How much do the Hotchkis sway bars affect the ride quality when using the stock G35X suspension? I am trying to compare the options of either upgrading with the 2WD rear bar versus upgrading to the Hotchkis setup. Feedback as to the effectiveness of the Hotchkis seems to be very positive, but most have also lowered the G35X which I do not want to do as I need the clearance for my driveway. I also do not want to deteriorate the ride quality of the G35X much beyond say that of a G35S. Thanks for any experience or feedback.

 

You wont notice it much on a smooth road, but on a bumpy one the difference will be easily apparant.

 

Is the difference in harsher ride quality on rougher roads worth the benefit? How does ride quality of G35X with Hotchkis compare to ride quality of stock G35S?

 

The harsh ride, to me, is easily worth the increase gained in handling.

Haven't ridden in an X, there's hardly any here where I live.

 

hotchkis is well worth it on the X and way better than the 2WD bars (ive done that)

 

i have them on my stock suspension and i luv em!

 

So, you would recommend the Hotchkis front/rear setup vs. just the RWD rear sway on the X that's a daily driver? The price differnce is significant isn't it?

Still liking those Swift springs? They seem like a prefect option for me, I want to go lower but also don't want to make a daily driver a PITA. I do have pretty smooth roads around here though.

 

Yes, I def recommend Hotchkis over just RWD sway. Big difference. And yes, Swift is the only springs Id let touch my car. It was Swift, coilovers or nothing. Glad swift came out with them. I have terrible roads around here and was worried about the ride quality. Ride is definitely stiffer but not harsh. You will feel potholes, but dips and bumps in the road go away. The car handles and rides so smooth (until you hit a pothole).

I am super happy with my suspension now. In fact, I may be done with it now.

 

I second the accolades... I put the front and rear set in on my otherwise stock '07 G35X and the change in handling is leaps and bounds... and believe me, I'm one of those skeptics for just about everything.

I was planning to start with the sway bars, then lower the car a tiny bit (about an inch at most) with stiffer springs. However, after installing the bars I have no reason to do anything else (well, I did a +1 on the wheel/tire package). I can easily take a clover leaf entering at 60mhp+ and exit at 80mph+... before, hitting the same curve with the stock bar was a hair raising experience since the back end felt mushy unpredictable.

Both my bars are set in the middle setting and yes, the ride is rougher on bumpy roads.

Here is how it looks now:


Here are some photos from the swap out:
http://lockonphoto.net/public/G35XAntiSwaybarInstall/

Sunil

 

Great looking car! Same color as mine.

Thanks for the input. As long as it is just stiffer on rough roads I think I will be fine. I just don't want to get beat to death in everyday driving.

I am actually looking for about another week for an M35 or M45, or BMW 550 or 530 (6-speed stick) through a friend who is a broker. I need the additional room of the M, but really have begun to appreciate how good the G is the more I have driven it and pushed it. But if he doesn't come up with something pretty soon I'll probably do the Hotchkis, add paddle shifters, upgrade the audio, and call it a day, and look for a good M37 in a few years.

Decisions, decisions

Thanks all for the constructive feedback.

 

Good to hear on the Swift springs. What was the drop with those? And how much did they run you?

 

When you added the sways did you notice any more noises/creaks/rattles or anything from the interior or suspension?

 

^ You'll notice some creak after a while depending on the type of grease you use on the bushings.