Sway Bars On 03 3.2L

LastOneLeft · #1 (**permalink**) 04-06-08, 09:53 PM

Hey guys,

I was planning on buying a set of used sways from a V member. Before actually going through with it, is it a plug & play and will it fit on my car with no mods? I wanted a stiffer ride so it can feel more planted on the ground. Or is there another route I should head down.

I'm open to all options right now.
I just heard about the V sways so I just wondering.

Thank you
Paul Nguyen

Sammy Z · #2 (**permalink**) 04-07-08, 12:12 AM

I heard it was thicker than the standard sway bar so the mounts would have to be changed, but I'm not an expert so maybe a master mech will chime in.

LastOneLeft · #3 (**permalink**) 04-07-08, 12:38 AM

yea it is beefier...

I've search and found they do have them installed. I just dont know if it can be done without any modifications. Brushing? Bolts? I'm totally lost now..

Thanks though...

LastOneLeft · #4 (**permalink**) 04-07-08, 08:08 PM

Please, Anyone Help?

(Paul really wants these sways)

dynalub · #5 (**permalink**) 04-07-08, 08:52 PM

Hi, Search is your friend.

LastOneLeft · #6 (**permalink**) 04-07-08, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dynalub

Hi, Search is your friend.

I did, they didnt mention anything about it so I'm asking on it.

Plus there might be better options out there besides v sways bars?

dannoaz · #7 (**permalink**) 04-08-08, 07:05 AM

If you can find a patient parts counter dude, they can solve your question. Have them compare all part numbers of the V to yours: Bars, bushings, brackets, bolts, and links. Of course, you have to find a counter guy that is not too busy and willing to look this up!

I believe, but could be wrong, that all you need is the V bars and bushings. I thing the brackets, bolts, and end links are the same. For sure the bushings are going to be different.

I tried to get the answer for you today. I was at the Chevy dealer and asked the counter guy. I could see he wasn't interest in helping me. From my experience, some are happy to help and some hate it. Anyways, he started to look things up. Then, he told me that the V is a totally different animal. He said that it is built on the Corvette chassis and suspension. I was just about to say "You mean to tell me that it is built in Bowling Green? You are an idiot". Fortunately, I knew that he was totally wrong. Rather than argue, I just thanked him and left.

Remember - I don't have real experience on the 2003 to V problem. Just my opinion. Call the dealer if you can't get somebody with the experience.

Dan

Cadiman1983 · #8 (**permalink**) 04-08-08, 08:15 AM

I have the Hotchkis sway bars installed on my 3.2L, they are thicker the ones that come off the V. They come with new mounts, but thats it. You don't need to replace anything else. I've had mine on for going on 2 years now, no problems, and a much stiffer ride.

odysseus · #9 (**permalink**) 04-08-08, 09:16 AM

V bars are a bolt-in. No changes necessary. They use the same endlinks, and should come with bushings, since the bars are larger. You simply remove your old ones, and replace them with the V bars. This is the same whether you get V bars, Hotchkis bars, or Eibachs sway bars.

If you want to add the Corvette aluminum end links, which are about 1" shorter, on the front, then you'll need to drill out the mounting holes to accommodate the larger bolt. I've had no problems with the stock CTS endlinks for the past 3 years, even thought they look whimpy, and have plastic plugs holding the joint in place. I've even driven it to the track at VIR, although we weren't 'racing' and were pushing it only about 70%.

Cadiman1983 · #10 (**permalink**) 04-08-08, 11:00 AM

LastOneLeft · #11 (**permalink**) 04-08-08, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannoaz

If you can find a patient parts counter dude, they can solve your question. Have them compare all part numbers of the V to yours: Bars, bushings, brackets, bolts, and links. Of course, you have to find a counter guy that is not too busy and willing to look this up!

I believe, but could be wrong, that all you need is the V bars and bushings. I thing the brackets, bolts, and end links are the same. For sure the bushings are going to be different.

I tried to get the answer for you today. I was at the Chevy dealer and asked the counter guy. I could see he wasn't interest in helping me. From my experience, some are happy to help and some hate it. Anyways, he started to look things up. Then, he told me that the V is a totally different animal. He said that it is built on the Corvette chassis and suspension. I was just about to say "You mean to tell me that it is built in Bowling Green? You are an idiot". Fortunately, I knew that he was totally wrong. Rather than argue, I just thanked him and left.

Remember - I don't have real experience on the 2003 to V problem. Just my opinion. Call the dealer if you can't get somebody with the experience.

Dan

Thanks Dan, I really appreciate your helpful hand.

My dealer is a pain in the bum, so I dont bother with them unless it is an emergency

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cadiman1983

I have the Hotchkis sway bars installed on my 3.2L, they are thicker the ones that come off the V. They come with new mounts, but thats it. You don't need to replace anything else. I've had mine on for going on 2 years now, no problems, and a much stiffer ride.

Oh yeah? ...how much roughly are the hotchkis sways by they way?

Is its not that big of a difference then it might be worth it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by odysseus

V bars are a bolt-in. No changes necessary. They use the same endlinks, and should come with bushings, since the bars are larger. You simply remove your old ones, and replace them with the V bars. This is the same whether you get V bars, Hotchkis bars, or Eibachs sway bars.

If you want to add the Corvette aluminum end links, which are about 1" shorter, on the front, then you'll need to drill out the mounting holes to accommodate the larger bolt. I've had no problems with the stock CTS endlinks for the past 3 years, even thought they look whimpy, and have plastic plugs holding the joint in place. I've even driven it to the track at VIR, although we weren't 'racing' and were pushing it only about 70%.

Thats the information that I'm looking for. So basically all plus and play unless I need new bushing?

dannoaz · #12 (**permalink**) 04-08-08, 01:50 PM

If you buy V bars from somebody, get the old owner to give you the bushings too. From the sales I have seen, they normally sell them that way anyways. That is good, because some of them are pricey from the dealer.

The Hotchkis come with their own greasable polyurethane bushings.

Dan

LastOneLeft · #13 (**permalink**) 04-08-08, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannoaz

If you buy V bars from somebody, get the old owner to give you the bushings too. From the sales I have seen, they normally sell them that way anyways. That is good, because some of them are pricey from the dealer.

The Hotchkis come with their own greasable polyurethane bushings.

Dan

Yea the V member is selling it with bushing which are still in good condition.
So no need to worries about that.

I guess I should purchase them?

concorso · #14 (**permalink**) 04-08-08, 04:30 PM

Personally, I wouldnt get the Hotchkiss. Not because theyre bad, but becasue there are better options.

If you dont go the cheaper route (V sways, a la Odysseus's), Id get Eibachs, mainly because the rear bar is adjustable.

LastOneLeft · #15 (**permalink**) 04-09-08, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by concorso

Personally, I wouldnt get the Hotchkiss. Not because theyre bad, but becasue there are better options.

If you dont go the cheaper route (V sways, a la Odysseus's), Id get Eibachs, mainly because the rear bar is adjustable.

what are the advantages and disadvantages of adjustable rear bar?
Lowering Only?