04-06 Hotchkis Sway Bars G35x AWD Review

Old Mar 20, 2013 | 02:14 PM
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Thumbs up 04-06 Hotchkis Sway Bars G35x AWD Review

I haven't really seen a complete review of this sway bar set, so I thought i'd chime in. I just purchased a new set from Concept Z Performance and installed them as soon as they arrived. The rear one was a breeze to install with simple tools. The front one was a challenge because the 17mm endlink bolts were on VERY tight, so I ended up just paying a shop to install the front one for me ($77).

While driving with just the rear bar on the medium setting (middle hole) for about a week, the car did feel much more balanced, but had some oversteer from the dramatic change to the rear without changing the front. I didn't try the light setting, but I imagine that would have corrected the oversteer. The downside is there's probably not a huge difference versus stock.

Today I had the front bar installed. There's only one hole so it's not adjustable, but with this plus the rear bar on the middle setting the car feels much more planted, and the steering feels much more neutral.

I was concerned about increased ride harshness from installing these. After driving it for just a few miles, you can tell a difference in stiffness, but I wouldn't say the ride is more harsh. This could just be because my car has 103k miles on it and maybe the stock bushings were getting worn, but I don't think that the amount of increased stiffness warrants NOT buying these bars.

In short, so far I am pleased with the results. I'll post up here once I have had a chance to try out the lightest setting on the rear bar, and once I have had more of an opportunity to develop a long-term opinion on these.

Post up if you have any questions!
 
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 02:14 PM
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Updates:

3/21: I tried the "light" setting on the rear bar and it didn't feel as neutral, so I switched back to the middle hole on the rear bar. I think that's where it will stay.

3/24: I'm starting to think the car rides a little better than before. I think the stock front bushings were a little worn, and now the suspension is absorbing more road bumps rather than the worn bushings. Even better!
 

Last edited by keithk831; Mar 24, 2013 at 09:20 PM.
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