Sway bar recommendations

[Swank911]

My 73 911 Coupe came with a sway bar in the rear and none in the front.

I have been Autocrossing the car and have found the rear to be loose.

It is more noticable this year due to the new 3.0L.

Last month I was lifting my rear inside wheel around corners. This month was just a mess! (Thanks JimRS for checking on me after I scared the s*** out of myself)

I do not think I need a sway bar up front yet. Any one running with just one swaybar?

What size would it be recommended I move up to?

Thanks in advance.

[widebody911]

What is the "big picture" in terms of your plans for the car? What's your budget?

[Swank911]

Buget is tight this year due to new engine, was thinking of replacing existing sway bar to compete in Autocrosses.

The BIG PICTURE is to upgrade the entire suspension to make it fun AND competative. This would mean new torsion bars, swaybars and bushings, possibly camber plates.

I have the car where is can now pass tech inspection for DEs, so I am also going to start putting in some track time.

I think right now, I am looking for the short term solution until I am ready to dive whole heartily in to rebuilding the entire suspension.

[Swank911]

bump

[JackS]

Hey Jon,
I think the headlight falling out of the bucket is what affected the handling If you are at the August event, I can take some photos of your car on the course. You might get a good idea on body roll. I would think that you should add a front bar. I was considering installing a wider bar on my front and a strut tower brace. Have you done the strut brace yet? BTW...we both spun in the same spot. I landed in the weeds too. Did you see it? That run would have put me under 1:30. I ended up at 130.45, good enough for 4th place. 1/2 second behind Mike K. (Red Targa)

[Swank911]

Ya, it pulled harder to the right after loosing the aerodynamic advantage of having a headlight.

I do need both bars for a final set up, but right now I have understeer when the tires are set up correctly. I was running way to low in the rear this weekend.

Sorry I missed your spin.

[BK911]

I'm no expert but my understanding is that a rear sway bar promotes oversteer and a front one promotes understeer. Some early 911's came stock with just a front bar to help with the oversteer. Or on the cars with both they came with a larger front sway bar. Just a rear bar would be very touchy on a 911 with the oversteer tendancies. Could be a lot of fun though!

[Swank911]

Mine came with only the rear, have not checked into the size yet.

But is set up to mount a front.

[Steve Marshall]

Craig at Smart Racing Products is very knowledgeable on this subject and sells the good stuff. You should consider giving him a call.

IMHO - His stuff costs more than Weltmeister, but if you plan on sticking with it, you will save money in the long run by purchasing better components in the beginning. As opposed to trying to save money up front buying cheap stuff, only having to replace it later when you realize those two guys that are beating you by a small margin are running the good stuff.

http://www.smartracingproducts.com/

[Swank911]

I have heard good things regarding Smart Racing Products.

I agree with the quality difference. Old saying is Pay now or Pay later!!!!

I will give them a call. Thanks.

[widebody911]

I have the TRG bars and have been very happy with them. TRG has been winning a lot of big races lately - maybe there's something to it?

[Eric Coffey]

It seems the Smart Racing bars are the current "hot ticket", and they are becoming known for very high quality gear. I've also heard good things about TRG (Racer's Group) equipment, and even "Charlie Bars". Also, check out the ones at www.tarertt.com They don't look too bad either.