I have been contemplating obtaining F&R sway bars but have read there is only a few mm differences between the “S” model sway bars and Hotchicks or Stillen, and Eibach. I am trying to get some opinions on people who have “S” model cars and have fitted aftermarket sway bars – Was it that much of a variance or insignificant?

 

Significant change!!!

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My stillen rear sway bar is actually 1-2 mm smaller than the OEM S but there is a significant improvement, especially if you get Hotchkis/Eibach

 

Thickness isn't everything (that's not what she said). Aftermarket are adjustable so you have some choice to how stiff thy are, but I don't know why you wouldn't make them max stiff

 

Big difference. But I only did the rear bar on my G37xS sedan and those come with really small oem rear bars.

 

Huge difference. As was stated, the diameter of the bar has squat to do with anything, it's how much it stiffens that makes a difference.

 

thanks for the info,

 

Adding to BB's statement, it's the metal, most performance sway bar manufacturers use Cromoly steel, which is stronger than the factory bar.

So an equivalent size bar will be stiffer. A larger bar will be exponentially stiffer.

 

okay well you talked me into it. I ordered them - everyone use the stiffest setting?

 

I was on the stiffest with Hotchkis, but when I installed the Eibach springs had to go to medium, way too much oversteer!!

A good stiff rear bar gives a nice squat when turning, planting the wheels, but when you increase the spring rate, the bar needs to be backed off.

 

I have KW coils, so I guess ill try the medium - did you guys use the stock endlinks or replace them also?

 

I've got KW's also, and am running the Hotchkis on medium and absolutely love it.

You have to use the stock endlinks unless something has changed that I don't know about

 

Use the stock links, yes.

Lou at Amplified now has aftermarket links available.



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okay last question, they increased the size of the rear hotchicks bar by 1.5mm on 8-17-2010, it used to be 27mm but is not 28.5 - I am wondering how much stiffer this makes the middle setting. Do you guys have the 27mm or 28.5mm ?

 

sway bar diameter was changed...? I didn't know that.

I bet the stiffness ranges are the same.