Well I've had my Hotchkis sway bars for awhile now, just haven't found time to get around to installing them. So, last night while I was changing the oil, I decided it was also a good time to at least put on the front bar. The install instructions that come with the Hotchkis kit are very good. The front bar is very easy to swap and anyone can do with simple hand tools. The Hotchkis bar is quite a bit larger than the stock bar, yet much lighter...feels about half the weight of the stock sway bar. No issues with the install as the Hotchkis bar is of high quality and fit just like the stock sway bar, no modding or tweaking was required.
I did not have time to tackle the rear bar, so for right now I only have the front bar on. The rear Hotchkis bar looks to be about the same size as the stock bar, but again is probably much lighter and stiffer.
I took the car out for a spin and "WOW", I can't believe the difference in handling with only the front bar on. I could notice right away the car was more level in turns and seemed to respond much quicker as well. It was like the car had lost 500lbs!!! To top it off, there in NO loss in ride comfort!!!
What I liked about the C was the ride, but I much preferred the handling of the SRT, but not its ride. Now I'm close to having the best of both, great ride comfort and great handling. All is needed now is some decent rubber, the stock Conti's were protesting to being pushed.
So, I can say without reservation that if you're on the fence, or wondering if you're ride comfort will be compromised with the stiffer sways, don't be! I actually think its riding better, seems more composed over bumps.
A BIG THUMBS UP for this mod!!!
Aren't they great?!? Most people had the Hotchkis sways put on at the same time as bigger wheels and KW coilover kits, so most reviews of the Hotchkis were actually reviews of the etire 'system (wheels, sways, and KWs). Yours is one of the few reviews I've read of JUST a Hotchkis install. Wait til you get the rear bar installed!!!
I just had my Hotchkis sways installed Friday. My 22's got put on 2 weeks prior. Handling was greatly increased w/ just the wheels. A week after that, I had my KW's installed. I really didn't notice much handling difference w/ the KWs. and a week after the KWs, I got my Hotchkis sways installed. Like you said, WOW!!! They're freakin' awesome. I feel like there isn't a turn in the world I can't take now at 80 mph! hehe
Can't wait to hear what you think when you get the rear bar installed!!
Hey that's good to here... and on a Heritage Edition to boot! Will have to talk to the wife... maybe next year! LOL
Well, I didn't tell the wife about this one. She was wondering why it was taking me so long to change the oil!!!
She actually drives the car daily, I love the ride and power, but was never crazy about the handling when I got behind the wheel. Now that has changed, it now feels like a G35 in size and weight, the sway bar makes that much of a change. I was trying to come up with excuses this morning as to why I needed the car...Hahahahahaha.
If I had to pitch it, I would pitch the safety issue, much better control in an evasive maneuver.
the bars rock, hold the car in turns very nicely. you will bust your ass putting the rear bar on if you dont have proper tools. took me almost 5 hours. have to drop the rear end, no way around it.
the bars rock, hold the car in turns very nicely. you will bust your ass putting the rear bar on if you dont have proper tools. took me almost 5 hours. have to drop the rear end, no way around it.
and you WILL need an alignment when youre done.
I have all the tools, and have been reviewing the job closely. I was going to just have the dealer handle it, but I'm going to tackle it. Honestly, it doesn't look too bad....we'll see.
I've heard this was necessary but I never did it... I could see where dropping the whole cradle might cause alignment issues, but I haven't seen any evidence. Maybe I'm lucky (or stupid... or both!)
I will get a full alignment when my TIEN coilovers get on there!
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