Hey all,

So my NM 22mm rear sway bar arrived the other day. I'm a little hesitant to put it on after I've read some comments in other threads about the stiffness and the back end always wanting to come out. I was hoping to get some feedback from those that currently have it how the ride actually is on various settings and from those that have different sway bars, how you like (or dont like) them.

I was thinking if I did go forward with it, I would start out on the least stiff setting to try it out - but I'm worried even that may be too much based on what I've read. If I did end up returning it, or selling it in the market place (probably would do that) I think I would go with the 19mm Alta sway bar, anyone out there currently using this one?

any feedback is greatly appreciated!

 

The general concensous is gen2 minis usually need one size smaller than gen 1 cars...
imo most folks in the past few years have become comfortable with a bit of understeer....if a car becomes too neutral, or oversteers, it can be an issue for a daily driver.
I found on a gen1 a 19mm is good for me...no disceranble ride change, just better handling. Folks with gen1 cars do love the bigger bars, especially if they track the car, but can make it a handful unless you have had driver education classes.....

 

I installed mine last night and have it in setting 3 (medium). So far so good. Haven't driven it hard but I like it. I'm taking it to the canyons tomorrow and see. Might go stiffer.

 

thanks for the reply. No driver education classes unfortunately, but do plan on doing them (off topic, but if anyone knows of a good place near nyc, please let me know!!) which is why i was concerned. what setting do you have the 19mm on?

MiniBOL, I'd love to hear about how it feels once you test them out. Also, how was the installation?

If the installation isn't that bad, I could always try them out on lowest setting and if i dont like the feeling, swap em back.

 

It definitely handles a lot better. You can feel it right away.
The setting it have it on, IMO, is excellent for me with daily driving.
The install was fairly simple, although I stripped the threads where the strut mounts (driver side). I had to re-thread. Instructions are very helpful.

Lemme know how you like it once you install. I think you'll like it.

 

On my gen1 mini I run it tightest sumer, loosest winter....do the change when I swap my tires.
the first time you go charging up/down a ramp or turn tightly you will like it....but it can be surprising, so even in the summer start loose, learn it, then go tighter.
I think WMW was suggesting on their website what sizes for gen1 vs gen2...outmotoring too I think.
Gen1 lack camber, so unless camber plates are installed, we usually go big on the bar...if they are/will be than the smaller bar is used....I think gen 2 has a bit more camber from the factory, and subsequently usually needs less camber(just an educated guess).

 

I have the 19mm Alta bar set on full stiff. I drive spiritedly (brisk, but not insane.) and I've never had the back end break loose. Then again, I remember an old motorcycle proverb whenever I'm going into a corner.. "Commit, or eat sh**" so I never brake or let off throttle in a corner.

 

I have the eibach 19mm bar. It's the cheapest bar available and everyone trash talks them. I bought it when I had a small budget ( I always do hahaha), and I love it! It doesn't make any noise, and it's super nice. Made a huge difference. I have it on full stiff (the eibach only has 2 mounting holes though, equivalent to the stiffest two settings on an alta bar). I would have more heavily considered a 22mm bar if I hadn't been planning on getting camber plates. But my IE fixed plates will be here monday so I'm glad I went with the 19mm. If my bushings start making noise (they haven't in the 6 months I've had the bar on), I will replace them with the WMW bushings. If I were you, i'd just put the bar on. Put it on full soft and move up from there as needed. I got a bit apprehensive from all the talk of the rear end sliding out. But it wont if you don't drive like an idiot. You can spin out a mini with stock everything (I know from experience). Its just like everything else; the driver, not the car that makes the difference. So i say go for it, but drive smart and you will never look back. The other thing with sway bars is that they're one of those upgrades that you get used to, so even if you have a hollow 30mm swaybar, eventually you would get used to it and you would be able to drive it totally normally.

 

Got the Eibach also. Got it for like $90 after rebate. Figured it would be silly to pay any more for a steel bar haha. Great bar, no problems, I'm sure it does exactly the same thing as the more expensive 19mm bars out there.

 

I have the alta 22mm on medium setting. my car doesnt feel super tail happy or anything. obviously you would want to get used to the car before you push it really hard though.

If you go with an adjustable, you can start soft and then move it up to harder later.

 

Thanks for all the replies; definitely eased my concerns about having such a large bar. Looks like I'll stick with the 22mm and just start loose and see how it goes from there. I'll probably install it this weekend after I get the car serviced Friday.

 

Keep us updated on how you like it. I'm picking up a used 22 in another week and like you am a bit nervous about how it's going to change the car. definitely going to start with the soft setting and go from there.

 

Eagerly watching this thread as well. Have only had my MCS 2 weeks now, and thinking about a rear sway bar for it. Interested to see what you think when you install yours.

 

Camber plates with a 19mm bar is a much better set-up than just a 22mm rear bar on it's own. Obviously more expenisve than just the bar....but a better handling set-up for sure.

I run the Eibach 19mm bar on stiff with IE Fixed camber plates and a few other goodies. The balance of the car is pretty much perfect and overall grip is raised quite a bit. A couple extra bonuses with the IE fixed plates (durability over stock, anti-mushrooming, etc.)

- Andrew

 

Any updates?

 

When I picked up mine the guy convinced me to just put it on the stiff setting. Wow what a difference in handling. I can definitely feel the back end grab and turn with the front. just have to remember to be ready to counter steer if I need to hit the brakes while in a turn. Although I was in a roundabout and was able to get the back end to dance out a little took a few laps around it since traffic was light. That was fun

 

Not sure about that advice. You may have fewer 'moments' if you start off on the softest setting and work up from there, if you need to.

 

I adjusted to it pretty quick. I took it real easy until I re-learned the car and made adjustments to my driving. The only 'moments' I've had was during testing in an empty parking lot I don't take chances out on the streets.

 

Aww, shucks.

Just steer into the skid and open the throttle!

 

If you want to save a few pounds, the H-Sport Comp 25.5mm hollow bar is the equivalent of a 22mm solid bar,
and the Ireland Engineering 22mm hollow bar is the equivalent of a 19mm solid bar, but significantly lighter (5#, 5.5#)
and they're both about the same price as most other bars.

 

So, has anyone with the 22mm have the rear actually slide out from under you?

 

Not yet--standby.

 

I figured with every other person saying the 22mm rear will come out, there would have to be some actual horror stories.

hey buzz how do you like your alta 22? Mine is going on next week.

 

LOL...

 

FWIW I have a Hotchkis Race 25.5mm rear bar set on full stiff on mine that Im building for the new SCCA Solo STF class and it never seems to get out of hand on the street.