Will swaybars affect snow performance?

Darkelf_99 · 07-13-2003, 09:18 PM

I am considering getting front and rear swaybars, with 21mm in the front and 23mm in the rear. I was wondering what effect, if any, will this have on driving my car in snow? I have 17" OZ Sls with Sumitomo HTR+ tires. Everything else is stock.

This might be a silly question but I don't want to compromise my car's handling in snow.

Thanks

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WRXBob · 07-14-2003, 02:33 AM

I would say yes. A bigger front is OK, but go over board on the back sway bar and your car would be very tail happy in the snow, even rain. On dry surface, people want the tail of the car to swing out (over steer) a little bit, but on compromised surface like rain and snow, over steer can be dangerous, IMO.

Darkelf_99 · 07-14-2003, 09:49 AM

Would 23mm in the rear be considered going overboard? What if I set it to 22mm? My goal is not to create oversteer, but to keep the car neutral.

marvi · 07-14-2003, 10:38 AM

I took A winter driving course last winter and the instructor took my car for a spin and found even the stock 22mm on my car too much.

I plan on getting an adjustable 20 22 24; 20 for winter and 24 for summer.

Marvi

mbiker97 · 07-14-2003, 10:38 AM

Anytime you stiffen the suspension (springs, sways) snow performance will get worse. I'm not saying that it will be bad though. I ran a Cusco 21 mm IIRC, and Cusco rear set to 24 mm all winter and never was concerned for my safety. I just didn't ever push it into corners (you shouldn't ever do that anyway in snow).

mbiker97 · 07-14-2003, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by marvi
I took A winter driving course last winter and the instructor took my car for a spin and found even the stock 22mm on my car too much.

I plan on getting an adjustable 20 22 24; 20 for winter and 24 for summer.

Marvi

Stock is 20 mm for sedans, and even 17 or 18 mm (I forget which size for sure) on some late model 03 sedans. It was never 22mm.

Darkelf_99 · 07-14-2003, 10:46 AM

Well, I never plan to push my car hard in the snow anyways. I guess i'm trying to figure out if reduced bodyroll will drastically reduce handling in snow, if driving "safely".

STX_REX · 07-14-2003, 11:08 AM

If you're making sudden and severe steering and or braking and accelerating inputs, like the type typically made in emergency situations the car will handle differently but no less prdeictably than stock. Its all about knowing how the car is going to behave and being prepared to deal with it. If you go out practice these types of manuvers in an empty lot you'll be much better prepared, no matter what you're setup. Generally speaking, however, at the limit, an understeering car is more forgiving than a oversteering car.

Later,

SLKWrx · 07-14-2003, 12:36 PM

As long as you're not pushing your car even close to its limits, then you'll be fine. I have a RSB set at 24mm right now and I have not a problem. Snow and Ice are elements to be respected greatly, just take your time and you'll be perfectly fine. The HTR+'s are actually better than most in the snow as well. So no, there will not be a Drastic change in your normal drivability in snow.

-- Steve

07-13-2003, 09:18 PM	#1
Darkelf_99 Scooby Newbie Member#: 29204 Join Date: Nov 2002	Will swaybars affect snow performance? I am considering getting front and rear swaybars, with 21mm in the front and 23mm in the rear. I was wondering what effect, if any, will this have on driving my car in snow? I have 17" OZ Sls with Sumitomo HTR+ tires. Everything else is stock. This might be a silly question but I don't want to compromise my car's handling in snow. Thanks * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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07-14-2003, 02:33 AM	#2
WRXBob Scooby Specialist Member#: 12455 Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: CA Vehicle: 02 WRX	I would say yes. A bigger front is OK, but go over board on the back sway bar and your car would be very tail happy in the snow, even rain. On dry surface, people want the tail of the car to swing out (over steer) a little bit, but on compromised surface like rain and snow, over steer can be dangerous, IMO.

07-14-2003, 09:49 AM	#3
Darkelf_99 Scooby Newbie Member#: 29204 Join Date: Nov 2002	Would 23mm in the rear be considered going overboard? What if I set it to 22mm? My goal is not to create oversteer, but to keep the car neutral.

07-14-2003, 10:38 AM	#4
marvi Scooby Newbie Member#: 11126 Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Montreal Vehicle: 2002 Subaru WRX WR Blue	I took A winter driving course last winter and the instructor took my car for a spin and found even the stock 22mm on my car too much. I plan on getting an adjustable 20 22 24; 20 for winter and 24 for summer. Marvi

07-14-2003, 10:38 AM	#5
mbiker97 Scooby Guru Member#: 7922 Join Date: Jun 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Tucson Vehicle: 04 CTS-V b/b/b 99 GMC Highrider	Anytime you stiffen the suspension (springs, sways) snow performance will get worse. I'm not saying that it will be bad though. I ran a Cusco 21 mm IIRC, and Cusco rear set to 24 mm all winter and never was concerned for my safety. I just didn't ever push it into corners (you shouldn't ever do that anyway in snow).

07-14-2003, 10:46 AM	#7
Darkelf_99 Scooby Newbie Member#: 29204 Join Date: Nov 2002	Well, I never plan to push my car hard in the snow anyways. I guess i'm trying to figure out if reduced bodyroll will drastically reduce handling in snow, if driving "safely".

07-14-2003, 11:08 AM	#8
STX_REX Scooby Newbie Member#: 25255 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: On the podium Vehicle: 2002 WRX MBP (I washed It)	If you're making sudden and severe steering and or braking and accelerating inputs, like the type typically made in emergency situations the car will handle differently but no less prdeictably than stock. Its all about knowing how the car is going to behave and being prepared to deal with it. If you go out practice these types of manuvers in an empty lot you'll be much better prepared, no matter what you're setup. Generally speaking, however, at the limit, an understeering car is more forgiving than a oversteering car. Later,

07-14-2003, 12:36 PM	#9
SLKWrx Scooby Specialist Member#: 8247 Join Date: Jul 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Sicklerville, NJ Vehicle: 2004 STi JBP 1973 914	As long as you're not pushing your car even close to its limits, then you'll be fine. I have a RSB set at 24mm right now and I have not a problem. Snow and Ice are elements to be respected greatly, just take your time and you'll be perfectly fine. The HTR+'s are actually better than most in the snow as well. So no, there will not be a Drastic change in your normal drivability in snow. -- Steve