I've got a 1997 Civic 3Dr 1.5 Lsi and the rear anti-roll bar seems to be missing, just wondering if this matters?

Many Thanks.

 

Didn't come with one, you'll have to add one if you want one.

 

http://socalcivic.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17313

 

Ok, but do I really need one?

I mean does the rear one make a difference to handling?

Thanks.

 

HPH thanks for the link, very useful.

 

Adding a rear bar will make the car understeer less.

You don't NEED one, but most people like the car to rotate better.

 

It will definitely improve handling. With upgraded springs and shocks, it will feel like a gokart. I would highly suggest either the Blox, ASR, or ITR/CTR sway bars. These are over 20mm in diameter, so they'll be stiff. An ASR subframe brace would be a very good idea if you get one of these. 96-00 civics have an issue with subframe tear out with stiff rear sway bars.

 

Anytime you stiffen up the chassis, it helps to prevent roll and keep the tires flat on the ground. I'd say go for it if you want improved handling! But, be warned - improved handling usually means reduced ride comfort.

 

Depends, i have built many cars with upgraded suspension and very good ride comfort. Even if the OP upgraded to an Si rear sway, it would still ride oem, but handle much better

 

Not sure but your vehicle probably doesn't have a front sway either. I just did front and rear bars in my 96 dx hatch. I used a 96-00 ex front bar and a 94-00 integra ls rear bar. If u search for threads by me I did a write up for the front.

 

Hehe, that's why I said usually. But, you have to go down to the basics.

Improved handling is by rigidity, lack of flex, and strength (all basically the same). If you want something that is more stable, you would want all of that, right? So when you have harsher springs, bigger sway bars, really anything that is in close contact with the ground, the car reacts more to the road. More strength means it is easier to "feel" the road, and imperfections travel through the suspension/chassis easier.

Stock suspension of "comfortable" vehicles is very forgiving. Beef it up and you get improved handling but you also get vibrations, etc.

I think a perfect example is rubber vs poly. Rubber is relatively soft. Poly is usually hard (when used for suspension). Softness cushions the effects of the road so it dissipates through the rubber. Poly is harder and transfers the effects, it doesn't dissipate it.

 

Thanks guys, will probably go for the si in the rear. The front seems ok but will change the drop links and bushes.