Miata Mailing List: September 1998, Message #98

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KMKevin@aol.com wrote:
> 
> much bad about anything.  Will any sway bar do??  Are they all essentially the
> same?  Im just looking for a quality set that I will really make an
> improvement in handing.  Any suggestions/thoughts?  Thanks again!


No, they aren't all the same.  Bars will have variables in one or two
different categories:

1)  bar thickness
2)  adjustability (none, 2, or 3 positions)

JR also makes a lightweight tubular front bar which is apparently as
stiff as their solid one.  

(i'm rashly assuming that the colour of the bars offers no measurable
impact on performance)  

I couldn't tell you which is best, but I'm sure there are people on the
list who've driven multiple brands.  Popular kinds include Dealer
Alternative, Jackson Racing, and Racing Beat, but that's not an
exhaustive list.  

In general, the thicker bars will have the most noticeable effect, and
consequently degrade the ride quality more than the thinner bars.  Sways
alone, however, are a pretty safe way to tighten up the car without
turning it into a go-kart.  Before you make any decisions, ask yourself
whether you're planning to do shocks & springs as well, and how extreme
you want to go.  Also look at the autocross references for information
about what bars are available.

twj