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Old Aug 12, 2020 | 10:22 AM
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Default Sway bars?

I don’t have a sway bar on my ‘71, when did GM start putting sb on ‘vettes?
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Old Aug 12, 2020 | 10:30 AM
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All C3s have a front sway bar. The rear sway bar depended on the options ordered.
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Old Aug 12, 2020 | 10:47 AM
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Can the right bar just bolt on to the rear?

Last edited by Z06LMB; Aug 12, 2020 at 10:47 AM.
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Old Aug 12, 2020 | 10:50 AM
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Will it be a noticeable, positive feeling while driving?
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Old Aug 12, 2020 | 11:12 AM
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Originally Posted by Z06LMB
...Can the right bar just bolt on to the rear?...
Yes. Factory rear sway bars were bolt on. Do you have the assembly instruction manual (AIM)? The AIM shows the rear bar installation and lists the parts you will need.
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Old Aug 12, 2020 | 12:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Easy Mike
Yes. Factory rear sway bars were bolt on. Do you have the assembly instruction manual (AIM)? The AIM shows the rear bar installation and lists the parts you will need.
Thanks, I do have the Assembly manual but I thought the sway bar was just for the ZR-1, ZR-2 and LTs.
I didn’t look to see if any threaded holes were there on the front too

Last edited by Z06LMB; Aug 12, 2020 at 12:16 PM.
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Old Aug 12, 2020 | 01:49 PM
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A rear sway bar can make a huge difference in the handling of your car. You don't want to just bolt on any bar that you find. There are guidelines that can get you into the general performance area that you are looking for, but then it becomes trial and error to get the performance that you want.
My understanding is that you choose the front bar for the general stiffness you're looking for, and then size the rear to get the correct oversteer or understeer that you want.
Depending on your driving style, stock may be a good option.
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Old Aug 12, 2020 | 01:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Z06LMB
Thanks, I do have the Assembly manual but I thought the sway bar was just for the ZR-1, ZR-2 and LTs.
I didn’t look to see if any threaded holes were there on the front too
What do you mean the FRONT?
All Corvettes had a front bar.
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Old Aug 12, 2020 | 03:17 PM
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how about a few pics of the front and rear?

i went factory rear bar..very happy..

as stated above.. all should have a front bar..
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Old Aug 12, 2020 | 03:40 PM
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Only 454-equipped cars had a rear stabilizer bar which is 9/16" for both standard and F41 suspension. ZR1 option DID NOT include a rear sway bar.
The front stabilizer shaft (sway bar) was 3/4-inch diameter for the 350, 15/16-inch for the 454 with standard suspension and all with F41 suspension.
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Old Aug 12, 2020 | 03:48 PM
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Originally Posted by PJO
Only 454-equipped cars had a rear stabilizer bar
I think it ALL big blocks came with rear sway bars if I am not mistaken, My brothers '69 427 has one
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Old Aug 12, 2020 | 03:52 PM
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Originally Posted by walleyfisher
I think it ALL big blocks came with rear sway bars if I am not mistaken, My brothers '69 427 has one
You are correct but I was staying within his year 1971. All big blocks had the rear sway bar as well as all big blocks had spiral armor around the rear caliper metal brake lines. This was due to the sway bars proximity to the line. Small blocks did not have the armor.

Last edited by PJO; Aug 12, 2020 at 03:56 PM.
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Old Aug 12, 2020 | 04:08 PM
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huh 2 cats in one thread..
pics OP?

what do you have original in your 71? engine options?
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Old Aug 12, 2020 | 11:09 PM
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Originally Posted by interpon
huh 2 cats in one thread..
pics OP?

what do you have original in your 71? engine options?
Thanks, it’s just the original 350 warmed up about 50 hp from stock. Getting under the car this week for pictures as soon as this weather breaks, I’ll have it on the lift. It was getting confusing since everyone sells different sizes 3/4”, 7/8”, 15/16”, 1” and 1 1/8” I didn’t think about over steer or understeer, that was going to be my next question. So I’m assuming since I just want to turn corners on the street a little more flat, it’s the 3/4” bar on the rear? I’m anticipating getting this car back out on the street and I remember how lousy the OE seats are for holding on comfortably in the corners. And I don’t want any upgraded seats. I have the next level up shocks to go in and a sure need to replace all the rubber bushings. I can do most anything, but suspensions are not in my wheelhouse.
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Old Aug 12, 2020 | 11:33 PM
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What do you have on your front right now?
3/4" is likely the biggest you'd want to go on the rear (they may sell 7/8", too) and even with a 1 1/8" front bar (stock for 80-82), that's a big bar. If you see a 1 1/8" bar for sale, it must be for the front.

I have a rear 9/16", from a chrome bumper big block no doubt, but it has the correct, non-binding OEM connectors at the end. Most aftermarket rear bars do not do this, but it can be fixed with a heim-joint. All frames should have the rear bar attachment holes already installed. Mine were easy to find, I just ran a tap through them to clean the threads. I may get a 3/4" rear bar someday, but not until I upgrade my wheels/tires.

Last edited by Bikespace; Aug 12, 2020 at 11:49 PM.
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