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PFADT Sway bars?

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Old Sep 25, 2008 | 05:22 PM
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Default PFADT Sway bars?

The diameter of the PFADT streets are akin to the C6Z06/Z51's (according to their chart). So how can they be that much stiffer especially when made from a softer metal (aluminum)?

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Old Sep 25, 2008 | 05:43 PM
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Originally Posted by ALVETTE00
The diameter of the PFADT streets are akin to the C6Z06/Z51's (according to their chart). So how can they be that much stiffer especially when made from a softer metal (aluminum)?

I want to say it has more to do with the adjustable ends than what they are made from. If you look at them, they can be adjusted to various positions which in turn directly affects the attitude of the bar. Like they can apply more force in directions your typical solid bar can not by simply adjusting the ends that go to the end links.
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Old Sep 25, 2008 | 11:08 PM
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The two main factors in sway bar stiffness are bar diameter, and arm length. If the Pfadt bar has a shorter arm then it will be stiffer.
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Old Sep 26, 2008 | 12:48 AM
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But I just can't justify spending 1500.00 more for the Phatts. c6 Z51's are like 290.00/set including solid links and Phatt urethane bushings. Maybe it's just me though.
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Old Sep 26, 2008 | 06:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Dave Sweatt
But I just can't justify spending 1500.00 more for the Phatts. c6 Z51's are like 290.00/set including solid links and Phatt urethane bushings. Maybe it's just me though.

Aaron Pfadt, the owner chimed in for a suspension thread just prior to all my suspension upgrades. It was his words that lead me to buy the C6 Z51 sway bar setup for my 97. He said, and I quote "The best balance" of the C6 Z51 bars over everything he tested from GM, including the T1. He said they were a great improvement over the C5 Z06.

I took his advice and have been preaching about my experience in every suspension thread. They are great! and I mean GREAT! for the price.

My can is incredibly tight in turns, lays completely flat under power out of a turn and has become the vette it should have been from the factory! Don't walk, run to the C6 Z51 bars!

My Setup:

04 Z06 Springs (front\rear)
04 Z06 Shocks (front\rear)
C5 Metal end links (front\rear)
C6 Z51 sway bars (front\rear) stock GM insulator bushings -bought new for less than $200!!!

Pfadt bars are track bars, that's where they will shine- if you drive only on the street, save your $$ for other mods and get the C6 Z51 bar setup and be done with it.


Last edited by byte_me; Sep 26, 2008 at 06:43 AM.
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Old Sep 26, 2008 | 11:40 AM
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Call Aaron, Josh or Jordan at PFADT to get the rates and comparisons. They are always very helpful.

The obvious advantage is the adjustability based on driving style and application.
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Old Sep 26, 2008 | 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by byte_me
Aaron Pfadt, the owner chimed in for a suspension thread just prior to all my suspension upgrades. It was his words that lead me to buy the C6 Z51 sway bar setup for my 97. He said, and I quote "The best balance" of the C6 Z51 bars over everything he tested from GM, including the T1. He said they were a great improvement over the C5 Z06.

I took his advice and have been preaching about my experience in every suspension thread. They are great! and I mean GREAT! for the price.

My can is incredibly tight in turns, lays completely flat under power out of a turn and has become the vette it should have been from the factory! Don't walk, run to the C6 Z51 bars!

My Setup:

04 Z06 Springs (front\rear)
04 Z06 Shocks (front\rear)
C5 Metal end links (front\rear)
C6 Z51 sway bars (front\rear) stock GM insulator bushings -bought new for less than $200!!!

Pfadt bars are track bars, that's where they will shine- if you drive only on the street, save your $$ for other mods and get the C6 Z51 bar setup and be done with it.


Yup...I have the same setup as you except for the springs.

I'm very happy, the difference was night and day in comparison to the FE1-Soft Ride. I don't think I'll be changing the springs tho.

I've pulled .91 g's with it already and can def do more!

Was just curious about the ratings and comparisons PFADT provided.

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Old Sep 26, 2008 | 12:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Dave Sweatt
But I just can't justify spending 1500.00 more for the Phatts. c6 Z51's are like 290.00/set including solid links and Phatt urethane bushings. Maybe it's just me though.
I don't see how they are $1,500 more when the most expensive set is $1,025 ?

I have the Pfatty Bars and I think they were worth the investment.
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Old Sep 26, 2008 | 01:19 PM
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Default Pfadt Sway Bars

Let's first start with the chart that I think you are referencing.



The Pfadt Street Sway bars are stiffer then the factory bars in general. They do cover a wide range of rates so at the softest setting they are close to the factory sway bars but at the stiff setting they are about 2-3 times as stiff.

The rate of a sway bar is dependent on a number of factors. Torsion bar material, diameter and wall thickness as well as the effective length of the arm. The Pfadt Sway bars are made from both 4130 CrMo and 7075-T6 aluminum. The arms are aluminum but the torsion bar is made from steel. The rate is changed by changing the effective length of the arm by moving the end link in the arm.

Here is a picture that shows the setup of a Pfadt front sway bar.


The price of the pfadt Street bars is $845.
The price of the Pfadt Comp bars is $1025.

I hope this helps to clarify a few things with our sway bars. Please let me know if I can answer any questions!
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