A swaybar thread (Page 1/2)
The_Q42 SEP 10, 11:22 AM
Hi, everyone!

As I plan out my project car, the first set of mods I intend to do over stock have to do with suspension and handling. This includes things like coilovers and sway bars . . . I'll start a separate thread for coilovers later--in this thread, I want to talk sway bars.

What are you fine Fiero folks using for sway bars? I definitely want to reduce body roll, and get flatter through the curves. I was reading the HHP thread and it seems like the Sport or Performance bars are the kinds of things I'm looking for . . . dunno if he's still making those (the thread is a bit old), or if anyone has installed a set.

EDIT: This is for my '86

[This message has been edited by The_Q42 (edited 09-11-2020).]

Spadesluck SEP 10, 11:37 AM
Unless you go full custom swaybars, the best option (depending on year) would be Fiero Store swaybars. They are bigger than stock and are pretty nice.
Patrick SEP 10, 12:42 PM

quote
Originally posted by The_Q42:

As I plan out my project car... What are you fine Fiero folks using for sway bars?



Which platform are you referring to... '84-'87 or '88?
Blacktree SEP 10, 01:27 PM
I had some success with Addco sway bars. I used their 1" front and 3/4" rear bars (on an '87 Fiero). I also installed Rodney Dickman's "zero lash" end links, so the sway bars would respond instantly.

That said, if you're building a race car, you should probably get the HHP sway bars. They're adjustable, so you can fine-tune the oversteer / understeer balance for track conditions.
fierofool SEP 10, 01:49 PM
Something you should be aware of is that when you install a swaybar on the rear of an 84-87 you will wear the rear balljoints faster due to the direction force is exerted on them by the swaybar.
cvxjet SEP 10, 01:53 PM
I really haven't a strong opinion on the different bars- use what works, although I do like the splined-arm bars.....I don't know if they are still available.

I did some odd things with the mounting of my bars....the problem, especially with mid- or Rear-engined cars, is you are always tuning between good turn-in and Drop-throttle Oversteer (DTO)...I mounted my bars to use the brake dive and accel squat to vary the strength of the bars so that I improved BOTH Turn-in and DTO behavior- My Fiero turns in really good yet has very mild DTO...here is a link to my thread on my (Crazy) ideas; http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/140674.html
msweldon SEP 10, 10:22 PM
What is your target suspension frequency?

Get that squared away with the appropriate damping ratios, test, and then use the sway bars to fine tune.
Dennis LaGrua SEP 11, 03:24 AM
I originally added a sway bar to my 87GT and it made a BIG difference in handling and eliminated the "bump steer". This was the Fiero Store Herb /Adams design that is not too stiff. Later I dropped the cradle to do an engine swap and this was changed to an Addco rear sway bar. This worked OK but caused excessive over-steer. I then added a new larger front Addco bar and this worked out well. I would say that my Fiero now has 88 like handling.
My conclusion; the Fiero Store bar works well stand-alone but the Addco bars must be used in pairs. For the 88 nothing is needed as the handling is already good. I believe that the 84-87 Fieros derive a great benefit when adding them. In my case it was night and day.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

Frenchrafe SEP 11, 04:37 AM
Dennis is right👍
A good rear swaybar on a '84-'87 makes all the differance to handling.

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"Turbo Slug" - '87 Fiero GT. 3800 turbo. Sticky tyres. Driven hard!
https://www.youtube.com/cha...1wZvWQlkYxTjivW_0XNg

[This message has been edited by Frenchrafe (edited 09-11-2020).]

The_Q42 SEP 11, 12:47 PM
I edited the initial post to point out that I'm working on an '86 platform.

That being said, you guys have already provided a lot of helpful info!

I want something that's fun on twisty roads and that I can take to an autocross course from time to time, but still take on a day trip without being miserable. :-)

I WAS originally planning on doing front and rear swaybars . . . sounds like there is a mix of people who have done rear or rear + front?