1996 Swaybar Help
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 936
Likes: 0
From: Reston VA
1996 Swaybar Help
Does anyone out there know, really know, what the swaybar diameters were for 1996? I presently have FE1 suspension and would like to know what the difference was for Z51 bars for a possible upgrade. I know there are sites out there with information but it all seems contradictory. I’ve contacted several GM parts distributors and they were no help. This is was I have so far; FE1 could be 22mm/22mm, 24mm/24mm, 26mm/24mm. Z51 could be 26mm/24mm, 30mm/24mm, 30mm/26mm. I know I can get aftermarket 30mm/26mm and 32mm/26mm but it just bugs me that C4 information so poorly documented. Any help (part numbers would be nice) is greatly appreciated. – C.
Pro
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 503
Likes: 0
From: Austin TeXas
Re: 1996 Swaybar Help (Mr. C's 5)
The "Hib Halverson" late model suspension chart (which I have found to be accurate for all of my specific inquiries) shows ALL 96 models to have 26mm front and 24mm rears... EXCEPT Grand sport models (26mm front and rear) AND convertables (24mm front and rear)
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,886
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
Re: 1996 Swaybar Help (88-L98-Z52)
There was thread on this several months ago. The front bar on my (and everyone else's) 96 FE1 was one size smaller than what the chart lists ... if I remember correctly, 24 mm is what comes stock, whereas the chart says 26 mm. Otherwise, it's a great chart.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,198
Likes: 2
From: Northern CA
Re: 1996 Swaybar Help (Mr. C's 5)
I don't think it is poorly documented at all...I guess you have never seen
http://www.idavette.net/hib/c4/sustunch.pdf
BTW this is the updated chart that includes a note regarding '96 FE1 bars. Most I have seen are 24/24, my car included.
No Go's website has part numbers for the 30/26 bars.
http://www.idavette.net/hib/c4/sustunch.pdf
BTW this is the updated chart that includes a note regarding '96 FE1 bars. Most I have seen are 24/24, my car included.
No Go's website has part numbers for the 30/26 bars.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 936
Likes: 0
From: Reston VA
Re: 1996 Swaybar Help (h rocks)
First, thanks to those who responded. I did see the chart Jason referenced but missed the footnote. So... I got under and measured it myself and it measured 22mm (???). Since all the articles I can find say the Z51 bars were bigger, but they don’t tell you how much bigger, I have to believe 24/24 for the FE1 is correct and would like to get a 26 for the front. Problem is no one from the GM parts places knows what I'm talking about. Any ideas? - C.
Pro
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 503
Likes: 0
From: Austin TeXas
Re: 1996 Swaybar Help (Mr. C's 5)
Yes... someone will most likely direct you to Jeff Koop... I don't remember his forum name or email address... but you could do a search of archived articles and find it...
By the way... if you increase the front bar size without increasing the rear bar, you will be adding understeer... Do you really want to do that?!?
By the way... if you increase the front bar size without increasing the rear bar, you will be adding understeer... Do you really want to do that?!?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,198
Likes: 2
From: Northern CA
Re: 1996 Swaybar Help (88-L98-Z52)
If you really want a 26mm front...I'm sure someone on the forum has a used on for sale. Most people upgrade to the 30/26 combo and have stock bars laying around.
Jeff Kopp (18carfan) is probably the best source if you want to go new. You'll probably need to refer to the chart and ask for a "95 FE1 front bar" or whatever...the GM parts computers don't show actual bar sizes, just the car/options it came on.
Jeff Kopp (18carfan) is probably the best source if you want to go new. You'll probably need to refer to the chart and ask for a "95 FE1 front bar" or whatever...the GM parts computers don't show actual bar sizes, just the car/options it came on.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,418
Likes: 1
From: NW Chicago Suburbs
Re: 1996 Swaybar Help (Mr. C's 5)
Are you looking to improve handling or just have factory 96 Z51? If you look at Hib's suspension chart you'll see that 96 Z51 is the same as 95 base suspension, except that 95 base suspension had a stiffer rear spring. I had 96 Z51 on my Vette, if you check my sig, you'll see how I improved it :)
Eric
Eric