dsowen

As the DE season approaches, thoughts naturally turn to upgrades. The only suspension upgrade I've done so far is to install H&R springs. I think the next step will be to upgrade the sway bars, both to decrease body roll and also to dial out a bit of the stock understeer. Since I'm on a very limited budget, can I begin with upgrading only the rear sway bar? (With the front to follow when my budget allows.) As I understand it, a stiffer rear SB will dial out a bit of understeer. I'm also looking at an adjustable one. Is it a bad idea to upgrade only one?

Thanks,
David

geetee

Sway bar wise, I have 3way adjust eibach rears only. It makes a big difference on the streets so I'm sure it's better at the track.

sparks259

You can go with used GT3 bars and aftermarket drop links.

pmkazz

For DE upgrade the front only (stiffer). Leave the rear stock...

nick49

I did F & R on my C2, with adjustable on the rear. I went with the softest setting on the rear, then bumped it one stiffer. It transformed the car and eliminated a lot of the front end push (understeer). I'm confident you could go a stiffer rear only and it work work well. That's my plan for my Turbo.

Rob996

If your budget allows for only one, I would go up front first.. Also consider changing the bushing front and rear as that is quite a reasonable enhancement.

alpine003

x2

Kazual99

Recommendations on where to purchase F&R bars with bushings?

dsowen

Thanks everyone. I was hoping for a consensus, but some of you said rear only is okay, others said get the front instead, and I've read elsewhere the importance of doing both at the same time. I'm still confused about how to dial out some of the understeer; whether I should increase relative stiffness on the rear or the front. Opinions seem split on this, but since this is basic physics there must be a correct answer. I suppose I'll just have to bite the bullet and order a matched set. I'm off now to look for a good suspension book.

Cheers

KrazyK

I just saw the Eibach front bar on sale somewhere cheap, cheap, cheap. I think it was @140 with bushings?

Sneaky Pete

Hey David...Hope you are well. I would look at the front sway. Maybe a used GT3 sway. They have been popping up in FS area lately. I missed one for $250. My X74 has a 030 set but I would like something adjustable for the front. See you at Putnam soon.

alpine003

Don't bother with Eibach front. There's a reason why it's so cheap(because no one is buying them).

Eibach 24mm
Stock 23.1mm
Factory m030 sport suspension 23.6mm

Hardly a difference and not worth it IMO.

There's an auction now(eBay) on GT2 sway bars starting at $200 each which is a steal.

geetee

Please help me understand...if you increase rear sway stiffens, you increase oversteer=dial out understeer.
No? If you leave stock rear and upgrade front sways, you're increasing understeer...no? Assuming suspension/wheel size/tire size etc etc is all the same

wxseed

You are correct in your thinking, in theory if you stiffen the rear you can dial out some of the understeer, but I think why some of the guys here are suggesting do the front bar is because it will get rid of some of the roll in the front which is causing the roll induced understeer ... So in this case, although counter intuitive, stiffening the front may actually lessen the understeer. That being said if it were me I’d save up until you can afford both bars to keep the car balanced. There are other options you may consider like trying different tire pressures, adjusting your line, throttle application and apex to get the car to rotate. Investing in a driving coach may go a long way in getting rid of understeer …

swepersson

Harder sway, less grip on that axel. However, if you stiffen the front you get less roll and reduce lifting the inside wheel while hard cornering, maybe moore grip..... But normaly, harder sway ,less grip, moore responsive....