Opinions Needed on Sways

christian370z

I know there are a number of threads on sway bar discussions including a long Stillen vs. Hotchkis debate but I have had a hard time finding current reviews and opinions on them that are more recent. I will be picking up a set next week but am up in the air about whether to get Stillen or Hotchkis.

From what I gather, Hotchkis are stiffer and better suited to being paired with aftermarket springs or coilovers while the Stillen are slightly more relaxed and would be a better match for stock suspension. The issue is that I won't be throwing in coilovers for a while but don't want to upset the beautiful balance the car has now so which would you all pick?

Thanks!

Jordo!

Honestly, if you don't want to upset the balance, leave it alone. Probably any set is going to significantly stiffen up the rear relative to the front, and make it easier to kick the tail out...

However, I would recommend a set where you can adjust the stiffness.

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ChrisSlicks

The Hotchkis most definitely upset the low speed balance of the car. After installing these I had horrible turn-in understeer, had to increase camber to 3.0 degrees to get that back. I would definitely go Stillen on a street ride.

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Hotchkis ARB | Stillen CAI | Art Pipes | Berk CBE | Stillen AP Racing Brakes | AE Performance Oil Cooler | BC Racing ER Coilovers | Doran Control Arms

antennahead

I have the Stillen and I am very happy with the outcome. As Chris said above, for a street ride it is his choice as well. You mentioned liking the "stock" balance of the car, another reason not to go too far on a daily driver.

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Time is a companion, who goes with us on the journey, and reminds us to cherish every moment............ because it will never come again

christian370z

Cool guys, I will go for Stillen I think as I remember reading similar comments to yours in the Stillen vs. Hotchkis thread. The limits of my sporting driving will mostly be aggressive street driving such as canyon roads but I have always wanted to try auto x'ing so the Stillen bars seem like they will be best in the long run.

Thanks for the advice as always!

3SeventyZ

I've had the Stillen sways installed for a little while now and haven't had one complaint.

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christian370z

Those with Stillen sways: which setting are you using for your rear sway bar? I just went with the most relaxed setting but since there are only two options, I am not sure how much more moving to the more aggressive setting will yield.

So what are you guys running for your Stillen rear sways?

antennahead

My guy that installed them is an ex racer, and a former Porsche Cup champ. He set the rear on the less aggressive setting, stating he thought the balance was better that way. Remember, the rear is 37% stiffer than stock on the softest setting, while the front is 29% stiffer, so you are still making the car more neutral and dialing out some understeer.

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Time is a companion, who goes with us on the journey, and reminds us to cherish every moment............ because it will never come again

ZCarMan

I've had the Stillen sways for over a year now. I am very pleased with them. I really appreciated them in the twisties while running the Tail of the Dragon at ZDayZ this past May.

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Jon

FricFrac

I just put a set of Stillen sways on my car on the softest setting. I find the car is still a little pushy so I would definately recomend the softest for your average driver/street use. Stiffen the rear up and it will give you less understeer. I might go with the stiffer setting for the AutoX to get more turn in....

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'09 370Z - '93 300ZX Vert - '83 280ZX - '83 280ZXT -'81 280ZXT stroker - '72 240Z - Stillen CBE, HFC, G3, Grounding Kit, Sways // Swift Spring // H&R 15mm // 5% Tint // Clear Bra //