Upgraded rear sway bar

the_copi · Member

Upgraded rear sway bar

Pamlico · Motorer

This is a mod I've been considering for a while. Did you install the Webb Extreme bar (has the red anodizing, etc) or one of the 'regular' ones? I've read installation instructions and was wondering about dropping the rear subframe. Actaully the concern is getting that assembly back in place. I was glad to read your description saying it was a straightforward job. Is this something that can be done alone, or are a second pair of hands more or less essential? Thanks.

- david

Jack07734 · Motorer

To me this is the number one mod to do.

If anyone wants to do this to thier MINI (Cooper or S) and is a bit shy about taking on installing a sway bar let me know.

I have installed around 6 or so and will be happy to assist in the install.

Cheers,
Jack

-- Edited by Jack07734 at 12:11, 2006-04-16

the_copi · Member

Pamlico wrote:

This is a mod I've been considering for a while. Did you install the Webb Extreme bar (has the red anodizing, etc) or one of the 'regular' ones? I've read installation instructions and was wondering about dropping the rear subframe. Actaully the concern is getting that assembly back in place. I was glad to read your description saying it was a straightforward job. Is this something that can be done alone, or are a second pair of hands more or less essential? Thanks.

- david

I ordered the Webb Preferred bar, which is the R-speed bar.

From just looking at the pictures in the online how-to's a few things were a little unclear, but when you get into it, everything falls into place. You really only need another set of hands to fish our the old bar and fish in the new one - giving the subframe bracket a little encouragement to let the bar pass around it. I found the driver's side was easier to get the bars in & out. If you're going to do it I could lend a hand given that I'm in the Rochester area. A big help is having the right tools, especially the right extensions/adapters to go from 1/2" to 3/8" drive, etc. - makes the job alot more straightforward.

I can't wait to got "test" it some more....

-- Edited by the_copi at 15:29, 2006-04-16

Davenicity · Member

I've witnessed Jack do this on several occasions, and, while I think it looks hard to do, so does refilling the windscreen wiper fluid, to me, which will let you know where I'm coming from.

Last time Randy Webb was at Jack's he told me that WebbMotorsports was putting out their own sway bar, and that I could wait for that. Unfortunately, I don't know which one that is.

I had a strange uncle who used to hang out in a rear sway bar. :)

the_copi · Member

I have this bar

And here is the Webb Extreme sway bar

Pamlico · Motorer

the_copi wrote:

I have this bar

And here is the Webb Extreme sway bar

That's what I figured... thanks for the confirmation. The Extreme bar looks nice, but I don't think I'll be shelling out close to $500 for one. Things are lining up to be very busy over the summer, but hopefully I'll be able to do this job soon. I've preregistered for one of the BMWCCA driving schools so the bar would be a useful addition.

Venno · Motorer

Got the Alta 19 and it feels SOO good! After installing it i put on my 4 point and went for a 3 hour drive...2 of which were on the April 29th Rally Route...which has the curviest roads around here....
oh and the install also took about 1.5 hours

Pamlico · Motorer

Thanks to Jack's sway bar party a few weeks ago I now have an H-sport competition bar (25.5 mm, 22mm equivalent) installed. These things really do transform the way the car handles don't they? A lot more fun to drive.

Jack07734 · Motorer

I just managed to get mine installed a week ago.

Just for fun I set it on full firm. Must say I like it a lot there. The cabrio felt great during the run at Batavia. Now to work on improving the nut behind the wheel.

Cheers,
Jack