Front Sway bar? - Honda Prelude Forum

Keith · 03-16-2006, 09:37 AM

What front sway bar are you guys using? Since I've installed my ST one, I definitely have more push under wet conditions. I'm thinking about going back to stock or just disconnecting it.

Thoughts?

BTW, I already have a ST rear one with Progress end links.

Keith

KENLUDE97 · 03-16-2006, 09:46 AM

If you are only noticing understeer in wet conditions i would beleave that you are loosing traction due to the water on the road not the suspension.

Becasue the only thing that i different from when it is raining and when it is not is that the road is wet... and that would ONLT effect the tires? Right?

Everything that i have read is that you keep the stock front bar and go with a Progress rear to dial out as much understeer as possible.

Good luck

71dsp · 03-16-2006, 10:17 AM

I use stock with some adjustable end links.

DR · 03-16-2006, 10:22 AM

I use the stock Type SH front sway bar which I was told is hollow and a tiny bit smaller than the base. I want to experiment to see if I should go with stiffer springs in the front with no front sway bar. That would be the lighter solution and might work just as well.

Keith · 03-16-2006, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KENLUDE97

If you are only noticing understeer in wet conditions i would beleave that you are loosing traction due to the water on the road not the suspension.

Becasue the only thing that i different from when it is raining and when it is not is that the road is wet... and that would ONLT effect the tires? Right?

Everything that i have read is that you keep the stock front bar and go with a Progress rear to dial out as much understeer as possible.

Good luck

Actually, I never had that much push in wet conditions before I installed it. I can't even put down the power down without sliding. I guess I could just disconnect one side and see how that works.

I can measure the SH sway bar from the base one... I have access to both.

DR, do you have problems with ripping axle boots on your SH?

Keith

Paul H22 · 03-16-2006, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71dsp

I use stock with some adjustable end links.

Same here. I'd imagine anything more would create undesired understeer.

71dsp · 03-16-2006, 11:14 AM

I'm interested in the very same thing. Although I'm more interested in keeping my car in one piece these days.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DR

I use the stock Type SH front sway bar which I was told is hollow and a tiny bit smaller than the base. I want to experiment to see if I should go with stiffer springs in the front with no front sway bar. That would be the lighter solution and might work just as well.

DR · 03-16-2006, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71dsp

I'm interested in the very same thing. Although I'm more interested in keeping my car in one piece these days.

You shouldn't drive it then

Keith,
The only time I ripped a boot was when the whole axle came apart making a mess of everything. Ever since then whenever I hear any type of noise from the CV joints I replace them right away.

Keith · 03-16-2006, 12:02 PM

Every lowered SH I've come across has their driver side boot ripped...

The SH and base sway bars are definitely different ->

Base -> 51300-S30-003 SPRING, FR. STABILIZER (25.4MM X 3.5)
SH -> 51300-S30-A21 SPRING, FR. STABILIZER (24.2MM)

Keith

71dsp · 03-16-2006, 12:12 PM

Yes, they are different. I could have told you that.

They even look different when you compare them.

Both are hollow, though.

Daemione · 03-16-2006, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith

Every lowered SH I've come across has their driver side boot ripped...

The driver's side on my SH has been fine, but my passenger side cv boot ripped about 15k miles ago.

142k miles total, 62k on H&R sports.

I can vouch for the balance of the SH with stock sways . . . sliding around in the snow with the ATTS disabled, the rear breaks away pretty easily, even with some gas. It might be a different story with more traction & higher speed, but I wouldn't want any more oversteer for daily (winter) driving.

I haven't had the opportunity to drive a base under comparable conditions, but I have a feeling the smaller front sway makes a significant difference.

MRW · 03-16-2006, 03:43 PM

I took my front off. Save 15-20lbs off the front of the car

IMO if your running less than 450lbs/ich front springs then keep the front bar on. If your over 500lbs/inch front then try taking it off for a while and see how you like it.

71dsp · 03-16-2006, 03:44 PM

What kind of spring rates are you running?

alvanderp · 03-16-2006, 05:19 PM

32mm Comptech Adjustable...oh wait you guys are talking about Preludes

LowFlyin' · 03-16-2006, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith

Every lowered SH I've come across has their driver side boot ripped...

Haven't had any problems with mine. I'm on Neuspeed Race springs.

Honda318dx · 03-17-2006, 07:40 AM

I don't run one, that was because I took it off before I got a LSD.. It helped the inside front tire stay on the ground and not spin so much.

mtbprelude · 03-17-2006, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alvanderp

32mm Comptech Adjustable...oh wait you guys are talking about Preludes

FOR THE WIN!!!

On my STS Prelude (Si 4WS) I ran an ST front sway bar, and the OEM rear bar. In my experience it had no ill effects on the car's handling, it handled like a FWD car. If anything it kept the inside rear tire on the ground better and prevented some snap oversteer when the inside rear tire was completely unloaded, and the outside rear couldn't take anymore.

4WS really complicated matters though.

zameoj · 03-17-2006, 08:02 PM

Running the ST rear and stock front works for me. To me its balanced very well and contolable in low speed (auto-x) as well as spirited driving. With the rear ST bar I would advise getting collars so the bar doesn't slide and bang on the shocks. Seems to be a common problem. I mostly run on 15" Azenis which also changes the driving characteristics a bit.

MRW · 03-21-2006, 10:07 AM

my spring rates are 800 lbs/in front, and 950 to 1200 lbs/in rear.

71dsp · 03-21-2006, 11:45 AM

What kind of ride height do you run at? Also, have you measured total suspension travel from ride height to full compression? I'm trying to figure out a couple of suspension "dilemmas."