I'm a little hesitant to put only sway bars w/o changing springs or shocks.

For those that have done it, what are your impressions?

Thanks!

 

Why?
Bang for the buck swaybar is one of the best mini mods...no other changes needed.
Properly sized it will reduce under-steer, and make the car better in the turns...
Put one in too big, and car become neutral...ok, but let off on the throttle on an onramp or slippery road...and it can be a handful.
I sized my bar, so softest setting for winter, and middle summer, and stiffest track (if i ever use it there). General rule is gen2 cars need one size smaller than gen2, so when reaading threads, keep that on mind.

 

The nice thing about swapping the rear sway bar is that it doesn't dramatically change the ride quality of the car. It's all about how the car behaves when turning. A rear swaybar swap is one of the easiest and most common suspension mods for a MINI - have no fear!

 

No negatives....

 

The only other mod that does more for improving handling is swapping out the run flat tires. You will be very pleased with the way the car feels with an upgraded rear sway bar.

 

Absolutely no reason to make any other changes when switching the anti-sway bar. Tremendous bang for the buck. Really alters the feel of the car.

Other than some Koni shocks my suspension is stock.

 

I'm in the same boat. Not sure which bar to pick. I'm thinking the NM Engineering 22mm bar. Thoughts?

 

As long as the bar has adjustment points to soften or stiffen the characteristics I say go with the biggest bar you can afford.

 

I always prefer a bar that will let me run a tab.

Cheers,

Charlie

 

I have the Hsport 25.5mm hollow and love it.

 

H-sport is the only way to go. They are a leader in suspension technology. Their hollow 25mm is the standard in the MINI community. Stay out NM!!!

 

I had Way at Way Motorworks install the TSW 19 mm on the middle setting. Like everyone else has said, it's a very nice difference in the corners. You won't be dissapointed.

 

Had stock suspension on my JCW. Picked this up .. http://www.waymotorworks.com/h-sport...-bar-19mm.html

I have it on the middle setting. Transforms the car. Went from understeer to very very neutral feeling. Everyone who enjoys their mini should get this mod. No squeaking or any other issues at all.

 

Just ordered my sway bar the other day - went with an Alta 19mm.

Did any of you who have changed the sway bar also get the endlinks as well? If so, how did it change the behavior of the car? Or is it not necessary...

 

Stock endlinks are strong enogh for 90% of people. Folks who bust them are usually track folks, or folks that hit a big bump/rut and do other dammage too.

 

Don't worry about it, just do it. The sway bar is the biggest handling improvement by far.
For a mild improvement at a great cost the TSW 19mm is sweet.

If you want more like a 22mm, go with the Hsport comp bar it is the best out of all the bars, same stiffness as a 22mm bar but much lighter and better bushings. And better price point.