[Guest]

I've been around long enough to know this is generally a no-no. However, I have 1 mod point to give and still be in "prepared" for ISSCA rules.

I still have stock sway bars and this is the obvious next mod. Here's what I'd like to do: stock front bar and kick up QA1's a bit in front and run a mildly stiff aftermarket rear bar, maxing out mods for prepared. I do still have stock springs, too.

I did a search on sway bars and didn't find anything discussing just a rear bar swap. Could I get away with a Hotckiss or SLP rear bar with a stock front and kick up the front QA1's to help compensate?

Obviously this isn't ideal but I can't compete in modified and I could really use less roll on the road course, especially. I want to be safe, too. I would only run this setup autocrossing in the spring to see how much (if any) oversteer it would give at different front shock settings. I do understand on a roadcourse the shocks may have time to "settle" even if they are set firm so it still might not be do-able.

I wanted to find the mueller swaybar writeup but the page that I bookmarked is under construction. I think my best choices would be finding a used SLP rear or Hotckiss or last resort buying a Hotckiss new. I just don't know the relative stiffnesses from memory.

If no one thinks it is possible to dial in nuetrality using the QA1's, please tell me. But I would like to find the mildest rear bar that is stiffer than stock and then the mildest one that is available anymore.

Thanks for any input,

PJ Gross

 

[Guest]

PJ-

Here you go, check these out:
http://kmoore.phzero.net/igba/IGBA Swaybar Design.htm
http://kmoore.phzero.net/igba/IGBA Scott Mueller on Swaybars.htm

I just skimmed these, but it seems that the Hotchkiss bar, at 122% stiffer than stock, may be your best bet. (as opposed to the HA which is 441%!) The SLP may even be too stiff with a stock front.

Hope this helps!

 

[Guest]

If you go and change the REAR bar only, the Hotchkis bar should work.

However, what I'd do instead is put in a stiffer FRONT bar (F-body 32mm) and then dial the REAR shocks stiffer to compensate. This will help the body roll, and also help the bite on turn-in in corners.

Myself....I'm already way into "Race" class and my motor is bone stock under the valvecovers.....need more HP . Heck, I'm already at 12 "points" by the time you get out of the "Tires/Wheels/Suspension" section of the rules

 

[Guest]

PJ, how's it going stranger, - we miss 'ya down here.

Why not just stick two SS bars in back? I know at least one kook who did it and actually likes the results.

And, just for reference, you would be correct in assuming it looks pretty goofy except now it's not nearly so noticable after the lower springs went in.

 

[Guest]

Dang it.
Ed you just reminded me of something I forgot to adjust at I2K2 and the reason why my first (and most timid) autocross run was the fastest: I started with the QA1's on 8 in the back and in all my heats the rear was "loose". I was so excited to be racing for the first time with the QA1's that I forgot to adjust them down to "stick" better in the corners!!!! I in effect ruined the main point of having adjustable shocks. I won't forget in Oklahoma, though!

I like your approach. I'll have the F-body bar and then when I get enough money to get a set of "stickies", IMO the only way to make the jump to "modified", then I'll go ahead and throw on the rear bar.
That way even on the roadcourse if I settle I'd settle safe-- towards understeer. This is cool. Thank you.

Ok, two rears?? Oh boy. I wonder what the rules committee would say to that? I know, 1 point. Something to consider but that sure would look strange. Should be cheap though!

Thanks for the "out of the box" thinking. This is the most awesome use of the SSforum. Great experience and great ways at looking at "opportunities for improvement".

Thanks,
PJ Gross