Roll\Sway bars...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 298
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From: More Boost, Egor
Roll\Sway bars...
I wanna order some of these, and I've been told by Bob at Fichtner that the Z06 are the best ones - is this correct, or are there even stiffer ones I can buy for a "performance" package?
I don't wanna buy the Z06 ones if I'll need to upgrade these at a later date?
I don't wanna buy the Z06 ones if I'll need to upgrade these at a later date?
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Re: Roll\Sway bars... (C5EVIL)
I wanna order some of these, and I've been told by Bob at Fichtner that the Z06 are the best ones - is this correct, or are there even stiffer ones I can buy for a "performance" package?
I don't wanna buy the Z06 ones if I'll need to upgrade these at a later date?
I don't wanna buy the Z06 ones if I'll need to upgrade these at a later date?
I haven't put these on my car but I have driven one on a roadcourse with Hotchkis bars the car felt very composed.
Maybe some other people can comment.
https://www.hotchkis.net/secure_index.html
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 36,453
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From: Overwhelmed as one would be, placed in my position.... DFW, TX
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: Roll\Sway bars... (C5EVIL)
I upgraded to the Z06 bars and I don't see where I'll need anything more. They're plenty firm for me!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,073
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From: Official Misfit Cooler Owner
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: Roll\Sway bars... (C5EVIL)
IMO the Z06 and Hotchkiss bar are close to the same. If you really would like to step up to the next level and you don't mind a stiff ride, then get the T-1 bars. They are designed by GM for SCCA racing. It is what I have on my car, although they sorta make alot of noise when I pull into the drive way, they hold the road like I am on rails.
Only problem for some is they come Blue, although mine was powered coated Black and they look great.
Only problem for some is they come Blue, although mine was powered coated Black and they look great.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 298
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From: More Boost, Egor
Re: Roll\Sway bars... (John's vette)
IMO the Z06 and Hotchkiss bar are close to the same. If you really would like to step up to the next level and you don't mind a stiff ride, then get the T-1 bars. They are designed by GM for SCCA racing. It is what I have on my car, although they sorta make alot of noise when I pull into the drive way, they hold the road like I am on rails.
Only problem for some is they come Blue, although mine was powered coated Black and they look great.
Only problem for some is they come Blue, although mine was powered coated Black and they look great.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Buy USA products! Check the label! Employ Americans
Re: Roll\Sway bars... (C5EVIL)
I personally like the T-1 bars but if you buy either and try them you can sell them for 75% of new if you don't like it. Mallet makes a bars too. Chucks opinion was the T-1's are to much. What is your car now and are you putting shocks on too?
Le Mans Master
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Re: Roll\Sway bars... (C5EVIL)
These sound cool - you mention that they're blue - I take it you can't see 'em unless you're under the car, though, right? :confused:
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 298
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From: More Boost, Egor
Re: Roll\Sway bars... (John Shiels)
I personally like the T-1 bars but if you buy either and try them you can sell them for 75% of new if you don't like it. Mallet makes a bars too. Chucks opinion was the T-1's are to much. What is your car now and are you putting shocks on too?
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Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,199
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From: over ten thousand posts 7/10ths back
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 469
Likes: 0
From: KS
Re: Roll\Sway bars... (SHOWTIME!)
I had the stock z51 bars and have now installed the T1 bars. Huge difference in roll stiffness. The T1 bars are stiff, so the ride suffers a little, but it leaves the car with no body roll at all. I love them on the track. On the stree they are a little noisy though. They are huge and heavy.
(I like the blue look personally.)
(I like the blue look personally.)
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 460
Likes: 18
From: Conroe, TX
Re: Roll\Sway bars... (bk)
I'm considering upgrading my stock swaybars as well. The BMR's (32/21mm, solid) look to be a good deal for $349, incl. heim joint endlinks.
For comparison, can anyone tell me the diameters of the T1 bars and whether they are solid or hollow?
TIA!
Cash (prefers not to slow down for corners) Mullen :cheers:
For comparison, can anyone tell me the diameters of the T1 bars and whether they are solid or hollow?
TIA!
Cash (prefers not to slow down for corners) Mullen :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 4
From: Official Misfit Cooler Owner
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: Roll\Sway bars... (Ex_F-Body_Enthusiast)
The T1's are hollow and the front is 38mm and the Rear is 27mm. The Heim endlinks can be rather noisy.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
Re: Roll\Sway bars... (C5EVIL)
I have the FE1 Springs like you do (swapping to Z51, killer deal @ $350 for both!), with F45 shocks. I added the Hotchkis bars before I did anything (have you seen the FE1 bars, they are solid, but they are diam. of your pinky finger!) The Hotchkis come with the Heim endlinks too. Regardless of what you select, ANYTHING will be an improvement over the FE1 bars.
What kind of DRIVING are you going to do? If you're on the track at all, I'd go for T1 (Hotchkis & T1 are hollow, Hotchkis worked on the R&D for GM for the T1 bar, do a search on the Forum to find out more....) Can't go wrong w/ Z06 or Z51 either, but you've got good info on this post to make some decisions.
I believe that the Z06 & Z51 bars are solid.
I heard that the Bilsteins are a great value for the money, but I have several friends that while they PERFORM great, they also .complain that the ride is fatiguing on the street. If you want external adjustability, Koni makes a 3 way, and I'm sure that there are other choices.
Finally & obviously, lowering the car to your taste will help with flatter cornering too. Have fun with your upgrades!
What kind of DRIVING are you going to do? If you're on the track at all, I'd go for T1 (Hotchkis & T1 are hollow, Hotchkis worked on the R&D for GM for the T1 bar, do a search on the Forum to find out more....) Can't go wrong w/ Z06 or Z51 either, but you've got good info on this post to make some decisions.
I believe that the Z06 & Z51 bars are solid.
I heard that the Bilsteins are a great value for the money, but I have several friends that while they PERFORM great, they also .complain that the ride is fatiguing on the street. If you want external adjustability, Koni makes a 3 way, and I'm sure that there are other choices.
Finally & obviously, lowering the car to your taste will help with flatter cornering too. Have fun with your upgrades!
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 460
Likes: 18
From: Conroe, TX
Re: Roll\Sway bars... (NVR BRNG)
Thanks for the info on both the T1 and the Hotchkiss setups. . .
Can you tell me the diameters of the Hotchkiss bars? Its like I need a spreadsheet with all the different sway bar options out there!
TIA!
Cash (still mulling it over) Mullen :cheers:
Can you tell me the diameters of the Hotchkiss bars? Its like I need a spreadsheet with all the different sway bar options out there!
TIA!
Cash (still mulling it over) Mullen :cheers:
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Re: Roll\Sway bars... (Ex_F-Body_Enthusiast)
Thanks for the info on both the T1 and the Hotchkiss setups. . .
Can you tell me the diameters of the Hotchkiss bars? Its like I need a spreadsheet with all the different sway bar options out there!
TIA!
Cash (still mulling it over) Mullen :cheers:
Can you tell me the diameters of the Hotchkiss bars? Its like I need a spreadsheet with all the different sway bar options out there!
TIA!
Cash (still mulling it over) Mullen :cheers:
1" Hollow Rear Bar
https://www.hotchkis.net/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/frames/catalog/c5/2234.htm?
Racer
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
From: Pearland TX
Re: Roll\Sway bars... (C5EVIL)
Sway bar info.
Specs (mm/in)
T-1
F: 38/1.48
R: 27/1.05
Hotchkins
F: 32/1.25
R: 25/1
Xtreme, BRM
F: 32/1.25
R: 21/.80
Z-06
F: 30/1.18
R: 23.6/.93
Z-51
F: 28.6/1.13
01+ R: 23.6/.93
Std
F: 23.1/.91
R: 19.1/.75
Also solid or hollow has no effect or stiffeness or durability. The outer few thousands of diameter of the bar is what controls the actual resistance to twisting (this is not opinion, look it up in any meterials handbook). The hollow are simply lighter and more expensive to manufacture.
As far as which one is better... depends on what you are willing to give up.
Corner like its on rails = beats up your kidneys.
Personally i'm young and a track type so i am willing to give up a lot...
Will
:cheers:
Specs (mm/in)
T-1
F: 38/1.48
R: 27/1.05
Hotchkins
F: 32/1.25
R: 25/1
Xtreme, BRM
F: 32/1.25
R: 21/.80
Z-06
F: 30/1.18
R: 23.6/.93
Z-51
F: 28.6/1.13
01+ R: 23.6/.93
Std
F: 23.1/.91
R: 19.1/.75
Also solid or hollow has no effect or stiffeness or durability. The outer few thousands of diameter of the bar is what controls the actual resistance to twisting (this is not opinion, look it up in any meterials handbook). The hollow are simply lighter and more expensive to manufacture.
As far as which one is better... depends on what you are willing to give up.
Corner like its on rails = beats up your kidneys.
Personally i'm young and a track type so i am willing to give up a lot...
Will
:cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 21
From: Roswell GA
Re: Roll\Sway bars... (aggie_corvette)
The Z06 bar is most reasonably priced and about the stiffest that does not seem to impact straight ahead ride smoothness. It cormers well and goes straight ahead smooth.
The bars above that on the scale are give up some ride smoothness to get even better corrnering. That choice can only be made by you. I think that T1 is the top end and Fitchner sells those also, but they are much bigger dollars also.
Be sure to put one hand on your wallet as you compare Z06 and T1.
[Modified by KingTut, 6:02 PM 7/17/2003]
The bars above that on the scale are give up some ride smoothness to get even better corrnering. That choice can only be made by you. I think that T1 is the top end and Fitchner sells those also, but they are much bigger dollars also.
Be sure to put one hand on your wallet as you compare Z06 and T1.
[Modified by KingTut, 6:02 PM 7/17/2003]
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
Re: Roll\Sway bars... (KingTut)
My FRC is lowered and I went from the stock Z51's to the T1's. The T1's were a vast improvement. I do not feel the ride is too rough and have not experienced any noise. This set up makes the car feel like it's on rails. If you want the stiffest/best performing bars out there then the T1's are worth every penny.