Rear Sway Bar size

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Jun 7, 2003 | 11:34 PM
  #1  
What is the stock sway bar size on the back? and would it be alright to run 34 and what ever my size in back? Also what is my stock upfront? Thanx
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Jun 8, 2003 | 03:59 AM
  #2  
Re: Rear Sway Bar size
Quote:
Originally posted by Sunny RS
What is the stock sway bar size on the back? and would it be alright to run 34 and what ever my size in back? Also what is my stock upfront? Thanx
Ummmm......would help if we knew what year and model your car was.

I Autocross and Hillclimb my 1986 Camaro.Nothing is stock on this car BTW. Karl Hunter and I work as Team Members at Hunter MotorSports. We've been very successfull at what we do.

Most people make the mistake of thinking bigger is better...not necessarily so. Especially in regards to rear bar size. A big rear bar is not a good idea with a high HP RWD car.

I could go into long discussions why, and refer you to many Technical resources. But the short answer is run the smallest bar on the back that you can and still balance the car. If the car understeers....go to a smaller front bar, rather than increasing rear bar size. A bigger rear bar can make the car too taily and can decrease forward acceleration exiting a corner. Inside rear wheel gets unloaded with a bigger bar. Unless you're running a damned good Posi ( An Auburn isn't !! ) or Torsen you can spin the inside rear. Big rear bars are also murder in the wet!!!

I tune my car, depending on course conditions, with different size adjustable bars. But it seems my car is always happiest with a 34mm front bar and an 18mm rear. Note. Your Spring rates have to match the bar setups of course. I will not post my spring rates on a Public Forum....for obvious reasons. PM me if you want more info.

Rear bars come in 18mm, 19mm ( rare) ,21mm, 23mm and 24mm ( rare). All are solid.

Front bars run from 30mm solid, 32mm solid, 34mm solid\hollow and 36mm Hollow.
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Jun 8, 2003 | 09:41 AM
  #3  
92 Camaro RS 305 with 15 inch wheels
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Jun 9, 2003 | 01:22 AM
  #4  
According to the " Camaro Performance Handbook " by David Shelby, your model should have a 30mm Solid Front bar and a 18mm rear. Rear bar is good but a 34mm or 36 mm hollow front bar would be better. It would shave a few pounds as well.

Note: RS models with 16" tires came with EDIT: 34mm hollow front bars and 21mm rear.

Double check what you actually have with some Vernier calipers.

Auto wreckers a good Choice for front bars. IROC's and Z28's usually had the largest bars. Check GM's price as well. Sometimes you get a nice surprise.

Whatever you decide on get some Poly Frame bushings for at least the front bar. Energy Suspension makes some greasable units with the proper GM bracket. No kit for the 36mm bar but the 34mm kit will fit with a bit of a squeeze.

Front springs were also kind of weak on the RS model with 15" tires. Upgrading to IROC springs will make quite a difference in handling and brake dive. Moog and TRW make replacement springs.

McQuay\Norris catalog numbers. Should be same as Moog|TRW.

RS Front spring Non AC : Rate 421 lb\in. Free Height 14.88"
Part Number FCS5608s

RS Front spring AC : Rate 421 lb\in. Free Height 15.19"
Part Number: FCS5610S

IROC Front Spring: Rate 649 lb\in. Free Height 13.23 in.
Part Number: FCS5662S
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Jun 9, 2003 | 07:58 PM
  #5  
my sisters rs has 16" wheels it has a pretty big front bar but i didnt think it was 36mm
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Jun 10, 2003 | 01:47 AM
  #6  
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Jun 10, 2003 | 01:56 AM
  #7  
You are correct. It was late and I misread the book.

The Z28 Model had an Optional Handling package that gave a 36mm hollow front bar and a 23mm rear bar. The Standard Z28 bars were 34mm hollow on the front and 21mm on the rear. RS bars on 15" tire models were 30mm front and 18mm rear, but were the same as the regular Z28 when 16" tires were speced. That should be 34mm front and 21mm rear. Sorry for the confusion.
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Jun 10, 2003 | 02:58 AM
  #8  
yeh i thought it was a 34mm
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