Hey all. Just wondering what diameter rear sway bars you guys prefer with upgraded coilover suspension? I Have some ohlins coilovers on right now but i wasnt sure if a 22mm bar would be too stiff to the point it would introduce massive oversteer. Just trying to make it a fun car in the twistys, so daily drivability does not matter too much to me.

 

Do you have the Ohlins installed now? How balanced does the car feel with stock sway bars? Playing around with throttle position and brake application, I can get my Clubman to either push or drift. I’m not running Ohlins, but that shouldn’t really matter. You can also play around with tire pressures.

If the car is currently on stock suspension, and you’re working on the plan for upgrades, I would install the Ohlins first, then decide what you’d like to change.

 

The coilovers are already installed but there's still a slight amount of understeer in corners. Throttle position and brake application? not too sure what you mean but id like to know. maybe its a driver mod thing haha

 

This kit?
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ohlins-p...3/bmsmi10~ohl/

An adjustable rear sway bar could certainly help, but I would start with the bar set to the softest setting.

 

You could get away with a 19mm but I'd suggest the 22mm and as stated above, set to softest to begin with. Be sure to get good, adjustable drop-links and make sure that there's no preload on either side. Always check with the suspension fully loaded (like on a drive-on lift or driven on race ramps.)

 

I don't have experience with coil overs but I've had my mini lowered on lowering springs even though I'm currently back on stock springs, but I'm really happy with my 19mm rear sway bar. Depending on the track and the day, I alternate between the middle and stiffest setting. The car is a bit loose sometimes with the stiffest setting and is usually perfectly neutral in the middle setting. I feel like a 22mm bar would be too stiff and make the car loose, but I've never run one.

 

I think what you are going to find is that there are sooooo many variables on suspension that it's really hard for someone else to say if the 19mm or 22mm sway bar is going to work the "best".
I have the 22mm bar and it works awesome with my set up, but it's been a moving target and there is always pros and cons. But in general a larger sway bar is going to help.
Here is a link to where I went through the same puzzle you are going through...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4577692

Start reading at post #237
Eddie07S has some really detailed thoughts that should help you think through where you are going with your suspension. It's worth reading.

 

Ohlins R&T coilovers have 6k (front) and 5k (rear) spring rates. Anyone running similar springs with a 22mm bar? I was honestly leaning toward a 20mm bar but the one i wanted just sold out. Really would hate to run a 22mm bar on the softest setting and have it be too stiff during longer corners.

 

I'm planning on getting Ohlins R53 kit this year. Outside of the track you should be fine with just a 19mm sway bar. I'm assuming it's just going to be road driven, your just trying to settle the rear down slightly. The bigger number isn't always best.

Have you tried the rear shocks at a slightly stiffer setting than the fronts ? crank that spring down a full turn & add a click to the damper. Live with it for more than just a couple of drives.

 

Look at the Tarrett rear bar. I believe some of the after market shops still have them. They are a great bar with a lot of adjustability. The bonus is you can cut your old bar out and not have to lower the rear subframe. You get to save the cost of an alignment.
Steve