1985 Monte Carlo SS known as Barney

[SSLance]

Yeah Bob, it's a Ridetech Musclebar...but this one is not an off the shelf bar.

Their stock center piece is a 1.5" dia 0.120" wall tube, I ran that for a while, then upgraded to a 0.250" wall tube and now have a 0.375" wall tube center piece on the car.

Each upgrade was substantial and completely changed the way the car handled to the better. I am still not used to how well the car turns in now, it's very Mini Cooper like.

[Ron Sutton]

Originally Posted by SSLance

Yeah Bob, it's a Ridetech Musclebar...but this one is not an off the shelf bar.

Their stock center piece is a 1.5" dia 0.120" wall tube, I ran that for a while, then upgraded to a 0.250" wall tube and now have a 0.375" wall tube center piece on the car.

Each upgrade was substantial and completely changed the way the car handled to the better. I am still not used to how well the car turns in now, it's very Mini Cooper like.

Just an FYI Bob, with each step up in front sway bar size (and rate) we increased the rear spring rate to be balanced. The car runs flatter, has more grip & quicker response because of the combination of larger front sway bar & stiffer rate rear springs, to go along with the matching geometry, shock valving, etc.

*I didn't want anyone to think increasing the front sway bar size alone is what works. It's just the part we talk about most.

[SSLance]

^ Yeah that...

Just for reference, these are the rear spring rates I ran with each front bar I've put on the car to maintain the balanced handling:

36mm F-body front sway bar - 165# rear spring
1.5" 0.120" Wall Tube Front Bar - 182# rear spring
1.5" 0.250" Wall Tube Front Bar - 200# rear spring
1.5" 0.375" Wall Tube Front Bar - 250# rear spring

I've had 600# springs on the front ever since I put the coilovers on the car.

The rear sway bar has been the 1" solid lower control arm mounted bar that I've run forever.

I'm certain every car is different and by no means say that if you put these parts on your car, it'll handle like mine...but I've raced this car a lot with each of these setups and they have all worked great for me. They just keep getting better and better as we've upped the size of the front bar (and rear springs to match).

[Ron Sutton]

Originally Posted by SSLance

^ Yeah that...

Just for reference, these are the rear spring rates I ran with each front bar I've put on the car to maintain the balanced handling:

36mm F-body front sway bar - 165# rear spring
1.5" 0.120" Wall Tube Front Bar - 182# rear spring
1.5" 0.250" Wall Tube Front Bar - 200# rear spring
1.5" 0.375" Wall Tube Front Bar - 250# rear spring

I've had 600# springs on the front ever since I put the coilovers on the car.

The rear sway bar has been the 1" solid lower control arm mounted bar that I've run forever.

I'm certain every car is different and by no means say that if you put these parts on your car, it'll handle like mine...but I've raced this car a lot with each of these setups and they have all worked great for me. They just keep getting better and better as we've upped the size of the front bar (and rear springs to match).

Thanks for sharing that Lance. That gives guys an idea of how the two are related to keep the handling balanced.

[Panteracer]

Thanks guys
I am a little ways from getting the car
Lightened then I can weigh and measure things
I think a better bar the right size will help
along with the other things. Looks like you
have been fine tuning for a while

Bob

[SSLance]

We initially thought going with the 0.250" wall tube bar was getting jiggy with it, Ron mentioned to me in passing the other day that an even bigger front bar than what is on the car now would still help it.

It's been a progression for sure, but just to be clear...the car has been neutral balanced ever since stage 1. It just keeps getting faster and faster the flatter we've gotten it to run.

[SRD Art]

Thanks for sharing! Curious, what do those front bars translate to in # rate?

What are you feeling most with the car as you make changes- faster times, easier to drive, less stress trying to keep the car in control, etc. ...? All of the above?

Right now sway bars are one of my focuses so while the car is down for some repairs and upgrades I'm taking notes.