Hey guys . I was told that if want to get more out of my car on a autox event i should upgrade my rear sway bar... My question is what difference will it make and thickness (or size)should i get.... I know thare are some adjustable ones and there are a few companies to choose from... which ones would you recommend?? thanks for the info ???

 

You weren't told that by someone who truly understands the Evo suspension. Do not do a rear sway. it is not smart to do your suspension piecemeal like that. You need to have a specific strategy for how you want your car to handle, then you need to get the proper combo of parts to achieve that goal. My particular setup utilizes the stock sways.

 

Double post - please delete.

 

ok what would be the next step to upgrade an evo for an autox???? I am planning to have the car lowered ... either works springs or the swifts...

 

A good set of springs - and both you mentioned are quality - partnered with a rear swaybar is a good 'stage 1' suspension. Check my sig; I track the car.

 

You really dont think a rear sway car helop make the car rotate and not push so much? come on........./

 

A rear bar is an excellent choice, purchase one thats adjustable ...then you can set it up and adjust it to other changes you may make or changes in your driving style..Rt now, its the only suspension change I have made to my car...it helped trendously it flattening out the body roll...Yes, I have set a several cars with varying degreee of suspension mondification so I do have experience.. Just my .02..

 

does somebody with a 9 Mr has either the swifts or the works springs on????? I am trying to decide between the two... Input will be appreciated.. thanks

 

I had the Bilstens with the Works springs on and a Hotchkis rear sway bar and I think it was one of the best combinations for the MR struts out there.

The Hotchkis rear sway was really nice because it has 3 different positions that you can play with. The smallest will actually be a hair less stiff than stock, with the tightest being a lot stiffer than stock causing a lot more oversteer.

 

I've heard that is it best to get a solid rear sway bar versus a hollow bar. Also, many people suggest getting a 25mm adjustable rear sway bar (Progress, Perrin, etc). Getting a 24mm or smaller rear sway bar doesn't allow for much adjustability away from the stock bar, and a 27mm bar is overkill if you're just using for autocross and track days.

Also, Perrin has released a new system that has stout mounts that come with their sway bar. These mounts are more rigid than the stock mounting points that you use with most other bars. This rigidness helps optimize the potential of your new rear sway bar.

Many people that already have an upgraded rear sway bar, by just the stout mounts from Perrin. Alone, the stout mounts are kind of pricey but if you by the Perrin 25mm adj. the mounts come with it.

... my .02

 

I'd agree with Warr on some points. You shouldn't go out and buy a rear sway because someone says it's the right thing to do. Do some research and find out how different suspension modifications affect the car's handling, pinpoint what handling characteristics you want to change, and install the parts that will help you meet your goal.

The general consensus is that a bigger rear sway will help with the Evo's understeer problems. The rear sway will be the first suspension mod I do, but will be followed by springs and camber plates soon after. I get tons of understeer when I auto-x and the rear sway is a logical choice to alleviate the issue.

Some people will also say that a front sway can help reduce understeer by keeping more of the contact patch of the front tires on the ground. The sensible choice (IMHO) is to upgrade both bars and dial them in. Only having one or the other isn't the best way to get 100% of the grip and control you could have.

 

Did I say that? No. Adding a rear sway tricks all the noobs into thinking it's a great mod, because it loosens up the rear. That makes them think their Evo is suddenly a handling machine due to the lack of understeer, but they're sorely mistaken. What you're doing is REMOVING traction from the rear in order to INDUCE oversteer. It's like injuring your leg, and instead of fixing your leg, you hit your head against the wall so that your head hurts more and you no longer notice your leg, then you go and tell someone, "Hey, man, hitting your head against a wall is a great stg1 mod!!"

Sadly, people keep telling noobs to do a rear sway without realizing what they're saying. If you want to be competitive in auto-x, you do not just add a rear sway and springs. You add a proper set of coilovers with corner balancing and a good alignment. There's no need to touch the rear sway. To reduce understeer, you INCREASE front grip, not reduce rear grip. To reduce body roll, you get the proper damping and spring rates.

 

No, it is not sensible to touch the front sway bar. We already have a front and rear, and both work fine. You are supposed to focus on the shocks, springs, and balance.

 

I agree with Warr as well.

Tightening up the rear would cause a massive oversteer load because both wheels will be way to stiff to lay down power. If anything, adding a rear sway on an otherwise stock suspension could cause skipping during hard cornering.

Definately a nice set of coilovers, with the proper installation, corner balancing and alignment would be your best bet.

 

Now if you would have started with That wondeful explaination, i would not have questions what you said.

good points warr..................... And people say your misunderstood. lol