ISF Rear Sway Bar Review
01-09-15, 04:46 PM
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
ISF Rear Sway Bar Review
Recently I upgraded my sway bar to the 17mm 2008 rear sway bar. I thought it would be useful to start a new thread with my complete review:
Why upgrade?
The stock sc430 has a 12mm rear sway bar which results in body roll and reduced handling performance.
Where can I buy the sway bar and how much does it cost?
You can get the complete kit from Sewell for approximately $136 which includes the bar, bushing, and brackets. You will need to register using you CL username to qualify for the discount. You can find the kit at:
http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accessories-catalog/viewall/SC430-2002/2893.html
How does the bar impact handling and performance? In my opinion, the bar reduces lateral movement significantly from the rear. In fact, I used to rock my butt from side to side while at a traffic light and the car would wobble. Now it does not move at all.
I also feel like the car is faster. I cannot explain why. Perhaps the is so much less flex that more energy and power gets to the ground.
The car just feels more in control and responsive in general. Is say it is a noticeable difference although not significant.
How does the bar effect ride quality? I feel that the stiffer bar might be transmitting more bumps into the cabin slightly, but I'm not sure and that could be just in my head.
What is required for installation? The install looks simple with only six bolts to loosen including four 12mm and two 14mm.
I tried to do this myself using ramps, but I could not even budge the 14mm. I suspect if I had a better angle to create leverage it would been doable. Maybe a metal pipe on my breaker bar would have helped too. I ended up taking it to Merchants and paying $140. I know I got ripped off but it was cold and I just wanted it done.
What are other similar mods to improve handling?
I am also installing front and rear Moog end links. According to CL members, these improve handling. Along with the end links I am putting a 26.6mm front sway bar in from a 2000 GS300, which is supposed to firm up the front and be a direct fit. I bought poly bushings for the front which are should be better than rubber.
For steering response, I am going to run Daizen steering bushings. Lastly I just bought a Carbing Strut Tower bar which is also predicted to firm up the front.
I'm going to get it all installed soon and I can let CL members know how it goes. The isf sway bar has alone made a nice difference and I hope the additional mods do as well !
Why upgrade?
The stock sc430 has a 12mm rear sway bar which results in body roll and reduced handling performance.
Where can I buy the sway bar and how much does it cost?
You can get the complete kit from Sewell for approximately $136 which includes the bar, bushing, and brackets. You will need to register using you CL username to qualify for the discount. You can find the kit at:
http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accessories-catalog/viewall/SC430-2002/2893.html
How does the bar impact handling and performance? In my opinion, the bar reduces lateral movement significantly from the rear. In fact, I used to rock my butt from side to side while at a traffic light and the car would wobble. Now it does not move at all.
I also feel like the car is faster. I cannot explain why. Perhaps the is so much less flex that more energy and power gets to the ground.
The car just feels more in control and responsive in general. Is say it is a noticeable difference although not significant.
How does the bar effect ride quality? I feel that the stiffer bar might be transmitting more bumps into the cabin slightly, but I'm not sure and that could be just in my head.
What is required for installation? The install looks simple with only six bolts to loosen including four 12mm and two 14mm.
I tried to do this myself using ramps, but I could not even budge the 14mm. I suspect if I had a better angle to create leverage it would been doable. Maybe a metal pipe on my breaker bar would have helped too. I ended up taking it to Merchants and paying $140. I know I got ripped off but it was cold and I just wanted it done.
What are other similar mods to improve handling?
I am also installing front and rear Moog end links. According to CL members, these improve handling. Along with the end links I am putting a 26.6mm front sway bar in from a 2000 GS300, which is supposed to firm up the front and be a direct fit. I bought poly bushings for the front which are should be better than rubber.
For steering response, I am going to run Daizen steering bushings. Lastly I just bought a Carbing Strut Tower bar which is also predicted to firm up the front.
I'm going to get it all installed soon and I can let CL members know how it goes. The isf sway bar has alone made a nice difference and I hope the additional mods do as well !
01-09-15, 07:05 PM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
01-09-15, 09:34 PM
#7
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Trending Topics
01-10-15, 08:34 PM
#10
Well that explains it .. I purchased all the Daizan bushings from TM Engineering about three years ago - they never answered emails but they did ship right away anything I ordered on their website. I guess someone just clearing out any remaining stock.
01-19-15, 07:53 AM
#11
very nice!
Very nice informative mods detailed write ups and not to mention they are not cluttered and well explained! nice job Lex! Will definitely do all these mods when time and budget cooperate.
