Topic: Sway bar disadvantages?

[RufusMacblorf]

Are there any disadvantages to switching to the Z0K sway bars (anti roll bars)?  As I understand it, stiffer bars reduce body roll through sharp corners.  That would be beneficial on a flat autocross course, but I wonder if it could be a problem on a twisty back road with unexpected bumps.  For example, could stiffer bars cause wheel-hop if one side of the car hits a bump in a corner, but the other doesn't?

I figure there must be some trade-off, otherwise all cars would come with very stiff bars.

[snaponbob]

Although one might think so, there really are no down sides with the GXP/Z0K bars. They are only 20% stiffer than the FE3 bars on the GXP and RL. If the hypothetical bump was so significant that it upset the car, it would do so with ANY bars under the car. I have been playing with a spreadsheet that calculates spring/wheel rates as well as bar rates. Being fairly confident that I have the measurements correct, the front bar is nearly 10 times stiffer than the rear. The best bet is to install the REAR GXP/Z0K bar, keave the FE3 front bar in place, and see how you like it. One thing you'll need to know is that this puts a Redline in Street Prepared per SCCA Solo rules.

As for EVERY car coming with VERY STIFF bars, that is a different thing !!!! REALLY stiff bars are not such a good thing as they will not let the suspension work well. REALLY stiff bars are used on REALLY serious race cars to tune the suspension that have REALLY stiff SPRINGS. An RL is not in that league. Get a rear bar if the classing issue is not a concern, and if you want a less neutral car then get the Z0K front bar as well.

Confused yet ?!?!?!?!

[Ben L]

I have been playing with a spreadsheet that calculates spring/wheel rates as well as bar rates. Being fairly confident that I have the measurements correct, the front bar is nearly 10 times stiffer than the rear.

!!!! That explains a lot about the "box stock" handling characteristics I experienced before my suspension mods!  No wonder it plowed like Francis the Wonder Mule.

[snaponbob]

!!!! That explains a lot about the "box stock" handling characteristics I experienced before my suspension mods!  No wonder it plowed like Francis the Wonder Mule.

Sent you an e-mail.

[kennysabarese]

Only disadvantage would be a rougher ride

[Ben L]

From anti-roll bars that only activate to dampen side to side movement?  How?   

[kennysabarese]

I definitly feel more harshness in the ride since I got the z0k bars. I beleive it works like this. I could be wrong.

Say you hit a bump on the right front wheel, the bar Will compress the front left shock more than before so it's not as isolated. The entire car will bounce and dip more.  Also if you have stiffer Swaybar bushings you will feel it more in the chassis.

From the small amount I know, the stiffer you get the less comfort you have.

That being said. The bars are totally worth it.  If you want a more comfy ride get softer springs  

[snaponbob]

Ben, Kenny is partially on point. In pure up/down motions the only difference will be bushing friction. Road shocks (fore/aft) will be transmitted a bit more with tighter bushings as well. The real difference will be the loads induced by ONE wheel, and suddenly there is the not only the spring/damper assembly transferring shocks but the bar as well. 

[DRM]

I definitly feel more harshness in the ride since I got the z0k bars. I beleive it works like this. I could be wrong.

Say you hit a bump on the right front wheel, the bar Will compress the front left shock more than before so it's not as isolated. The entire car will bounce and dip more.  Also if you have stiffer Swaybar bushings you will feel it more in the chassis.

From the small amount I know, the stiffer you get the less comfort you have.

That being said. The bars are totally worth it.  If you want a more comfy ride get softer springs  

I have to agree...since I have replaced my stock bars with the Z0k bars the ride does feel rougher...but that does not bother me at all. 

Not because of the rougher ride, but since I have upgraded the bars, should I also upgrade the springs and shocks?  If so, any recommendations?  Thanks

[snaponbob]

I have to agree...since I have replaced my stock bars with the Z0k bars the ride does feel rougher...but that does not bother me at all. 

Not because of the rougher ride, but since I have upgraded the bars, should I also upgrade the springs and shocks?  If so, any recommendations?  Thanks

Is there a "need" to upgrade the shocks/springs? No. It is a matter of choice. Obviously, firmer shocks and stiffer springs WILL tighten up the ride even more, for better and for worse.

[DRM]

Is there a "need" to upgrade the shocks/springs? No. It is a matter of choice. Obviously, firmer shocks and stiffer springs WILL tighten up the ride even more, for better and for worse.

Recommendations?

[wspohn]

I am running the ZOK bars with the BC Racing struts and 450 lb. springs and find it just right - firm but accurate.  Some might find it a bit too firm.

See http://kappaperformance.com/forum/index.php?topic=1638.0

[kennysabarese]

There are plenty of threads discussing spring shock and coilover options. Koni HKS KW BC are the four most widely used options

[snaponbob]

I am running the ZOK bars with the BC Racing struts and 450 lb. springs and find it just right - firm but accurate.  Some might find it a bit too firm.

See http://kappaperformance.com/forum/index.php?topic=1638.0

Same bars and springs on the Redline w/SA Konis. In most cases it is fine, but when the pavement gets a bit dodgy, it can be tiresome !!!!! So, it really is very much a personal taste issue. I have read where a guy with a 2.4 Solstice complained about how harsh the ride was !!!!!!!!! Go figure.

[DRM]

Thanks for the input all.