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Author Topic: New WERKSracing Tubular Front and Rear Adjustable Sway Bars group buy pre order!  (Read 90498 times)

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Offline ChopTop

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I think this may end up being the newest "must have" suspension component for Kappas.  Totally worth the wait so far, and at the group-buy price is definitely a best-buy.

Sounds like validation to me  :thumbs:.  Thanks for the write-up, pics, and review.  BTW, could you explain a little more about the adjustment link that needs to be loosened?

Offline Anthony H

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The linkage that I pulled loose is the lower adjustable link that ties into the knuckle to adjust rear wheel camber.  I don't know if this is going to be needed on every car, but I couldn't figure out how to get the sway bar in without lowering the linkage to make space.  It's not difficult to remove.  I basically just loosened the nut until only the top thread was showing, hit it with a 2 lbs hammer to drop it loose from the knuckle, and that was enough space.  I tried first without loosening the link, but it seemed like the bar was about an inch or so too long due to the extended ends.  I had already struggled with replacing the catalytic converter for hours, so it's entirely possible that I wasn't looking at things correctly.  After smashing my thumbs trying to wedge the cat out, dealing with a gimpy shoulder that needs surgery, and rushing to finish before the baby-sitter arrived, I wanted space and I didn't want to struggle anymore.

I had the car up on four jack stands, and had to lift one wheel a bit with a jack to jimmy things in place.  I don't know if there is an easier way to do it, but I made it work.  I'm fairly certain that without unloading the suspension it would be extremely difficult, it not impossible to do.
2007 Sky Redline.  GMPP Stage 2 tune.  K&N Typhoon.  DDM Backbone.  DDM Probeam. SOLO Ultra High Flow Cat.  SOLO Mach Shorty.  WERKS Racing Adjustable Rear Sway Bar.

Offline Sly Bob

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Anthony, I take it you removed the stock exhaust before removing the bar eh?

Yeah I know, it's the Canadian coming out, why fight it?   :ca2:
Just trying to do my part...

Mods: Lose the chicklets, VentureShield, Dual horns, AfterShock spoiler, Weathershield cover, Lil Chromies, Red calipers with black Solstice stickers, Opel GT antenna and Solo GXP-RCD exhaust with a Solo hi-flow cat!

Offline Anthony H

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I had the Solo Mach Shorty waiting.  I bought it weeks ago and was waiting for the bar to get here before I did everything.  I didn't want to drop the exhaust a second time.  So I pulled the OEM cat-back, swapped the cat out, installed the sway bar, and then hung the new Solo cat-back.

I think if you have a stock exhaust you can probably get the sway bar in by just taking the rubber hangers off and letting it hang down enough to slide the bar over the top.  I'd probably support it with something, but I think it should flex enough to work.
2007 Sky Redline.  GMPP Stage 2 tune.  K&N Typhoon.  DDM Backbone.  DDM Probeam. SOLO Ultra High Flow Cat.  SOLO Mach Shorty.  WERKS Racing Adjustable Rear Sway Bar.

Offline Sly Bob

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Yeah I thought you might have had the exhaust off before installing the bar. Saves fighting with the exhaust, good thinkin'.   :D
Just trying to do my part...

Mods: Lose the chicklets, VentureShield, Dual horns, AfterShock spoiler, Weathershield cover, Lil Chromies, Red calipers with black Solstice stickers, Opel GT antenna and Solo GXP-RCD exhaust with a Solo hi-flow cat!

Offline werks

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Great write up Anthony, thanks a bunch!

I had the Solo Mach Shorty waiting.  I bought it weeks ago and was waiting for the bar to get here before I did everything.  I didn't want to drop the exhaust a second time.  So I pulled the OEM cat-back, swapped the cat out, installed the sway bar, and then hung the new Solo cat-back.

I think if you have a stock exhaust you can probably get the sway bar in by just taking the rubber hangers off and letting it hang down enough to slide the bar over the top.  I'd probably support it with something, but I think it should flex enough to work.
Dave Gilbert
Performance Autowerks, Inc.
Phone - 815-439-4547
Fax - 815-439-6751
WERKS MAX Power Solstice GXP LNF - "50 Trim" WERKs turbo - 109 Octane - 415whp/428ftlbs
Anthony's SKY Redline LNF - GT35R - 93 Octane/Water/Meth - 442whp/414ftlbs
Ricky's Solstice LE5 '50 trim" WERKS turbo - 93 Octane/Water/Meth - 374whp/358ftlbs
Matt's Cobalt SS LNF Billet 55/57 WERKs turbo - 93 Octane - 442whp/450ftlbs
www.performanceautowerks.com
info@performanceautowerks.com

Offline Anthony H

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No problem.  I'm looking forward to getting the front bar. Unfortunately unless it arrives in the next few days it might be a couple of months before I can install it. I'm having shoulder surgery next week.
2007 Sky Redline.  GMPP Stage 2 tune.  K&N Typhoon.  DDM Backbone.  DDM Probeam. SOLO Ultra High Flow Cat.  SOLO Mach Shorty.  WERKS Racing Adjustable Rear Sway Bar.

Offline ChopTop

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Received mine today, thanks WERKS.  :thumbs:

Offline rlhammon

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I have to install new coil overs, rotors, pads, end links, and this bar in the rear... so I'm guessing it won't be that hard to slip this in with everything else out of the way!

Looking forward to a warm enough day that I can heat up the concrete in the garage enough to be willing to spend the day on my back.  It was a bit cold, even on cardboard, the other day when I changed oil in my other car.

Offline ChopTop

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Dave, after the initial order is completed, do you plan on placing more orders so they will always be in stock?  I have a 2nd Sol I might want to order a set for in the future

Also, were we told these are solid or hollow?

« Last Edit: March 17, 2014, 07:00:54 PM by ChopTop »

Offline Sly Bob

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From Dave's first post in the thread...

Tubular 1 3/8" x .188" Wall front and 1 1/8" x .188" Wall rear bars

Any further word on the front bars Dave?
Just trying to do my part...

Mods: Lose the chicklets, VentureShield, Dual horns, AfterShock spoiler, Weathershield cover, Lil Chromies, Red calipers with black Solstice stickers, Opel GT antenna and Solo GXP-RCD exhaust with a Solo hi-flow cat!

Offline Anthony H

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FYI, they're tubular but noticeably heavier than the stock Redline bars.  If i would have thought about it, I could have weighed both of mine to compare.  If I can remember, I'll do this with the front bar when I install it and post the weights for everyone (unless Dave can do that now).
2007 Sky Redline.  GMPP Stage 2 tune.  K&N Typhoon.  DDM Backbone.  DDM Probeam. SOLO Ultra High Flow Cat.  SOLO Mach Shorty.  WERKS Racing Adjustable Rear Sway Bar.

Offline rlhammon

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FYI, they're tubular but noticeably heavier than the stock Redline bars.  If i would have thought about it, I could have weighed both of mine to compare.  If I can remember, I'll do this with the front bar when I install it and post the weights for everyone (unless Dave can do that now).

If I remember... I can weigh the original stock bar on my GXP, the Z0K bar I have now, and the new WERKSRacing bar.
« Last Edit: March 31, 2014, 08:30:29 PM by rlhammon »

Offline Anthony H

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That would be great.  I know I'd like the info, and I'm sure some others here would also.
2007 Sky Redline.  GMPP Stage 2 tune.  K&N Typhoon.  DDM Backbone.  DDM Probeam. SOLO Ultra High Flow Cat.  SOLO Mach Shorty.  WERKS Racing Adjustable Rear Sway Bar.

Offline werks

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I have a message in with the manufacturer from Friday and should be getting the scoop on the front bars sometime today.
Dave Gilbert
Performance Autowerks, Inc.
Phone - 815-439-4547
Fax - 815-439-6751
WERKS MAX Power Solstice GXP LNF - "50 Trim" WERKs turbo - 109 Octane - 415whp/428ftlbs
Anthony's SKY Redline LNF - GT35R - 93 Octane/Water/Meth - 442whp/414ftlbs
Ricky's Solstice LE5 '50 trim" WERKS turbo - 93 Octane/Water/Meth - 374whp/358ftlbs
Matt's Cobalt SS LNF Billet 55/57 WERKs turbo - 93 Octane - 442whp/450ftlbs
www.performanceautowerks.com
info@performanceautowerks.com

Offline ChopTop

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Dave, after the initial order is completed, do you plan on placing more orders so they will always be in stock?  I have a 2nd Sol I might want to order a set for in the future

Offline werks

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Dave, after the initial order is completed, do you plan on placing more orders so they will always be in stock?  I have a 2nd Sol I might want to order a set for in the future

Yes, we plan on having these as a stocked item here at our shop.
Dave Gilbert
Performance Autowerks, Inc.
Phone - 815-439-4547
Fax - 815-439-6751
WERKS MAX Power Solstice GXP LNF - "50 Trim" WERKs turbo - 109 Octane - 415whp/428ftlbs
Anthony's SKY Redline LNF - GT35R - 93 Octane/Water/Meth - 442whp/414ftlbs
Ricky's Solstice LE5 '50 trim" WERKS turbo - 93 Octane/Water/Meth - 374whp/358ftlbs
Matt's Cobalt SS LNF Billet 55/57 WERKs turbo - 93 Octane - 442whp/450ftlbs
www.performanceautowerks.com
info@performanceautowerks.com

Offline rlhammon

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As I mentioned previously I have actually weighed the bars now... and I have pictures.  For the record I'm not done with my install, but I did remove my ZOK rear sway bar tonight.  I was able to remove the old bar by pulling only one rear toe adjustment link, and unfortunately I can not find the angle to install the new bar with only one link pulled.  My main problem is the drivers side link doesn't want to break free... and I'm out of time for tonight to work on the car.

Without much further wait... the weights (see what I did there?)

Stock GXP Rear Sway Bar: 6.6 lbs.
Z0K Rear Sway Bar: 11.4 lbs.
WERKSRacing Adjustable Rear Sway Bar: 11.2 lbs.

Yes... the adjustable, by my bathroom scale on my somewhat levelish garage floor is just slightly lighter.  I'd wager a guess you'll never notice the difference!  And yes... I include the brackets in all cases and the locking rings for the WERKSRacing bar.

Picture:
Top: Stock Bar
Middle: Z0K Bar
Bottom: WERKSRacing Adjustable Bar


And to make it a bit more clear... here is the toe adjustment link (bar) that you not to free up.  Take the nut off (you might need to hold the top from rotating, I did not), spritz with a blast of PB Blaster, let sit 30 seconds, and then BANG IT WITH A HAMMER. :)


Offline Anthony H

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Awesome!  Thanks for the weights!

 :thumbs:
2007 Sky Redline.  GMPP Stage 2 tune.  K&N Typhoon.  DDM Backbone.  DDM Probeam. SOLO Ultra High Flow Cat.  SOLO Mach Shorty.  WERKS Racing Adjustable Rear Sway Bar.

Offline kartstud98

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Any updates on when to expect the front bars????

Offline ChopTop

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Any updates on when to expect the front bars????

Ditto.

Offline Sly Bob

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Double Ditto...
Just trying to do my part...

Mods: Lose the chicklets, VentureShield, Dual horns, AfterShock spoiler, Weathershield cover, Lil Chromies, Red calipers with black Solstice stickers, Opel GT antenna and Solo GXP-RCD exhaust with a Solo hi-flow cat!

Offline DaveOC

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Dave gave the same old response this morning over on SF, he's trying to get an ETA from his vendor

http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f102/cool-new-werksracing-lnf-phenolic-spacers-now-available-68473/
Aggressive #000741

Offline Sly Bob

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As a customer of PAW, this is really leaving a bad taste in my mouth...
Just trying to do my part...

Mods: Lose the chicklets, VentureShield, Dual horns, AfterShock spoiler, Weathershield cover, Lil Chromies, Red calipers with black Solstice stickers, Opel GT antenna and Solo GXP-RCD exhaust with a Solo hi-flow cat!

Offline DaveOC

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As a customer of PAW, this is really leaving a bad taste in my mouth...

At this point I am very relieved that I chose NOT to participate in this little venture.

Aggressive #000741

 

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