I have an '05 MC with the SS (not SS+) suspension. Does any one know the stock sizes of both the front and rear sway bars? I can't seem to find that info.

Second question, what is a good upgrade size, and do I need to change the front as well as the back? I want to get rid of some of the body roll, but I do not want to make the ride too harsh.

Thanks,
Steve

 

Front 22.5mm, rear 16mm.

Best size IMO, 18mm or 19mm. 22mm is way too thick for a SS (not + ), you can already get some rotation with 18mm and definitely have some good old lift off oversteer with 19.

Only do the rear, unless you want to eliminate body roll but keep the built in understeer.

If you like to enhance handling + make the ride smoother, look into Koni FSD dampers.

 

I agree - but, 19mm is more than enough for any suspension, actually, unless you also change out the front bar.

 

I have 22mm RSpeed on my cooper on soft setting and it's perfect. The car align it self on ice and snow at turns. I took 30mph turn on 90 degree turn and the car still held on. I might change the setting to medium in spring.

 

I had the H-Sport Competition bar installed today. But as it has been raining all day and my tires are on the last week of their lives (new wheels and rubber coming next week) I've yet to put it through it's paces.

Well OK, I took a spin around the block and took a few turns. The car seems like it's tracking better, a lot more neutral. Can't wait to get new rubber.

 

You could always get a MSC bar from somebody who upgraded to an aftermarket swaybar... Im sure you could find one for free or very cheep at that!

 

So if I have the stock MCS swaybar does anyone want it or is it trash?

 

I have an '06 Cooper with the standard, SS setup, and so far, am very happy with the 19mm HSport "sport" rear sway bar. No deterioration of ride quality at all, better "neutrality" in curves, etc. This bar has the zerk fittings for lube and there is no squeaking or groaning at all. Haven't had a chance to really drive the car hard in the past few days the bar has been on, but I have played around with getting off throttle at speed through a tight fwy ramp, and the nose tucks in just as it should. This is on the medium setting of the bar.

 

Its worth something to somebody. I sold mine for $40...

 

IMHO, the best selling feature of the H&R rear swaybar is there's never a need for lubing them... Mine's been on my car for 3+ years now an never made a single noise...

 

I have the H&R as well and it really doesn't make a sound even in extreme cold (-25C), no need to worry about lube, ever.

 

You won't regret the upgraded bar. It improves the handling. You should also think about adding springs or coilovers as well.. depending on the budget.

 

Unless you want to enter an SCCA autocross.

 

We had a rear sway bar (19 I think) installed about 2 weeks ago, made a huge difference in cornering. We love it.

 

We put the H&R 19mm on my wife's MCC and my MCS the same day, and we love what it did for both cars. Incidently, her car did not have the SS+ so we swapped out the shocks, struts and springs for those from an '05 MCS and her car rocks! She was kickin' some booty at an AX class last weekend and nearly caught up to my times But, she loves to drive fast and does it very well!

Its soooo much fun to share our MINI addiction and driving events