I have a 2007 MCS and want to change the rear sway bar. I am interested in opinions on the best size and make of bar in terms of overall value. My driving is "spirited" street driving. Thanks in advance for the feedback.

 

Both 19mm and 21mm adjustable rear swaybars will work with your MCS.

Check with vendors.
see
http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop.../2-suspension/
The alta 21mm is a good value and functional.

Base Coopers usually only need 19mm.
MCS can use 19mm on medium setting or 21mm on softest setting for street use.

Colors vary, most bars are functional.

 

I agree (that ALTA ones rule!-) but seriously, the 19mm is generally the best choice for the avid street corner carver. But if you start doing more serious autocrossing or track days the 21 may make more sense.

All of them offer adjustments to the amount of snap they have, so you can "tune" the bar to suit your driving style and tastes.

Again, for what you are looking for I honestly think the 19mm ALTA is an ideal choice. Let me know though if you have any other questions or concerns! Enjoy the car!

 

I am going to try the JCW sway bar. Will post results here when I have more info.

 

What diameter is the JCW?

 

Ditto. I would like to know how the JCW bar compares to Alta, etc.

 

the H&R bar has squeak free bushings! i have the 19mm and am very happy with it.

 

How do they do that? I'm ready for one. I hate squeaks.

 

H&R Sway Bar kits include exclusive sway bar bushings featuring a special Urethane/Teflon composite that eliminates the need for lubrication and prevents squeaks. No mess, no maintenance, perfect fit.



Thats taken from the H&R site. I installed them with no lube and so far no squeaks!

 

I went with the Minspeed 19mm because I could get it with zerk fittings. So if I ever hear squeeks just shoot a little grease in there and off we go. Install was very easy, and actually went smoothly when I did the swaybar and the alta control arms.

 

Am also going with minspeed 19 " rear sway bar. Seems to be the best constructed and customer service is great.

 

ted the other thing is pete always does you right .

 

hey ghosthound did you put your sway bar on yourself? looks like it can be done at home with a pair of jack stands. would you need a alignment after putting one in?

 

18.5 mm according to Minspeed's site.

 

I to was wondering if this is something that you can do by yourself with some jack stands? If not I am the track photographer for a speedway and can find a mechanic to do it for me for some free pics or something.

 

I just installed my ALTA 22mm rear sway bar, and I originally had the JCW sway bar in it(18.5mm from the stock 17mm). I have it in the middle setting right now....It handles sooooo much better than with the JCW bar....Car turns sooo much better all the way through corners, has made a huge difference, it's soooo awesome. Nice bushings and red paint to match my springs!!!

 

scott48 , so you did the install yourself. can you fill us in on the tools needed and tips and stuff like that if you find time . i would like to do my own install in my garage. also did you need to do a alignment afterwards? any help from anyone else would be great too . thanks

 

Shouldn't need an alignment, this is to reduce boddy roll. If you put in new springs or coilovers or something along that route...which you should also throw in some end links for the suspension to help with angles, then an alignment might be needed to help with tire wear and such, or to settle the suspecious mind such as mine. Could be spendy though...I think I paid $75 for an alignment when I threw on new tires (60k checkup) on my old car. Shop around.

I don't have the run down on the install, but if it is like other cars, jack up the car, undo everything with sockets or wrenches, install the new and snug it all down, specs and destructions should be in the kit.

Also the Sport suspension stock on the car is 19mm, recommended for fun driving would be around 22ish I would think....25 would probably be too harsh for the every day driver. remember not to stick the car in a ditch in the rain with these...it's going to handle differently.

 

thanks digi

 

I am very happy with my squeak free H&R 19mm bar. This is by far my favorite mod.

 

agree about squeak free

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html...UCT_ID=71416-2

 

I only paid $100 for my H Sport 19mm bar. It has a fitting on the bushing (I assume for grease, it doesn't squeak yet). $200 sounds like a lot, but maybe the Teflon bushings cost more. Makes a very definite difference turning I can tell you that.