Rear swaybar

[Varinn]

Hoping for some input, with the weather getting a bit nicer and the budget getting a bit smaller I'm getting into tackling some projects I've been putting off for a while.

1990 325i sedan, S52B32 w/m50 manifold
G260 trans
3.73diff running thicker clutch discs
22mm front/19mm rear at full soft
H&R Sports
Koni SA all around

I'm debating ditching the 19mm rear bar and going to either a stock e30 sway, or the 14.5mm iX. What would you guys recommened? I love the setup on the street (aside from the occassional creaking/groaning from the trunk floor) but it is tough to handle on track. I find I have plenty of traction for straight acceleration but it wags the tail if I even so much as look at the throttle the wrong way in any degree of a turn. Quite often I need to almost completely straighten up to start going beyond neutral throttle at corner exit. My instructor was an e30 guy and strongly advised me to tone down the rear bar, does r3v agree with his recommendation?

I have an iX bar and bushings on hand, but no stock 12mm setup. Alternatively I hear that removing the rear sway outright can often work well in higher horsepower apps.

[SkiFree]

It depends on the track and the driving style. If you're on a tighter track and are struggling then sure go with a smaller bar, just make sure you keep/add the reinforcements though. I'd recommend disconnecting the rear altogether and feeling that out before buying something though.

[Varinn]

Yeah disconnecting is an easy test. I may try to find time to pull a link in the next week or two and give it a go. Also I have everything needed to put the 14.5mm in besides the motivation to do it.

My local track is known for murdering brakes because of its slow corners mixed with semi-long straights linking them. I'd assume for the same reason it would benefit a softer rear end to put power down on exit or keep it in contact through the many weight transfers in autocross courses. Trailing arm gussets and reinforcements are all welded in so they aren't going anywhere. Exception would be the main bar mounts that go through the floor, I'll be going oem for that and sealing the holes.


Edit: this is where I typically run the e30, through the black line layout

[Varinn]

Another question to add to this,

I hate running Hiem joints on the front swaybar. They don't last at all and I can't bring myself to spend $100+ annually to replace them. I had been spraying them monthly and twisting them around to let the oils get into the bushing. Lubrication doesn't seem to hold more than a few weeks as it rains often here. My current links are seized up damn near completely, and they click, groan, bind, etc. I am considering two options.

Return the front bar end links to OEM HD style, I can accept a bit of looseness in them if it means having something that will last longer. I know that they say adjustability is important on aftermarket bars, but what is the definitive reason for that?

Alternatively I can try to find sealed/adjustable end links. I've scoured McMaster-Carr but at least in metric sizing wasn't able to come up with much that is both strong and sealed to retain lubrication. Anyone have any suggestions? Even better would be a sealed link with grease points on them to pump fresh grease in every month or two.

[matthugie]

I had a very similar car (S52B32US with G260 and refreshed s3.73 with 40% lockup and a 21mm/18mm sway setup), and after some trial and error found that the rear was a bit too much. Someone suggested disconnecting the rear bar and I tried it, but didn't care for that either. I would try the IX bar and see how that works for you.

[RobE30]

I've never tracked my car (would like to but reality intervenes) but have noticed a nice improvement over stock by using the OE E30 M3 rear bar. Is that the same size as the IX bar? If you go with a stock bar, what endlinks are you going to use? I was considering going with the IE 19mm rear bar on my car but am now rethinking this after reading your thread.

Regarding your front endlinks, are you using the E30 M3 style or the stock E30 links? Could you modify the OE style links and add zirc fittings? That seems like a very simple modification. The endlinks I have on my Outback XT have zirc fittings that I neglect to grease regularly (it's a daily driver and I don't have the motivation to pull the wheels regularly to grease them) but when they are greased they are great.

[Smelser]

what other cars would a sway bar come close to fitting?

that can be found at local junk yards?
any VW's GM? Fords? anything that comes close?