e46 front swaybar

[nando]

to further elaborate (not posting from a phone)

The bend in the bar that determines the position of the front "hoop" that runs in front of the subframe is too steep - basically, to get the "legs" high enough to clear the CV shafts, the hoop hits the subframe. It needs to be bent another ~10 degrees. Then it will work 100%.

Options - custom swaybar. The fab guy says he can do it really cheap, but I don't know. It's a pretty complex shape.

or, have him bend the E46 bar. I think that would be significantly easier. Shouldn't weaken it since that's how they make springs/swaybars in the first place..

Another choice - H&R is right here in Bellingham. Thinking of dropping by with my stock ix bar and the E46 bar, and see what they think. Can they bend it to fit? maybe make an ix-specific bar? The only thing of course is the production run is unlikely to be very big so having a big shop do it may be cost prohibitive.

But, the original H&R sports for the ix were developed by a local guy here in WA and H&R in Bellingham, so, it's possible. I'm gone all week though so next week I'll be looking into it more. :)

[nando]

So i picked them up today, had a spare hour. The brackets fit perfectly!

But, the swaybar doesnt quite fit. Its close - im going to see if i can get it tweaked. It will have to wait until i get back though.

[imwhyteyo]

i for one am definitely leaning towards polyurethane, just for means of longeboty durformance anhancements (if any-over stock rubber that is) especially if they are provided with the brackets. i wont want an entire kits myself.but thats all a fair price i believe

[nando]

Teaser

[nando]

I've had both - i dont think it matters much.

[Northern]

IE and Garagistic m3 links are 80$ per set. I'm well aware of the wear issues(and noise) associated with cheap/automotive grade spherical bearings/rod ends, but adjustibility still seems like a nice feature.

[nando]

They have to be e30m3 style. Ix links attach to the struts.

Stock links are around $30 each.

OE brackets/bushings will be cheaper since there are less mods required (lower labor costs).

Brackets will be done today, but i cant pick them up yet and ill be out of town all week next week.

[Northern]

21mm, polyurethane, not interested in a full kit.

Powdercoated brackets? fuck it, why not.

although endlinks, which adjustable are we talking about? GC, IE, Garagistic, etc? (honestly I have too many projects on the go to even consider this, but let's go.)

[Nisse Järnet]

I think OE rubber as well.

For the rest im not sure but i think the 21mm might be the best allround choice?

[nando]

prototype brackets should be in my hands tomorrow :)

also - out of curiosity, would people generally prefer polyurethane bushings, or OE rubber? personally, I think the OE rubber are just fine - hell, my rear bushings are still originals.. no issues with them. I think I may have found a similar OE bushing/bracket that would still need modified, but it would also work very well (21mm bar only).

also, how about full packages? swaybars, bushings, custom brackets, and end links? It would probably be less than $300. all new parts..

would you guys be willing to pay another $15 for powdercoated brackets?

are most people going to want 21mm?

[nando]

BTW, part numbers & prices for *new* swaybars:
21.5mm - 31351095296
24mm - 31351094542

they're both listed at $159. I haven't contacted blunt yet to see what see what he can do but it's probably less than that.

[nando]

You need e28 or adjustable. I don't think ix will work, but i will check.

[imwhyteyo]

obviously count me in.. are we still concerning ourselves with the need to buy 2 adjustable end links? or would only factory ix and one adjustable be sufficient?

[nando]

he'll have to start his own thread. :p

[downforce22]

In other news - anyone with an iX will love my next mod.

want to let me know what it is?

you know you want to ;D