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Which Sway Bars & Strut Brace?


2002bob

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I'm looking for some suspension upgrades for my '76 2002 with Bilstein shocks & H&R lowering springs.

First, a strut brace that is angled to fit around the stock air cleaner housing.  I can't find one anywhere.

Second, what sway bars to you guys recommend for a street car?

Thanks for your help!

 

Bob

1976 2002 "Dot"

Pastelblau

Denver

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But would that clear a stock air cleaner? That's what the OP is looking for. I don't believe there's an off the shelf option. 

Brent

1974 2002 - Megasquirt and turbo

2018 BMW M2/ 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel

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12 hours ago, bento said:

But would that clear a stock air cleaner? That's what the OP is looking for. I don't believe there's an off the shelf option. 

 

I just measured from the lip of the cowl to the front of the bar and got just over 1 1/2". Then I measured from the center of my air cleaner to the bar and got just over 7". So if the outside diameter of the stock air cleaner is 14" or less in diameter, it should fit.

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Unless you're gonna track the car on a fairly regular basis or drive the snot out of it on the street, I think you'll find the strut bar unnecessary--but they're pretty to look at, so have at it if you wish.  Just don't expect a quantum (or even noticeable) difference in handling--at least in my experience.  Others may chime in differently.

 

As for sway bars;  for a number of years I had 19mm bars at both ends; realizing the front bar should be larger than the rear, I softened the rear one by mounting it in rubber while using urethane for the front.  When I finally got a 22mm front bar (a real bear to install, wedging it between the lower valence and the front crossmember) I put urethane bushings on the rear bar.  Both setups work(ed) just fine; I did notice slightly flatter cornering with the 22mm front bar.  I used 'em with H&R Sport springs and Bilstein HD shocks.

 

mike

'69 Nevada sunroof-Wolfgang-bought new
'73 Sahara sunroof-Ludwig-since '78
'91 Brillantrot 318is sunroof-Georg Friederich 
Fiat Topolini (Benito & Luigi), Renault 4CVs (Anatole, Lucky Pierre, Brigette) & Kermit, the Bugeye Sprite

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Before I converted the Cab to the Lynx set-up, I was using the stock 1 Barrel and 2 barrel air cleaner on a Weber 38/38.  It fit with no problem, but my strut bar seems to tuck in more than the Wallothnesch bar.  I don't remember where I got it, but this one from the UK is close...

 

Mark92131

 

http://www.dcperformance.co.uk/cheap/1087508/BMW/wiechers-sport-strut-brace/gw061002.html

 

 

2014-02-21 14.27.30.jpg

DSCF0034 (2).JPG

1970 BMW 1600 (Nevada)

 

 

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Thanks Mark and Peter, it does appear that there's enough room for the w&n brace between the stock air filter and cowl. 

 

FWIW, I agree with Mike on it not really making a noticeable difference from behind the wheel. My car feels the same with or without the brace on 300lb springs. Maybe on stiffer springs it becomes more noticeable? I couldn't say. 

 

I have it now so it's installed but if I were starting over, it would be at the bottom of my upgrade list. 

Brent

1974 2002 - Megasquirt and turbo

2018 BMW M2/ 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel

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Have read plenty of posts that the front bar is not needed. I still added a cheapo just for grins.

I've got IE adjustable front bar - easy install, and ST adjustable rear 19mm bar - little more annoying install (thick bushings) and notice it's so nice and flat (the one time I drove it down the street) 

I'll finish tuning and soon wring it out.

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I have the ST front and rear sway bars and like them.  I have them with HR springs and Bilstein HDs.  Big difference with all of them in, compared to the stock set up.  Makes driving 5x-10x more fun. :)

 

No strut bars for me - I didn't think they were worth getting.   

 

 

Edited by laundromatt

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I have noticed a difference on early cars vs later cars on the strut brace.  When driven in earnest (around Angela's crest) I did feel a distinct difference before and after.  The later 02's are generally a bit more stiff all around and the brace isn't as noticeable.  

 

As for swaybars.  I now can say (without feeling like a salesman) that the IE swaybars were my single favorite change over stock in the four years I was dailying the car.  I have driven with stock bars, st bars, and IE bars.

 

 

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Thanks for all of the speedy replies!  I'll definitely go with the IE front & rear sway bars.  Do you think 19mm bars front & rear is the way to go for a street car?  Are the 22mm bars significantly more difficult to install?

 

Sounds like the strut brace can wait....

1976 2002 "Dot"

Pastelblau

Denver

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