My MCS presently has a fully stock suspension - I do some autocrossing and would like to dial out some of the understeer (running 16x7 alloys w/ 215/45/16 Z212s). Down the road, I intend to upgrade dampers and springs when the budget allows. In the meantime, I'd like to do the rear bar - that said, is 19mm or 22/25mm the way to go (bear in mind that my car is no longer a daily driver)? In addition, this is likely a contentious issue, but what brands are preferred (H Sport, R Speed, H&R, Alta?). I've noted that some have less likelihood to squeak which would be a plus.

 

I have a 19mm H&R bar at the softest setting and it's more than enough for me but I rarely autocross. I think most are going to advise a 22mm bar, unless you are doing the front a 25mm maybe too much. The H&R does not squeak period! but it only comes in 19mm even at the softest setting it gives me more of an oversteer feel, the difference from stock is very dramatic, I can only imagine what a 22mm bar does at the stiffest setting. You should get the answers you need here as there are many NAM'rs with all sizes. Good luck.

 

If you're already sure that you won't be doing more suspension mods like camber plates in the future, then the 22mm might be an option if you like the car to feel very stiff and you have a handle on snap oversteer. The 19mm will more than likely be enough, especially if you continue to mod. Search the forums, the topics been done. Just keep in mind that this isn't necessarily a "more is better" topic.

 

19mm for the track and 22mm if you mostly auto-x

 

22mm rules.

 

Webb Extreme Rear Sway Bar!!!!

http://store.webbmotorsports.com/

 

Ditto Webb!

 

mini madness 22mm rear sway. I love it and it has predictable and controlable oversteer. I have had it on my car for about a year with no squeaking

 

think about your future spring rates, and plans for camber. If you're going to go much stiffer when you change the springs, you don't need as much rear bar. If you are going to increase your front camber, then you don't need as much rear bar. If you're going to add more bar in front, then you'll need more bar in the back. If you're going to do things that stiffen the chassis more, then you don't need as much rear bar either.

Matt

 

The Webb bar is indeed more expensive than all the others available for the Mini. However, the bar has a lot of adjustability and this will work well with all the potential scenarios the Doc pointed out.

 

As I've said before, for the average Mini driving enthusiast who likes to autocross and occasionally have a fun day at the track, the 19mm H&R or the 22mm Alta are probably the best choices.

For example, last weekend at our local Mazda Miata club Autox, I drove 2 of my friend's Mini Cooper S's with the stock rear sway bar, and WOW does it make a difference having one.

I have the Alta simply because I have lots of other Alta goodies and trust buying their products. The H&R might be a better bar; others have suggested it has extremely nice bushings, but it's $20 more and my Alta is fine with me.

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...table_Sway_Bar
http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop..._rear_sway_bar

 

And how much adjustability do you really need in a sway bar.....? I'm happy fine tuning with tire pressures and going with another bar for 1/2 the price..

Like Cooper99 I have an alta, but just because it was the cheapest. Lot of people seem to have luck with the "no squeek" H&R.. Although I've had no squeeks either.

 

in over two years of ownership, and only with other larger suspension changes. I have the H-Sport 19mm. I haven't had squeek issues withit, but I don't know if they're all that way, or if I just got lucky.

Matt

 

Counting my '03 (55k), and now my '06 (20k), I've put over 75K on the H-Sport 25mm bar. Nary a squeak.

 

Have 25 MM H-Sport squeaked all the time till I put TSW springs seems to have stopped now.

 

I have adjusted mine a few times, usually along with other big suspension changes or changes in driver experience.

There have also been a few times when I probably should have softened up the rear bar to help with a difficult track.

 

I too pondered whether I wanted a 19mm or 22mm and ended up buying the 22mm Alta. I have it set on the middle setting with adjustable lower control arms and coilovers. No squeaks...great handling

 

Why decide on 19 versus 22 for your bar? You can get the Webb and have even more than just the two options. I've played with the adjustment a bunch and ended up with a perfect (for me) setting. I'd recommend the Webb bar if you can afford it. It is more expensive but, in this case, you get what you paid for IMO.

 

The Ireland eng. 22mm rear sway bar works great with infinite adjustability but it squeaks at low speed, after 15mph it gets quite.

 

I currently have an H Sport 22mm and it squeaks and rattles like an old taxi. Its only been on for a couple of months and is driving me batty. I need to change it.

I'm leaning towards the Webb Extreme bar because of its tremendous range of adjustment and because it uses dry bushings, which don't squeak, rattle or clunk according to the feeback I have received (please let me know if you know different). The other consideration is that the Webb bar at $475 includes new stronger drop links. I've heard several reports of stock drop links breaking when stiffer sway bars have been installed, proof that the sway bar is only as strong as its weakest link.

 

I've never had a squeek or any other noise. I'd love to hear from someone who hasn't been happy with the Webb bar as I haven't seen anything yet. Get it...

 

Do you know the diameter of the Webb Extreme Bar? One of the problems I have on my car is there is limited space in the area of the bushings, which could be part of my problem (apparantly the space does vary). The H Sport bar I have is marketed as 22mm but is in fact 25.5mm, according to my technician. I need to make sure that the bar I replace it with is smaller.

 

Yes I've noticed the same mis-information about the diameter of the H-Sport Comp on some websites...

 

I'm pretty sure the H-Sport is the hollow bar- it's outer diameter is 25.5mm, but they are saying it has the same effective stiffness as a solid 22mm bar.


Jason

 

MisterMINI,

You may consider reinstalling the H-Sport bar or tweaking for a little more clearance, rather than dropping more $$$ on the Webb or some other bar?

FYI, I've got the same H-Sport RSB and it's dead quite. Just like the RDR 22mm before it.

Scott
90SM