86Chicken

My Bird currently has a 32mm sway bar. Is the 34mm going to make all that much of a difference?

The number is a measure if the diameter of the bar, right?

I ask because I am going to my fav. junkyard this weekend to get a spare set of heads and intake manifold to try porting (need something to do in my dorm room this year ) and there are a few TAs in the yard, but I don't want to mess with it if there would be little difference.

Thanks
Dale

------------------
1986 FireBird
2.8L MPFI
Gutted Cat, No muffler (Sweet Sound)
Was 700-R4 --> Now T5

TomP

Dale, are you sure it's a 32mm? I have an '86 Firebird, just like you, and my front bar was 34mm. Could the previous owner have swapped my front bar out for a larger? I just put 34mm poly bushings on it (my message is down there somewhere), and it's definately 34mm; the bushings barely fit around the bar.


------------------
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

86Chicken

Hmmm...Interesting. I was eyeballing it with a tape measure and got that result but apparently my eyes are not all that accurate I guess I will have to dig up my caliper and get a real measurement.

Thanks
Dale

86Chicken

Ok, I measured the front and it is 34mm. My bad.

I also measured the back an it is 18mm. Do the TAs have larger rear bars? Is it worth replacing mine?

Thanks for all the help!
Dale

KED85

Are the sway bar ends made from Poly?
IF SO, you may have a F-41 optioned car.
Check your build sheet to see.
I found out I have a F-41 packaged car.
My sway bars are larger than a 1990 Z-28.
Had that car in the lot where I installed my 3.4 engine.
We measured.
That measurement shut up my friend real quick!
I was surprised, too!

------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

TomP

Aw, darn; I was hoping my car was special. Anyway, that's cool about the front being a 34mm, throw some poly bushings on there and you're good!

The trans am rear bars are bigger. Both the one I got from a mid-80's trans am, and the 84 trans am (that I got the 3.73/posi/disc axle from) were 23mm. I recall checking out the front bar of the '84 t/a; it was thinner than my 34mm. Oh crap; I just realized that the mid-80's trans am probably had the 36mm front bar- damn, I don't think I ever checked. Oh well.

Karl, does that mean you have the 36mm front bar? That's great!


------------------
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

KED85

Yea, I apparently have the largest one up front!
Don't ask me why, tho. But my option code is F41 & Y99.
That's why I love this car. I still have the original shocks. They must be gas shocks. Very pleasant ride, nice and firm. Original springs, too. Owned by a really cute girl (named Jennifer) before she sold it to me.
Only thing holding me back is the tires.
But, in LA I can go until Dec/Jan without getting other tires. SO I AM!
This is not my 1974 Corvette. That has a very stiff, complacent ride, tho. Not as bad as the sun baked worm rides I've been in, claiming "This car corners like it's on rails" Big deal, if I can't stand the ride getting to the turns!
Next time I'm under the front, I'll measure it. I have to get under there soon to install the oil pressure sensor for the guages. Aching for the guages!

You plan on porting and playing with car parts in your college dorm room?
MY GOD HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED SINCE I WAS IN COLLEGE.
What have they done with the women and partying at that school!
------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

[This message has been edited by KED85 (edited August 10, 2001).]

86Chicken

Karl, I go to Michigan Tech in Houghton were the ratio is 5 guys to every 1 snow cow (gal). Had I known this in advance, I doubt I would be there. That and I am not into drinking myself to near death just to celebrate Tuesday.

My roommate is a car nut too so he would love to watch/help with the porting. We were going to rebuild engines instead but I decided to start smaller

Thanks for all the help!
Dale