for those of you that say the stock panhard rod is fine
take a look at this

 

another shot

 

Most aftermarket bars won't take an impact with a curb well either.

(That is just a guess. I HIGHLY doubt that the damage was from just driving.)

That being said, upgrading to a PHB that doesn't deflect is a good move.

 

I have seen a few Z28's with bowed bars...

 

I have a Z28. Totally straight body 100%. Only like 3 owners, all adults. (1991) Dual cats, 5 speed 305. 87K miles cold A/C mint inside, everything was perfect. PHB was bowed in the middle.

 

That's how the ones I saw were: slight, gradual bowing (upward, I believe) in the middle of the bar. Shows you how important that piece is. Imagine what would happen without it. I just welded in a 1/2" steel rod all the way down mine to help prevent that.

 

i can tell you that didn't happen from hitting a curb

 

I can tell you that didn't happen from normal cornering forces.

 

i'd be willing to bet it happened from a time of hard driving

 

Yeah, it is a fatigue issue. Like I said up top I got my car totally mint and it was bent. I think it is an addition of a few things, maybe heat, fatigue, potholes, and hard driving....Either way, an adjustable tubular one cost less than 100 bucks so it is worth the change no matter what..