Sway Bars

Suspension, brake, and hydraulic/electric steering discussion.
Dennis
Posts: 14
Joined: Tue May 07, 2013 9:56 pm
Location: Wolcott, Connecticut

Sway Bars

Post by Dennis »

Has anyone tries a fatter front sway bar? I'm thinking that the car might track a little flater with a little more front bar.......any thoughts?

Dennis
Dennis

2011 Caprice PPV
2008 Mustang GT (wife's daily driver)
2007 C/V P-71
2006 F-350
1999 H-D FXWDG
Navy Lifer
Administration Staff
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Joined: Tue Mar 19, 2013 6:30 pm
Location: Canton GA

Re: Sway Bars

Post by Navy Lifer »

For sure....I'm going to use a front 26mm bar from 2014 SS/PPV (stock for 11-13 PPV is 24mm), and a 22mm rear bar from BMR (stock 11-13 PPV is 16mm), to start.

I'm going by "faith" that the 2014 front bar will fit, and I already know the SS rear bar will not work, without at least SOME modification, due in part to a re-design of the bar end links & link anchor points on the rear lower control arms.

The SS rear bar is also WAY bigger at 28mm--not saying it's too big, but it will change the balance of the vehicle, and going to such a major change could even begin to cause some unintended (and possibly undesirable) actions on the part of stability control unless some "tuning" of that system is also conducted with the changes to sway bars, springs, etc.

The concern would be that enhanced performance capability of what should be a better bar package is not zeroed out or at least muted by an over-active "safety" system, considering that Stabilitrak (view YouTube--link below) is designed to prevent anyone from getting in over their head. It's not as common as ECM changes, and I'm only guessing that anyone has determined just what can be done to modify Stabilitrak's less desirable traits, when it comes to "at the limit" driving maneuvers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlQXqvoFInA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

2014 PPV uses the same front 26mm bar as SS, and uses the rear 20mm bar that was part of the G8 GXP package--which is a VERY pricey part, so aftermarket is a much more friendly approach to rear bar upgrade.

The 2014 26mm front bar is PN 92266844, and includes the correct bushings and clamps (at least mine did).

GM PART # 92266844
List Price: $110.77
Dealer Cost: $66.94

The GXP rear bar (20mm) is PN 92200024 (mentioned above)
http://www.tonkinonlineparts.com/p/Pont ... 00024.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

GM PART # 92200024
List Price: $420.00
Dealer cost: $222.60

The G8 GT rear bar (18mm) is PN 92159179
http://www.tonkinonlineparts.com/p/__/S ... 59179.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

For the BMR 22mm (adjustable) rear bar, just look at their product list for G8.
Dennis
Posts: 14
Joined: Tue May 07, 2013 9:56 pm
Location: Wolcott, Connecticut

Re: Sway Bars

Post by Dennis »

Thanks, Bill. A lot of good information, here.

Dennis
Dennis

2011 Caprice PPV
2008 Mustang GT (wife's daily driver)
2007 C/V P-71
2006 F-350
1999 H-D FXWDG
Navy Lifer
Administration Staff
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Joined: Tue Mar 19, 2013 6:30 pm
Location: Canton GA

Re: Sway Bars

Post by Navy Lifer »

My plans are evolving further away from the aftermarket rear bar--the 2015 SS got a re-design of the bar, similar to what is used on Camaro, including 1LE & Z/28. The use of that bar apparently requires changing to the larger Brembo-caliper rear brakes also found on 2015 SS, as well as a change to the rear lower control arms.

There is a thread in SS Forums that provides more information:
http://www.ssforums.com/forum/wheels-ti ... y-bar.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
CrashTestDummy
Posts: 2300
Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2015 2:31 pm
Location: Pearland, Texas

Re: Sway Bars

Post by CrashTestDummy »

Bill,

Did the '14 front bar fit your car, or have you tried it yet? Thanks.
Gene Beaird,
Pearland, Texas
2012 Caprice 9C1
1992 B4C 1LE Camaro
2018 Tahoe PPV (her car)
1995 DGGM Impala SS
1985 Firebird - 310 LS1 C Prepared autocross car.
1980 Bluebird Wanderlodge
And some others
Do YOU have my SPID?
Pursuit
Administration Staff
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Location: Omaha, NE area

Re: Sway Bars

Post by Pursuit »

Gene,
I will be installing the 2014 front bar this weekend. I will let you know.

Maurice
Maurice Sheil

mhsheil@gmail.com

2011 Caprice Phantom Black 9C3
2012 Impala 9C1
1995 9C1 Caprice
1996 GMC Sierra C1500
1996 Chevrolet K2500 Extended Cab, long box, 454, 91,000 rust free miles
1974 SJ Grand Prix 455 well optioned with factory moon roof
Navy Lifer
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Re: Sway Bars

Post by Navy Lifer »

Gene, I have not installed it yet--Maurice & I had a lengthy one-on-one last night on chat about bars and other under-car "stuff".

When all done, I do expect I'll have a new BMR adjustable 22mm hollow rear bar, bushings and adjustable links available, as I now anticipate using the 2015 SS rear bar, which will (reportedly) require changing to the 2015 SS rear brakes, as well as different lower control arms.

Anyone interested in having the bar, as a package, let me know.
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GTObert
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Joined: Thu Jul 17, 2014 6:17 pm
Location: Jordan, MN

Re: Sway Bars

Post by GTObert »

I'd be interested, but I'm already switching to the brembos all around. I have 4 CTS V calipers just waiting for spring.
2011 9C1
2005 GTO
CrashTestDummy
Posts: 2300
Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2015 2:31 pm
Location: Pearland, Texas

Re: Sway Bars

Post by CrashTestDummy »

Bill, I'd be interested.... but have to get the car here first! Working on a deal now, but then there's the wait for shipping. But as soon as it arrives, I'll be swapping parts. :mrgreen:
Gene Beaird,
Pearland, Texas
2012 Caprice 9C1
1992 B4C 1LE Camaro
2018 Tahoe PPV (her car)
1995 DGGM Impala SS
1985 Firebird - 310 LS1 C Prepared autocross car.
1980 Bluebird Wanderlodge
And some others
Do YOU have my SPID?
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GTObert
Posts: 204
Joined: Thu Jul 17, 2014 6:17 pm
Location: Jordan, MN

Re: Sway Bars

Post by GTObert »

I actually just had my car in the air and looked at the rear bar. What a tiny thing that is! I've seen bigger on Toyota sedans.
2011 9C1
2005 GTO
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