Which swaybars? And what else needed - reinforce?

[rwh11385]

I've decided that my car deserves swaybars. I'm hoping to save up and be able to do the work I need to do (i.e. rear subframe bushings, guibo) in the spring, or early summer. At that time, while wrenching around, I think it would be good if I picked up and installed swaybars.

Have:
GC 300/475, GC Camber plates, E30 M3 Offset Bushings, Koni SAs, Sparco Brace.\
Hope to get: Rear adj. camber bushings

What sways have people had best luck with? Just off the couple of conversations I've had, ST's have the lead in my mind right now, but I'm open to the recommendations.

Also, what kind of other things should I get at the same time, as far as reinforcements, etc. I know Turner has a lot of stuff available, but what do I need?

[latinobimmer]

I have the ST's, along with H&R sports and Bilsteins...I think they're great. I noticed a large improvement in handling after I put the sways in (I put'em in before the springs/shocks) They did snap the mount, though, so be sure to weld up a better one. Or buy that reinforcement from Ireland Eng. hth

[nando]

is it possible to buy the rear ST bar by itself? is their reinforcement kit weld in? I think IE's is bolt in.. I'd think weld in would be stronger, anyone care to share their thoughts on that?

I'd say the reinforcements are very neccesary if you're going aftermarket, the stock mickey mouse mounts will break/tear for sure.

[Skafrog]

yes, ST's kit includes weld-in plates. I would definately prefer weld in plates. At least in ST's kit you are able to weld the plates from the actual trailing arm to the swaybar brackets, creating a very stable platform.

[AdamF 88iS]

ST is the best kit out there right now. The IE bars are too big and most people end up not digging the way they feel.

[Bryson]

get stiffer springs instead, they're also way cheaper

[rwh11385]

ST is the best kit out there right now. The IE bars are too big and most people end up not digging the way they feel.

Yeah, so what I was thinking was the right choice. Just checking. What are the prices? Or I'll just head to TMS. Any deals somewhere else? edit: $309

Bryson, daily driver. 300/475 is comfortable, aside from what Jay says. Down the road, I'll be swapping rates when I get another car when I do.

[JeffBij]

Suspension Tech Sway Bars

My 2 cents:

First, I would definitely get reinforcements for the rear mounts. The heavier bar will cause you to bend or break them in time. Not fun.

Second, don't do just the rear bar, especially if you are changing the springs. It can create an snap oversteer problem that will suprise you. Not fun having the back end pass you in a high speed turn. (Personnel experience on this one.)

Third, the ST bars are great in price, but the back bar can be a bitch to get in. The bushings tend to mount up on the bend of the bar. I ended up having to get mine on a lift to install it. It got to scary on the jack stands trying to manhandle it into place. My understanding is that the Racing Dynamics and BMP bar sets are easier to install. I don't know about the IE set.

Forth, if you haven't changed the springs out (stiffer), do that first, greater improvement on handling for the buck. If you street driving, HR Sports are a good choice. (The HR Race springs are on big time back order right now.)


Jeff B.
Roanoke, VA
89' 325i, SpecE30 race prepared.

[rwh11385]

Jeff, I have GC's, so I would not be a matter of buying a new spring set, but just ordering 2 pairs of stiffer springs.

I'm not really for stiffer because my ride right now is comfortable, regardless of what Jay says about his 300/475. Plus, I just bought a taller rear spring in 475# like 3 months ago, so getting new springs I'd kick myself for.

I dunno, but my friend is an Eibach rep or something, so he could get me both pairs for like cheap, maybe like $160, I dunno. Will like 450/600# springs kill my hint of body roll? And how bad would the ride quality be?

[Beej '86 325es]

I like my ST bars, but make sure and reinforce the trailing arms with the kit provided, they WILL break! Mine ripped the bolt out after a couple weeks, I figured I'd just do it later....too late!

[NC325iC]

is that the pic of the reinforced mount
sorry if i sound dumb

[Beej '86 325es]

yeah, it's just 2 plates that sandwich the existing mount.

[nando]

Re: Suspension Tech Sway Bars

Second, don't do just the rear bar, especially if you are changing the springs. It can create an snap oversteer problem that will suprise you. Not fun having the back end pass you in a high speed turn. (Personnel experience on this one.)

that's great, but the ix only fits the rear bar, and it definetly doesn't need a larger front bar. it would help me dial out whatever left of my cars understeer.

if I can't get the rear only from ST I'll go with the IE bar. It's probably too big for a 325i but I doubt it is for the ix.

[JeffBij]

Jeff, I have GC's, so I would not be a matter of buying a new spring set, but just ordering 2 pairs of stiffer springs.

I'm not really for stiffer because my ride right now is comfortable, regardless of what Jay says about his 300/475. Plus, I just bought a taller rear spring in 475# like 3 months ago, so getting new springs I'd kick myself for.

I dunno, but my friend is an Eibach rep or something, so he could get me both pairs for like cheap, maybe like $160, I dunno. Will like 450/600# springs kill my hint of body roll? And how bad would the ride quality be?

Robert,

If you have already changed out the springs, then go with the bars. Upping to a 450/600# setup would help with the body roll (to a point) but the ride would be real stiff and rough. The numbers I have been given for my HR Race springs are 315/600# and it isn't confortable as a daily driver. I would stay with your current rates. (You can always change them out later, there's always Ebay.)

Remember, a little body roll can be a good thing. I am assuming that you are running this car on the road, not just track. If you stiffen the roll up to much, you are putting a lot of strain on the unibody, and eventually, something will have to give. Usually its the sway bar mounts in the back. Strengthen those up, and the forces will just get transfered somewhere else.

If you go with a ST rear bar (19mm) or the IE bar (23mm I believe), start with the adjustment at the softest setting and go from there.

Question? Have you put good strut tower braces in yet? Are you mistaking body flex for body roll? This is a famous weak spot in the E30's. That was one of the first things I put on mine and it made a huge difference.


Jeff B.
Roanoke VA
'89 325i, SpecE30 prepared

[JeffBij]

Re: Suspension Tech Sway Bars

Second, don't do just the rear bar, especially if you are changing the springs. It can create an snap oversteer problem that will suprise you. Not fun having the back end pass you in a high speed turn. (Personnel experience on this one.)

that's great, but the ix only fits the rear bar, and it definetly doesn't need a larger front bar. it would help me dial out whatever left of my cars understeer.

if I can't get the rear only from ST I'll go with the IE bar. It's probably too big for a 325i but I doubt it is for the ix.

You should be able to get just the rear bar from ST. Check with Bimmerworld or Turner Motorsports. You may have to call them and ask specifically.

Be carefull with dialing out all the understeer. My track prepared E30 has almost all the understeer dialed out, thanks to the camber plates, adjustable rear trailing arm bushings, etc. and it can go into a snap oversteer situtation real easy. It can make putting the power down a little difficult, especially when the tires are cold or the conditions are less than optimal (rain). If fact, I'm going to try and put a little understeer back into it to make it a little more stable.

Jeff B.
Roanoke VA
'89 325i, SpecE30 prepared