99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

I been think about changing out my rear Hotskis 1" hollow bar for the Helwig Adjustable rear bar. Is there going to be enough difference to warrant the change, plus i really think the link setup is seems better than the factory style links.

And also, where can I get rod-end style end links for my sway bars?

Thanks!

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

Anybody?

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

I have one on my car right now. What kind of difference do you expect? I think a 1" rear bar is too much, and you know that I feel a 22 is better sized. The adjustable bar allows you settings in between if you need or want them. I went to it because I have a Watts link on my car, and the lower RC demanded a bit more roll stiffness than I had with the hollow rear, designed for a stock RC height in mind--and a little more adjustment is never bad when dialing the car in.

I've picked them up. I have a few old versions for sale for less money (the same $209 as a hollow rear) because they are not compatible with a Watts link. When those are gone the new bar works both with and without and is $249.

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

I would like for the tail end to not be so easy to swing out, it wasn't like that until I add more stereo equipment(weight)in the rear . I currently have Edelbrock IAS shocks and a ART rear cooride kit(air springs)in the rear.

00 Trans Ram

iTrader: (5)

I have the 2nd one installed on an F-body (after Dave Wheeler, who works at Hellwig). It is great, as it will let you do what you want with the rear. Youc an adjust it to be stiffer than the 1", or softer than most 7/8".

z28bryan

iTrader: (7)

A bigger swaybar will make the rear end swing out easier. You probably have some other things that are causing the rear end to be loose. List all your suspension mods.

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

Front:
Umi lower control arms, Edelbrock IAS spring/shock combo with hypercoil 600 lb.in springs, uppermount mod, and factory upper arms with GlobalWest bushings, Hotchkis swaybar, Hotchkis STB..

Spohn 2point weldin SFC..

Rear:
DKT control arms with JJ's, Hotchkis swaybar, BMR bolt in LCA relocation brackets, Edelbrock IAS shocks, GlobalWest rodend PHB, A.R.T. coolride airspring kit.

Also my ride height is 25.75" front, and 26.25" rear. Tires 275/35/18s front, 275/40 18s rear.
Heres how my car sit now:

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

Ok... here we go.

What's the spring rate on your ART coolride airspring kit???

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

I don't have any Idea how to convert it to spring rate.
The airsprings are Firestone F9000 tapered sleeve bags, with a 1500lb capacity rating with 100psi, I run 55psi.

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

That's my point... you can't... and it's pretty hard to set a car up if you don't know what you are dealing with. This is my biggest issue with air bags.

z28bryan

iTrader: (7)

I'm not sure how much that compares to a certain springrate. JasonWW usually knows about things like this, doesn't he? The huge swaybar will increase oversteer. Higher springrates will increase oversteer. If the Hellwig is as adjustable as Trans Ram states, then it wouldn't be a bad choice. You could decrease your bag pressure, but I really don't know how those work throughout the suspension travel compared to a coil spring.

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

And if you decreases bag pressure the car lowers. Pick your poison.

As for the rear bar. The Hellwig bar cannot be made softer than a typical 22mm, though at full soft it's the same. A bar derives stiffness from the diameter of the metal and the length of the lever arm. The links are not able to be put in a position that can make the bar softer than a standard 22mm, but you can make it stiffer up to roughly the equivilent of a 24-25mm bar, with a setting in between. The point is this bar gives you options that non-adjustables do not. The downside is it's heavier than most other bars. Eventually I'll be working on a hollow version of the adjustable bar.

z28bryan

iTrader: (7)

Sounds like it would make a good bar for a hybrid drag/handling car.

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

That it would... also good for anyone who maybe has a little more weight in the back of the car and wants more roll stiffness than a 22 gives without jumping all the way to a 25mm bar. And it's good for those who have lowered their roll center heights either with relocated PHB's or a Watts link. I just went to a Watts link. I slapped a 24mm bar I had laying around on, and it was too much, the 22 hollow was a touch too little for my needs now (with the change in RC from the Watts), so bingo--I went to the adjustable one.

Black-n-Sleek

iTrader: (6)

well sam with the installation of a s60 "I know I know" I am going to assume a hollow adjustable would be what I would be hoping for if I were thinking of installing a watts?

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

A hollow rear will save a few pounds vs. a solid one. Adjustable hollows are something we are looking at, but it won't be any time soon. Also with the S60 and Watts link, both of which add unsprung weight (the axle much more that the Watts), I'm not sure the few more pounds a hollow would save you would really matter anyway.

Black-n-Sleek

iTrader: (6)

Thanks Sam, I was thinking that but I figured I'd ask.

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

Sure, just thought I'd answer.

LilJayV10

iTrader: (39)

Sam,

Is there a reader digest version you can tell me what is roll center is and how the Watt's rear can be adjusted and what adjusting it does?

Would there be anything wrong with a Watt's rear, your springs, koni's and stock sway bars?

Thanks.

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

If you Google "rear roll center height" or something like it you'll get a lot back. But a good link is actually one from Steeda.... http://www.steeda.com/faq/?View=entry&EntryID=11

Anything wrong with a Watts and stock bars? No, but many of use like more roll stiffness even with the PHB in place. The Watts link, even at it's highest setting somewhat lowers the RC height (and it can go a lot lower from there) and generally the lower the RC the more roll stiffness you want because as you go lower the car tightens up. So it really depends on the balance of the car as it, and then again after you put the Watts on. But even I've gone to the adjustable rear bar with it, and I'm not a fan of a lot of rear bar (which is why I don't want a 1" bar, and am not running this bar in the full stiff position (currently in the middle).