Thinkin' about my next supension mod. Is 22mm rear sway bar too much for a Civic EX. Mines a 2000, I don't want any of these subframe tear-out problems I've been hearing about. I've been thinking about getting the neuspeed one, I know it costs more$$$ than most, but I've got a pretty good hookup. Whose got experience in this field?

 

****. I almost forgot. Does the civic already have a rear sway bar? I've heard some people say it doesn't. Peace

 

The only 6th gen civics that come with a rear swaybar is the 99-00 Si.

I just put the Si bar on my car. Man, huge improvement. Unless you want to do some serious racing I don't think the 22mm bar would be necessary.

 

For any rear swaybar thicker than stock, I would recommend reinforcing the subframe.

 

O.K So how thick is the stock rear sway bar. meaning the Si? Anybody? Damn, I got to go ahead order that Helms manuel soon!

 

It's 14mm, I think... at least it is on the Integras... someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

The 99 Si bar is a 13mm... I took SpecR_EK's Civic for a spin (literally) tonight.. I say it's handles pretty good.. The ST 22mm rear bar really made a big difference to making the rear rotate... The KYB AGX and H&R OE sport springs are a good combination. At full stiff the car is nicely damped when going over bumps thus gave me a very good feed back on the road.. Braking and turn-in transition are still a bit sluggish for my taste but is perfectly acceptable since it's a street car. Finally, trail braking is a no no on his car, the soft springs/damper (slower weight transfer) combined with a higher ride height (higher roll center) plus the big rear sway makes the rear twitchy if you are not smooth..

Charleston



[Modified by CivicFerio, 12:06 PM 8/24/2001]

 

The 22mm sway isn't too big for a EX. I have an ST 22mm and it works great. The only thing is that it is easier to create a situation where you could oversteer the car. It takes getting used to, but the larger size is definately worth it, the car has a more neutral feel and you can have a higher entry speed in the corners. IMO don't get a 19mm....I had one and it hardly did anything. I didn;t feel much of a difference.

There's quite a few 22mm bars out there that have reienforced brackets so they won't tear the subframe. Progress, ST, and comptech are 3 of them. Here's a pic of the ST one I have:




[Modified by SpecR_EK, 12:00 PM 8/24/2001]

 

SpecR_EK....that is one nice setup.

Where did you get that ST setup from?

 

If you've never had any experience in autocrossing, car control, recovering from uh-ohs....anything much larger than 19mm will get you in trouble on the street...unless you have docile driving habits, in that case, it's pointless to upgrade.

I have no problems rotating my gs-r w/just a 19mm rear bar. My CRX with a 20mm rear bar can be a handful if I'm not paying attention.

 

I came from driving a nicely balanced 240SX with stiff aftermarket swaybars front and rear. When I first got my Integra, all I could think about was the excessive understeer. Yes, it was fast in the straightaways, but it was a snowplow in the corners. After putting on the 21mm Skunk2 rear swaybar, the now-mild understeer doesn't bother me as much anymore.

 

I think you're right, Jesse, I remember I had a Sway-Away Bar on a VW Bug once, and it was pretty thick. I lost control several times on turns. The car would literally come out from beneath itself. I think I'll just go for 19 mm for now just to play it safe. Everybody, I really appreciate all the good feedback!!!!!

 

Hehe....deceitfulcivic...

those bugs are weird handlers stock. They'll either plow or swap ends in a turn being so rear heavy. Sounds like a fun car to learn on

You'll notice that FWDs, when they do start coming out from under you, it's pretty snappy and will catch you off guard the first few times. Not gradual and smooth like the typical decently balanced rear driver.

Good luck.

 

that's what I tell inexperienced drivers who don't understand the concepts of FWD. Generally it's hard as hell to lose control of an FWD car, but once you do....you've lost it completely!

Before someone goes and flames me, remember that this is what I say to INEXPERIENCED drivers... a good driver should be able to pull out of it.

 

spyder, I'd like to hear more. How can I lose control of a FWD car and what happens when I do? I have yet to be able to do it with any of my FWD cars (without using the ebrake) or in any FF car I use in Gran Turismo...

Here's a funny definition I've heard: Oversteer is when the passenger is scared. Understeer is when the driver is scared.

 

I'd say either one can scare anyone if your off guard. But i personally like nuetral/slight oversteer. Understeer can be fun on wide turn tracks tho

 

you've never gone around a 35mph curve at 90 and part-way through locked the brakes??? it's fun!

 

Wait! What about my sway-bar question DAMNIT!!

 

Do you have stiffer than stock springs and shocks? If so, your subframe won't need as much reinforcement. If not, you'll want to reinforce it with all you've got.

For reinforceing the EG and DB, we use either the BSQ or SRK schemes (do a search for a bunch of previous posts) or buy the Comptech kit which adds a lower tie bar as well (very well over-engineered, but very $$$). Sorry, I have no idea what products are available for your EK.