patinum

If I have stiff enough springs, do I really need a big-ass sway bar? I'm running in NASA Time Trials and I'm trying to figure out if there's any real benefit to running my Ankeny bar or if I should just up my spring rates. I'm sure there's been some discussion here but I'm not sure if it's burried in one of the STR threads.

I have a MY06 that is probably 80% a track car, 10% autox, and 10% getting to/from events (I don't trailer). Right now I'm on AST 4100's with 700#/600# front and rear with an Ankeny bar. FWIW, I started with an AP1 with a Saner then moved to a CR with a comptech adjustable and now my current S. This is my first car with aftermarket springs/shocks. Even though I've always had adjustable sway bars, I'm almost always kept them at 100% stiff - although the ease of adjustability of the Ankeny vs the Saner and comptech might change that. But besides adjustability, what is my sway bar contributing that stiffer springs wouldn't?

dan_uk

you don't need it at all I've been running my TTC setup car with stock bars with 700/600 springs for ages

I recently went to 700/650 to try and loosen it up on higher speed corner entry on track.

Its definitely loose for auto-x but it realy doesn't understeer enough you ever have to lift, you are always featherring the rear.
I think where you notice the lack of the bar is on auto-x in transitions and slaloms you just have to stay ahead and be smooth.

http://vimeo.com/41664160

Sprockett

For a 100% track car I don't see how what sway bars contribute to wheel rate offer any advantage over the same wheel rate created by springs alone....except adjustability. In fact, since sway bars transfer load from the inside wheel to the outside wheel, the same theoretical wheel rate should offer less mechanical grip on that end of the car compared to springs alone. Plus, you can lose a not insignificant amount of weight by removing them.

Having said that, driving a car on the street with springs required to create the proper racing balance is not comfortable at all. Not because of the high wheel rates alone but because of the way the car will settle over bumps.