I have recently been looking into some suspension upgrades and noticed people talking about using bigger factory sway bars. On my 84 z28 i have a 32mm in the front and was wondering if its worth going to 34mm. I have read on here its worth going from 32 to the 36mm hollow, but seem to across 34's easier and a bit more inexpensive. Any opinions and experience is much appreciated. Thank you.

 

It dosen't take much of an increase in bar diameter to dramaticly increase it's stiffness. IMHO, I would keep looking for the 36MM hollow bar just because it is lighter. I just sold one for cheap so just keep your eyes open because deals are out there.

 

bought a 36 recently for 20bux. the 34 is hollow too FWIW.

 

I run across 36mm and 34mm all the time for around the same prices... They don't seem that hard to find...

 

Some are some, some aren't. The original on my 85 wasn't, for example. Check for the hole near each end link to verify.

JamesC

 

interesting

 

Thank you for the responses. Ill keep looking. I was originally going to at least replace all the sway bar bushing since they are all rottted. Didnt, know if i should go with energy suspension or stock or whatever. when i rebuilt the rearend a couple years ago i just put stock rubber in the back. Should i stick to all of one kind? I would still eventually replace all to the same...

 

Go poly with sway bar bushings/links, there doesn't need to be any articulation like say rear lower control arm bushings. Poly'll keep everything nice n tight.

 

Something to keep in mind is the balance between front and rear sway bars. Generally you go bigger on the back too but it all comes down to how you like your car to handle. And of course what you want to use the car for. Many suspension 'upgrades' will result in a little less comfort.

 

yes, you have to see how the car reacts to the differetn bar sizes. FWIW, im using a 36mm front and a 19mm rear on my 86 and it seems to like it.

 

hmm,yea i have heard about the balancing act between the front and rear sway bars...I measured 21mm for the rear. Trying to decide what Ill do, because i would like to replace the bushings, but dont want to double purchase if i go bigger.( dont really have much extra money right now-every feels that im sure) has any one had any experience with polygraphite from PST?? especially compared to energy suspension?

 

Bringing up this thread from a couple weeks ago....I was just thinking. If i were to stay with the 32mm and upgrade to poly bushings and add a wonder bar to the front, would it still be worth it? Thanks.

 

Maybe I missed something but whats a wonder bar? Either way, just tightening up the front ends on F bodys makes a big difference. I wouldn't do anything with the rear sway bar until you start making changes in your shocks.

 

The steering box brace (aka the Wonderbar) was originally used on IROC's with their 16" wheels--more or less as a Band Aid--to prevent possible stress/cracking issues. In the years since, the darned thing has apparently become a "performance part." Many after market companies now fabricate them. More on the subject in the following link, should you care to further investigate:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...questions.html

JameSC

 

Oh cool. I didn't realize that was such a weak spot on these cars. Good to know

 

If you're satisfied with how the car handles, then just upgrade the bushings and links plus the wonderbar.