Anti-sway bars? Two thumbs-up!

[Toby Erkson <Toby_Erkson@ccm2.hf.intel.com>]

I have anti-sway bars on my babe and I love it.  Corner handling is greatly 
improved.  Get a front bar before the back -- the handling difference is 
greater.  Of course, you must have a good, thick bar.  The T3 has the upper 
stabilizer bar but, like most stock cars (this means late T1 as well), it 
isn't big enough for more demanding corner-straightening :)  If you're 
going to go with one make sure it's bigger than stock.

As for the rear it's recommended to use heavier/bigger/stiffer springs or, 
in our case, torsion bars.  Using a sway bar or compensator will decrease 
body roll, however, it will also lessen the amount of weight on the inside 
wheel as well.  This can lead to less power output to the ground because 
the tire can spin/slip due to less ground-to-tire friction (which could 
lead to the rear end sliding).  If you have a limited-slip differential 
then this isn't a problem and you can add the rear sway bar (heavier 
springs are still a good idea).

The nice thing about anti-sway bars is that they won't affect your 
day-to-day driving like hitting a pothole or going over a bump.  Your 
suspension will work like it normally does.  They only give away their 
presence when you hit that 25mph corner at 45mph.  Whoa!  THIS is a 
VOLKSWAGEN?! :)  May I brag a bit?...

   My big engine does help me against the common modern cars out there 
   but I'd say most of them can beat me in the straights.  BUT I have 
   *never* been beat when it comes to taking corners(1).  Period.  On 
   my trips to the coast or in the back roads I'll have some punk in 
   Mom & Dad's car ripping around thinking that they're the next Indy 
   trophy driver.  Once I grab my opportunity and pass them they try 
   to ride my old VW station wagon's butt.  As soon as we are taking 
   corners and turns I notice that they become smaller and smaller in 
   my rearview mirror(2).  The only time I (may) see them again is 
   when the road straightens out.  But at 80-85mph they are 
   approaching me slowly and now a little more cautiously...
 (1).  Yes, I'm sure that if I went to an autocross event I'd be beat running 
 against modified 914s, CRXs, H20 VWs and BMWs, but I'm confident/cocky 
 enough that I wouldn't be last...
 (2).  Aggressive driving is dangerous not only for you but for your precious 
 metal (oh yeah, and the people around you).  Know your car and your limits.  
 The total number of years that you drive DOES NOT determine your driving 
 ability (otherwise people over 65 wouldn't be classified as drivers under 
 the age of 25).  Good driving ability comes with LEARNING, APPLYING and 
 BEING AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT.

     Toby Erkson
     air_cooled_nut@pobox.com
     '72 VW Squareback 1.6L bored and stroked to 2.0L
     '75 Porsche 914 1.8L for sale
     Portland, Oregon, USA

P.S.  Quaife makes limited-slip differentials for various cars, including the 
Porsche 914.  The 914 and (late) VW differential look identical to me -- does 
anyone know if they are (basically) the same component?  I think Quaife also 
makes, or did make, a limited-slip for the Bug but the source who told me wasn't
very sure.  These are very good 'slips but start around $1500 US.  Does anyone 
know of other manufacturers?

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Anti-sway bar
Author:  type-3-errors@umich.edu at SMTPGATE
Date:    4/29/97 5:08 PM

JimA=> the type III front axle beam, unlike the type I, already includes
    => an anti-sway bar.

I'm considering whether to try this sort of modification to my Ghia. I'd
like to hear the list's opinions on whether handling or safety can
actually be improved by adding a front anti-sway bar kit, such as the
Empi 9603, and in the rear by the Bugpack "Flop-stop" clips, the various
spring-type camber compensators, or the Empi T3 rear anti-sway bar. Are
these products good, bad or indifferent?

Steven Ayres, Prescott AZ
Editor, Flat Four Fetish Features
'66 KGhia 1600 (in process)
'64 KGhia 1500S (parts)
comwest@well com

>>>   May 18: 3rd Annual Show'n'Shine On the Grass  <<<
>>>   Mountain Valley Park, Prescott Valley AZ      <<<
>>>   Presented by Flat Four Fetish VW Club         <<<