Prob should start a sway bar sizing guide on the forum.
Looking for front sway bar size for the mini cooper.
I assume the older generation sway bar fits on the 07+.
So heres the size I need.
I want to see what I should put in for my 07+ MC.
all for hatchback:
07+MC 21.5mm
07+MCS 22.5mm
07+MC ss 23.5mm

Aftermarket
H&R 27 mm

jack

 

Jack,

I don't think the older bars will fit on the new cars. I know the R53 front bar will NOT fit on the R56 S.

 

I thought touching the rear sway bar in H-stock was off limits?

 

It is, he is talking about the front bar. You can change that one if you want.

 

Gotcha

 

Are their good benefits to messing with the front sway bar?
Everyone usually talks about the rear.

 

Larger should increase understeer by improving grip in the rear more relative to the front... *shrug*

 

Most people speak of changing the rear bars because they are not concerned with stock class rules. Neutral handling is often achieved by going with a larger rear bar, typically an adjustable 19mm bar. The R53 has a stock front bar of 22.5mm with SS suspension and 24mm with SS+ and rear of 17mm with SS+.
If you make your front bar smaller the equivalent ratio you will also achieve the same neutral handling. The benefit of a smaller bar will also give you quicker corner exit and help you with sweepers. You do lose slightly with transitions You just need to make sure you are "early" on your slalom cones. Some of this loss can be tuned out with shock settings.

 

"If you make your front bar smaller the equivalent ratio you will also achieve the same neutral handling."

So one should go smaller than on the front bar?
Hmmmmmm.

 

I did. Craig Wilcox drove my car for a win at the San Diego tour in 07, but then Craig could drive just about anything and win.

 

What size bar did you go to? Have you tried the TSW adjustable links to take the pre-load out or to tweak the corner weights?
I'm just getting back into Solo2 after a long lay-off to raise my kids (no time to race). My 08 just hit the port a few days ago & hopefully I'll get one or two local events in this year. My car has the factory Sport package, but I plan to dump the stock rims & runflats & replace the rims with something light. I just picked up a set of Hoosiers & a set of Kuhmos on some 16x7 Rota rims from an R53. These rims will become my street rims- I need some 16X6.5 wheels: any suggestions?

 

It is a 19mm three way adjustable bar. I got it used, don't know who made it. I think an outfit in FL. For rims, the best money is Rota Slipstreams 6.5x16 et-45. Try 18racing.com. They are around $500-550 shipped.

 

The Rota's are a good value but are still heavy when compared to lightweight wheels. SSR Type-C is considerably lighter in weight at 10.5lbs for a 16x6.5 wheel, but the cost is around $300 a wheel!!!

 

Yeah I know, I have a set. The Slipstreams weren't available until 2006 I think.

 

I went to a MINI One front bar on my MCS and it was a nice improvement. I don't know whether that would be something that would work for the newer new MINI.