Got sways? =:-)

[ACS330Ci]

http://dynamicminicollective.org/gallery/d/561-1/DSC02196+copy.jpg

[mace]

Is that Randy Webb's new rear sway bar?

[ACS330Ci]

Is that Randy Webb's new rear sway bar?

Yes it is :)

More pics here (http://dynamicminicollective.org/gallery/v/ACS330Ci/RWPP/?g2_page=1)

[Nics]

So, what do you think/feel about it?

[ACS330Ci]

So, what do you think/feel about it?

I wanted to talk to Randy before posting because I was hearing a creaking noise shortly after the install. I wanted to get with him first so he/we could figure out the best fix. First, before anyone starts thinking that there is something wrong with his new swaybar I want to say that IMHO the quality is top notch and the adjustability is unheard of in for a streetable swaybar. Also, my car is the only car we are aware that is having a clearance issue which is most likely due to Mini’s manufacturing tolerances and not Randy’s. Regardless, Randy is going to make the changes necessary to ensure perfect fitment for everyone … even though this problem has only surfaced on one car. Props to him and his company.

Now I’ll let you know what I found to be the source of the creaking sound. The bar was actually making contact with the floor pan right inside the bearing block on the right side. As the bar rotated against the body and intermittently created the creaking sound I was chasing. BTW, I've since learned there are other aftermarket bars on the market making contact in the same place. The only difference is other manufacturers are not making any changes to correct this. Anyway, to confirm this was the source of the problem I re-torqued the subframe and applied Moly grease to the area making contact and took it for a test drive. No sound. And I mean no sound. Not from the droplinks, not from the bar, or anything associated with Randy’s swaybar. Removing 1mm from the bottom of the bearing blocks should eliminate the bar contacting the floor plan and the problem is solved. No big deal and Randy’s all over it.

Bottomline is there are almost always some improvements that can be made to new products when they're released. The good news for all of is is that Randy stands behind his products and makes these refinements.

Oh, the improvement this swaybar had on the handling was phenomenal :woot:

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/gallery/data/500/DSC02285_copy.jpg

[Nics]

...
Oh, the improvement this swaybar had on the handling was phenomenal :woot:

More details?! :D

[kellzir]

Oh, the improvement this swaybar had on the handling was phenomenal :woot:


I have an Alta swaybar and I couldn't agree more with your statement.:D

[ACS330Ci]

More details?! :D

Webb Motorsports Extreme Rear Swaybar (http://store.webbmotorsports.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=16_12&products_id=138&zenid=456d880389f604b4fabb1c8f35c460a9)

Tell Randy I sent you :)

[ACS330Ci]

I have an Alta swaybar and I couldn't agree more with your statement.:D

A good friend of mine just upgraded from his Alta swaybar to this one and he says this is a big improvement and money well spent. I upgraded from stock, so obviousely it was huge :D

[Nics]

Webb Motorsports Extreme Rear Swaybar (http://store.webbmotorsports.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=16_12&products_id=138&zenid=456d880389f604b4fabb1c8f35c460a9)

Tell Randy I sent you :)

haha, I meant more details on how it improved performance.

[ACS330Ci]

haha, I meant more details on how it improved performance.

OK, also from Webb Motorsports webpage ...

"The purpose behind the rear swaybar is to dial out the inherent understeer, which most new cars are programmed with. Why? Because if you enter a turn too hot, the car goes straight when you turn the wheel - the tendency then is to lift the throttle, which transfers more weight to the front and gives more coefficient of friction to the front contact patch, letting the car turn in. It isn't the fastest way through a turn, and it certainly isn't the most fun way through a turn. That's where the rear bar comes in. Thinking on a twisting body model, if you apply force to the outside, or loaded wheel, and you have a stiffer rear bar, it will do two things: first, it will lift the inside rear wheel, reducing the rear coefficient of friction, and second, it will transfer load diagonally to the inside front wheel. This makes the car neutral. It has a secondary benefit of acting like a cheap limited slip differential if the unloaded front wheel is the power driven wheel."

[Nics]

OK, also from Webb Motorsports webpage ...

"The purpose behind the rear swaybar is to dial out the inherent understeer, which most new cars are programmed with. Why? Because if you enter a turn too hot, the car goes straight when you turn the wheel - the tendency then is to lift the throttle, which transfers more weight to the front and gives more coefficient of friction to the front contact patch, letting the car turn in. It isn't the fastest way through a turn, and it certainly isn't the most fun way through a turn. That's where the rear bar comes in. Thinking on a twisting body model, if you apply force to the outside, or loaded wheel, and you have a stiffer rear bar, it will do two things: first, it will lift the inside rear wheel, reducing the rear coefficient of friction, and second, it will transfer load diagonally to the inside front wheel. This makes the car neutral. It has a secondary benefit of acting like a cheap limited slip differential if the unloaded front wheel is the power driven wheel."

Do you agree with what the website says? Subtle or noticable difference? Just wondering about your own personal review about the product's performance and not just about the R&D and problems/fixes and product customer service that you had written.

Edit: sorry if I'm coming across as annoying. :D

[ACS330Ci]

Do you agree with what the website says? Subtle or noticable difference? Just wondering about your own personal review about the product's performance and not just about the R&D and problems/fixes and product customer service that you had written.

Edit: sorry if I'm coming across as annoying. :D

You're not :)

I thought you were looking for a more technical answer to what the rear sway would do for you so I just grabbed infomation that was already readily available :)

IMHO, it made a very noticeable improvement to the handling. It's now relatively easy to put the car into a four wheel drift without worrying about losing it. It's really that smooth and predictable. Bear in mind there are other things to take into consideration as well like tire selection and road surface, but with the crazy adjustablity of this bar you should be able to tweak it to your preference on just about anywhere.

[Nics]

w00t. Looks like I'm sold on getting it. Now, if only I had the money for it, hmm hmm hmm.