I have a 2013 clubman s with sport suspension. I want to upgrade my rear sway bar. Which is the best size and not over kill. 19, 22, etc. and which brand do u guys prefer.

I'm asking almost exactly the same question on another forum that had a group buy on Whiteline.

looking at upgrading the RSB on my R56 S with sports suspension.

From what I've read the Hotchkis Comp 25.5 hollow comes highly recommended but it would be cheaper for me to get the Whiteline 20mm. I know that the Comp bar is comparable to a 22mm solid so obviously stiffer, even with the Whiteline set to its hardest setting increase percentage in stiffness is 56% where as the softest setting on the Hotchkis gives you +226%.

From what I've found on the web my stock rear rsb is 18mm.

Whitelines site gives you a table to workout the % increase which which gives you +56%, +92% & +133%(their table provides approx +)
Hotchkis Comp. +226%, +294% & +383% which is what they state for that particular bar

I've not tracked the car its only really for fun street driving.

If your people actually read and studied.... You would know.

My direct experience: I have the Alta 22mm set on the softest setting and it is plenty for street and track. Understeer is almost eliminated and I have no problem getting the car to rotate. From reading NAM it seems that autocrossers like stiffer settings. I installed it myself in about 2 hours and have had no problems over ~18 months, except for the nut on the endlink loosening up and causing a clunking noise. I tightened it down with some threadlocker and it has been quiet ever since.

A respected opinion: The local racing shop that races Minis, BMWs, and Porsches (very successfully) says 22mm is overkill, 19mm is plenty. (19mm full stiff is about the same as 22mm soft.)

There are plenty of options out there to choose from for size, construction, bushings, features, color, cost: Alta, H-sport, NM, Tarret, Whiteline, etc. Look at them all and make your decision based on what's important to you.

I have 22mm from Madness Motorworks. Seems to be really nice quality part. What i like is that it is 1 piece. Does not have the welded ends like some other bars.

I have had both installed on my '07 MCS. For the street, I'd say the 19mm bar is great. The adjustability starts a bit stiffer from the OEM sport bar and the other two holes get stiffer. You can get a bit of rotation at the stiffest setting if you want, but on the street..... why???


The 22 mm bar at the softest is about the same as the 19mm at the stiffest. IMHO it is for autocross or track. You can drive it safely on the street, but know it will oversteer if you are pushing the car. Be ready for it and have practiced under safe (autocross?) conditions.


Both my bars have be ALTA and have performed well, but I really believe almost any bar in good condition will be OK.

If you don't wat to answer then don't be a wise ass jerky.

I have the same car.. Same suspension.. Went with the h-sport comp bar. 25mm hollow. Love it.

how does it perform on the street is it to much.

Fine, I DD my car, I had the setup over the winter, no scary issues. Mine is set in the middle, I'm happy. Really a super upgrade to an already fun car.

Throttle steer with my winter tires on (will understeer slightly unless I let off the gas, comes right back into line) , completely neutral with summer tires ( no throttle steer). Safe in rain/snow/etc.

Yes my main reason is the under steer when u step on the gas and it drifts over.

Yea that no longer happens. Its a very, very worthwhile upgrade. I'm still on my factory run flats for now at 38 psi.

For me buying the Hotchkis with shipping it doubles in price but is it that good compared to others on the market?

If your in the States choosing between bars is no biggie its only $20 here or there. So the choice is simple buy the best from your research that's why I put whiteline their because its a local company for me.

Is there anyone on this site using the Whiteline 20mm solid that can comment?

Sorry to the OP for the thread jack and your right about Melangell's input.

We've installed and tried every brand out there and found the Hsport Comp rear bar to be far the best. It is the lightest, fits perfect, one piece, great powdercoat quality, the rate is ideal (equal to solid 22mm), bushing quality the highest out of all them, grease zerks on the brackets to regrease if ever needed, and cost effective.

Last time a friend was in the States you didn't have the Hotchkis comp in stock so I missed out.

Recently PM you about the shipped dimensions and weight to geta Shipito quote but never heard back. As far as I can tell your price + domestic shipping is the best at $240.

H-Sport FTW. ALTA bars often end up producing an annoying 'clunk' sound. Buyer beware!

Sounds like the h sport. Just to want to overdo it with to much bar.

You won't, start with the middle setting, you'll be happy.

I just measured my rear bar it's like 17mm going to the 25 is not going to rub etc? I can see 22 for sure would be ok.

It's a close fit, but it absolutely fits with no rubbing.

I did a DIY a while back. I'll see if I can get it. Took 2hrs on the mark.

OK thanks

Iarmini I'm looking forward to your feedback. I'll be coming from an18mm bar so the change will only be slightly less than yours.

If you can post up the box dimensions and weight that would be much appreciated:thumbsup:

My micrometer is very precise I would say it is 18 mm. Just shy more like 17.5 and they probably call it 18. I will keep u in the loop. I still think 22 is the way to be without having to really worry about clearance. .but we'll see.

You are correct just check your first post we both have sports suspension which is 18.

We will see indeed.

Way,
I had an H Sport Comp on my R53 and liked it. Now I'm thinking of getting a rear sway bar for my GP2 - mostly for autocross but occasional track. Is the Gp2 suspension different enough that you'd recommend something different? What do you think?