Does anyone know why the Cabrio's come with a larger front sway bar (21mm) than the coupe or the sedan (20mm)?
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They did everything they could to give the car better rigidity than a block of velveeta cheese. 21mm is a good amount more rigid than 20mm. (21^4)/(20^4) The rear could use a stiffer sway, makes the ass end kick out more. Verts don't really need rear strut bars since the box the top folds into is strong, but a front strut bar would be of greatest significance on a vert.Jah bless! :pimp:
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these responses are curious...I never considered that the sway bar contributed to chassis rigidity...are you guys sure about this explanation?Mike
Cary, NC
Current Rides
1991 325iC - For Sale
2006 M3 Cabriolet
Past Rides
2000 323i Touring - Daily Driver
1994 325is (S50) - Fast Car
1998 Z3 - Fun Car
1986 325e (i engine conversion)
1969 Mustang Mach 1
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My (completely uninformed?) opinion, I don't think the sway contributes to chassis rigidity. But I think the stiffer sway helps to combat the additional flex in the convertible chassis.
Also, my first car was a 1966 289 Mustang, but I wanted a 1969 mach 1.Last edited by Mwishlist; 02-22-2016, 03:01 PM.Thank god, R3V was getting boring since the ginger kid wrecked his car. - Stonea
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Sway bars do nothing for chassis rigidity. Fact.
It has to do with where the weight is on convertibles, and making up for the difference in chassis rigidity by meddling with the suspension setup.
M Technic convertibles came with the stock convertible front bar, and the M3 14.5mm rear bar. Springs, different dampers and bumpstops as well. That sway configuration is a good place to start if you're looking for a stock upgrade.Drive it hard. Maintain it well.
Convertible Technical & Discussion
A Topless Memorandum
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Originally posted by mr2peak View PostSway bars do nothing for chassis rigidity. Fact.
It has to do with where the weight is on convertibles, and making up for the difference in chassis rigidity by meddling with the suspension setup.
M Technic convertibles came with the stock convertible front bar, and the M3 14.5mm rear bar. Springs, different dampers and bumpstops as well. That sway configuration is a good place to start if you're looking for a stock upgrade.
The reason for my ask is because I am finishing my winter suspension & brake refresh. The new setup for my 1991 Cabriolet is, H&R sport springs with Bilstein Sport struts and shocks. I have replaced the control arm bushings, the rear subframe mounts, trailing arm bushings and the differential carrier all with poly. I have installed the M3 (14mm) rear sway bar. I have moved the front sway bar attachment point from the control arms to the front strut housings. Now the dilemma - I have both an M3 (19mm) front and my stock Cabrio (21mm) front sway bar available ready to install.
Your thoughts?Last edited by mikerob97; 02-24-2016, 08:03 AM.Mike
Cary, NC
Current Rides
1991 325iC - For Sale
2006 M3 Cabriolet
Past Rides
2000 323i Touring - Daily Driver
1994 325is (S50) - Fast Car
1998 Z3 - Fun Car
1986 325e (i engine conversion)
1969 Mustang Mach 1
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Drive it, push it to the limit. Get in a fast corner with neutral power, and try adding gas. Same thing, but lift this time. Do it in a large parking lot with plenty of room to spin.
You need to test and tune, everything else is just a guess. I'd personally start with the lighter bar.Drive it hard. Maintain it well.
Convertible Technical & Discussion
A Topless Memorandum
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Thanks for the input. I will start with the M3 (19mm) bar up front and see how it drives. Look for significant understeer or oversteer...and then adjust with the larger front bar accordingly...Mike
Cary, NC
Current Rides
1991 325iC - For Sale
2006 M3 Cabriolet
Past Rides
2000 323i Touring - Daily Driver
1994 325is (S50) - Fast Car
1998 Z3 - Fun Car
1986 325e (i engine conversion)
1969 Mustang Mach 1
Comment
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Originally posted by Mwishlist View PostMy (completely uninformed?) opinion, I don't think the sway contributes to chassis rigidity. But I think the stiffer sway helps to combat the additional flex in the convertible chassis.
Also, my first car was a 1966 289 Mustang, but I wanted a 1969 mach 1.Mike
Cary, NC
Current Rides
1991 325iC - For Sale
2006 M3 Cabriolet
Past Rides
2000 323i Touring - Daily Driver
1994 325is (S50) - Fast Car
1998 Z3 - Fun Car
1986 325e (i engine conversion)
1969 Mustang Mach 1
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Originally posted by mikerob97 View PostI sure miss the mach1...nothing quite like a built 351W with a Ford Toploader (4 speed) behind it and a 3.5:1 traction-loc rear end...Thank god, R3V was getting boring since the ginger kid wrecked his car. - Stonea
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Originally posted by mikerob97 View PostThanks for the input. I will start with the M3 (19mm) bar up front and see how it drives. Look for significant understeer or oversteer...and then adjust with the larger front bar accordingly...Drive it hard. Maintain it well.
Convertible Technical & Discussion
A Topless Memorandum
Comment
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Originally posted by mr2peak View PostNope, M3 bar in the rear. Cabrio has a larger front bar alreadyMike
Cary, NC
Current Rides
1991 325iC - For Sale
2006 M3 Cabriolet
Past Rides
2000 323i Touring - Daily Driver
1994 325is (S50) - Fast Car
1998 Z3 - Fun Car
1986 325e (i engine conversion)
1969 Mustang Mach 1
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