Then next time you will have the RS bars on and you will be able to feel the difference, I guarantee it.
Good luck,</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Actually, I ordered (and have received) the PSS-9 w/ Turbo sway bars...so I already have them. I just can't decide whether to put them on or not. It really seems to boil down to this: For my driving style, will the car handle better with the stock bars or the turbo bars. I think I'm hearing that it would be better with the Turbo bars.
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by Robert Henriksen:
<strong> I don't doubt your mechanic has lots of experience working on these cars, but not all Porsche mechanics can show as large an amount of (track) seat time, on a wide variety of cars, as the people here who serve as DE instructors.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Actually, that's my problem...he does have a LOT of experience. He's used to race professional, he IS a DE instructor, he is a consultant on the new Barber's Motorsports track (the track where the Porsche Driving Experince is held), AND he speaks annually at the PCA Dixie Tech...Bruce Anderson is the other speaker (check this months Pana for details..it is a technical oriented weekend with lots of hands on. He is very highly respected and I value his opinion a lot. But I'm an Engineer and well...I just HAVE to get all angles...all you Engineers out there understand I know, but it is very weird for most others!
<strong> you wouldn't have any new bars on the car no matter what you went with. So you will know what its like with PSS9 with stock bars. Then next time you will have the RS bars on and you will be able to feel the difference, I guarantee it.
Good luck,</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Actually, I ordered (and have received) the PSS-9 w/ Turbo sway bars...so I already have them. I just can't decide whether to put them on or not. It really seems to boil down to this: For my driving style, will the car handle better with the stock bars or the turbo bars. I think I'm hearing that it would be better with the Turbo bars.
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by Robert Henriksen:
<strong> I don't doubt your mechanic has lots of experience working on these cars, but not all Porsche mechanics can show as large an amount of (track) seat time, on a wide variety of cars, as the people here who serve as DE instructors.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Actually, that's my problem...he does have a LOT of experience. He's used to race professional, he IS a DE instructor, he is a consultant on the new Barber's Motorsports track (the track where the Porsche Driving Experince is held), AND he speaks annually at the PCA Dixie Tech...Bruce Anderson is the other speaker (check this months Pana for details..it is a technical oriented weekend with lots of hands on. He is very highly respected and I value his opinion a lot. But I'm an Engineer and well...I just HAVE to get all angles...all you Engineers out there understand I know, but it is very weird for most others!
02-25-2003, 08:56 PM
#14
Three Wheelin'
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</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by Dan 96C2 St.Louis:
<strong>Allen
FWIW, when I upgraded to the RoW M030 springs w/Bilstein HD struts I also upgraded from stock to M030 sways. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Dan...if you upgraded all these things at once, how can you tell which item had which effect. This vast improvement in handling could have come from the springs & struts...there is really no way to know what specific impact that the sways had. I certainly not trying to be a wiseguy, but that was the exact point my mechanic was making...you gotta make one adjustment at a time in order to determine the impact of each adjustment...my hands are tired...I really appreciate the discussion...it really is very helpful
<strong>Allen
FWIW, when I upgraded to the RoW M030 springs w/Bilstein HD struts I also upgraded from stock to M030 sways. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Dan...if you upgraded all these things at once, how can you tell which item had which effect. This vast improvement in handling could have come from the springs & struts...there is really no way to know what specific impact that the sways had. I certainly not trying to be a wiseguy, but that was the exact point my mechanic was making...you gotta make one adjustment at a time in order to determine the impact of each adjustment...my hands are tired...I really appreciate the discussion...it really is very helpful
02-25-2003, 09:11 PM
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I would have to agree that upgraded sways are required.
From what I understand, they effectively link the two opposing suspension arms of the car. From a handling perspective, if more load is placed (say) on the left tires as the car does a relatively hard right hand turn, then the sway will (depending on the thickness) lift the opposing arm a certain degree. The net effect is less body roll, though this may also be countered with slightly less grip as the right tire begins to lose contact with the road.
Put another way, if we keep the front sways original, and stiffen up the rear, what we get is slightly less grip on the rear that will result in increased oversteer. Conversely, if you put thicker sways on the front, and leave the rear original, you will get less grip on the front and induce more understeer (all else being equal). At the end of the day, this is a very simplistic explanation (suspension adjusting has so many variables, I dont dare further discuss the link between the spring rates, the damping rates and the sways all at once), but at least this will give you some idea as to how different sway bars may affect the handling of your car.
The fact that your mechanic doesnt feel uprated sways are required with the PSS9 is honestly unusual- the suspension package really wouldnt be balanced in my opinion, with the weak link being the sways.
Just my 2 cents....
From what I understand, they effectively link the two opposing suspension arms of the car. From a handling perspective, if more load is placed (say) on the left tires as the car does a relatively hard right hand turn, then the sway will (depending on the thickness) lift the opposing arm a certain degree. The net effect is less body roll, though this may also be countered with slightly less grip as the right tire begins to lose contact with the road.
Put another way, if we keep the front sways original, and stiffen up the rear, what we get is slightly less grip on the rear that will result in increased oversteer. Conversely, if you put thicker sways on the front, and leave the rear original, you will get less grip on the front and induce more understeer (all else being equal). At the end of the day, this is a very simplistic explanation (suspension adjusting has so many variables, I dont dare further discuss the link between the spring rates, the damping rates and the sways all at once), but at least this will give you some idea as to how different sway bars may affect the handling of your car.
The fact that your mechanic doesnt feel uprated sways are required with the PSS9 is honestly unusual- the suspension package really wouldnt be balanced in my opinion, with the weak link being the sways.
Just my 2 cents....