I am interested in using this FSB for autocross, but will it stand up to abuse of daily driving? Comptech sells it as a competition device not intended for street use. I don't think this would be the case because of durability?

Comptech - Competition Front Adjustable Swaybar

 

I've been using one since they were first introduced. Granted, I replaced the original one with the upgraded v2 model but I've put on ~15-20k miles with no problems running on full stiff...

 

I've driven about 10,000 miles on mine since I first installed it and just yester day I heard the first peep out of it. Some sort of popping sound. Don't let this discourage you though. Up until then it has been invisible. No noise and just a little understeer on street tires... but who really drives that hard on the street anyway?

 

No, the durability of the bar should be fine for daily use. I'm pretty sure the guys that are running them competitively in b-stock drive their cars on the street as well.

Those disclaimers are put in there to protect Comptech from liability issues that might arise from someone breaking something on the street and trying to shift the blame onto their bar and Comptech when Honda denies their warranty claims. This is a standard "off-road use only" disclaimer and is found on many after market "racing" parts.

 

The pop is likely the urethane bushings. Take the clamps apart and either use more Teflon tape or grease them with a silicone grease (Shin-Etsu should do fine).

 

Mine's been on full stiff since Jan. It pushes a bit on street tires but at least I don't have to mess with it at events. It made some horrible noises, too. I took it apart and without the tape (teflon Honda chain lube in) it's been quiet for a while.

But, just my $0.02, since I've never found the need to run it anywhere but full stiff mabe the Saner is a wiser choice. Save those extra dollars for tires.

 

The Comptech on full stiff is stiffer than the Saner can go. I get noticeable wheelspin with Hoosiers on asphalt with the Saner on full stiff.

Steve

 

Thanks for all of the great responses. It sounds as though I'll be okay with this installed for a daily driver. If things go as planned I'll be autocrossing two or three times per month.

Rob

 

I believe you're making a good choice. This is one piece where you get what you pay for.

I've been running mine on the middle stiffness (102% stiffer than stock) and it understeers a bit on street tires but it's easily handled by making a small adjustment in your approach into turns, but hey... you're not supposed to be driving that hard on the street anyway, keep it on the track.

I don't believe in using Comptech's suggestions on using teflon tape (although they did state it on the instructions). Using teflon tape under certain climatic conditions and physical stress will make noise no matter what (given enough time). I've found a very effective way of making it absolutely quiet and I've put about 12k miles on mine so far.

 

"I've found a very effective way of making it absolutely quiet and I've put about 12k miles on mine so far."

And the very effective way is ????? That is if you don't mind sharing.