Sway Bars: What did you choose & why?

[ill-legal?]

I've decided to pull the trigger on some sway bars...I've been reading through some of the conversations here and it seems like there are some fans of Stillen, Z1, and Whiteline with the Nismo option being less of a preference due to some QC issues. After pricing them out, this is where I'm at in trying to compare the different options:

Whiteline $782 (Whiteline)
Front Dia. 27mm
Rear Dia. 24mm
*Incl. end links and mounting accessories

Z1 $450 OR $730 w/ Z1 End Links
Front Dia. 35mm
Rear Dia 28.5

Stillen $515 (CZP)
Close to stock diameter, thicker walls than OEM

The Whiteline are the most pricey of the bunch, but that price point includes the sway bar end links. Z1 would run about $50 less for a similar package. I'm not sure what end links would go with the Stillen, but a front/rear set from SPL looks to run $475 and a Nismo set would run $610.

Ultimately my questions are this:
1.) What sway bars did you go with?
2.) What settings do you prefer on your aftermarket bars?
3.) Why did you choose that brand?
4.) Is there a significant benefit from upgrading the sway bar end links at the same time?

Any input or feedback would be appreciated...trying to keep this around (or under) $800 if I ultimately opt to do bars and links...

 

[kevinbonds]

I would go with the Stillen, Made in USA, and Stillen has been making sway bars forever, and you don't need new end links. There is a video from Stillen showing the best setting for the new Z with no other suspension mods. Look it up on their site or youtube, it's really good.

 

[CPerdomo]

Went with the Z1 since another member from here did as well and gave good reviews. They are now on special. I watched the Youtube video mentioned above by kevinbonds from the Stillen guy. Very informative. According to the video, if you change the links, you should do an alignment. So, I only ordered the bars. I used the regular settings and I absolutely love how the car handles now.

I remember also that the diameter size was a factor on why I chose the Z1.

 

[ThePoorZ]

I don’t like my mods to look like mods, so I went with the stillen because they utilize the oem bushings. I painted them black, and threw them on with the stock end links, and the recommended settings for the oem tires. I‘m very happy with them.

 

[VR30Infection]

The only real reason for adjustable end links are if the car is being lowered a lot causing the ends of the sway bars to be angled badly and or causing interference.

 

[trackratZ]

@ill-legal? Good that you did your research. But first of all what's your goal for the Z? Those minor differences in diameter and whether hollow or solid can make a huge difference in ride, even with stock springs/shocks. Adjustable holes may help but might not compensate the diameter change. That Whiteline looks more suitable for track use, I have them when used to time attack my STi.

 

[Katum68]

I went with Stillen. No to NISMO due to QC and not available, Went with firmest setting and all is good. Car just stays level on turns. Rest of the ride is fine.

 

[kappa_md]

Eibach front and rear sway bars. I have them in two of my other cars (ZN6, FK8) No issues so far. Just great handling and tons of smiles ?

 

[Bumflik]

Whiteline sways and end links because im lowered with Swift Spec R lowering springs. Most aggressive settings Front FStf Rear FSoft Quality being forged ends where holes are located and solid not hollow . My steering is precise and predictable Rear. The bushings will last longer than the engine. Get what you pay for with some products.

 

[zRedBaron]

Hotchkis front sway bar, no rear bar. Why? It's proven to be the best bar in the 370z community and the front 100% fits the RZ34.

More detailed comparisons vs other bars

Link to Hotchkis Product page
Features:
• Lightweight, Durable 1 3/8" (35mm) Tubular Front Bar.
• Lightweight, Durable 1.125 (28mm) Tubular Rear Bar 3 Way Adjustable
• Premium mounting hardware including, greasable polyurethane bushings and heavy duty brackets.
• Finished in durable anthracite powder coat.

Benefits:
• Brings handling excitement to your 370Z, G37 or G35
• Dramatically improves steering and chassis response
• Increases stability, improves traction, reduces body roll by increasing front/rear roll stiffness
• Easy bolt-on installation.

Specs:
Front Sway Bar 35mm (Ø1-3/8") Hollow
Rear Sway Bar 28.5mm (Ø1.125") Hollow 3 Way Adjustable

Photo of the bar installed on my RZ34

 

[ill-legal?]

@ill-legal? Good that you did your research. But first of all what's your goal for the Z? Those minor differences in diameter and whether hollow or solid can make a huge difference in ride, even with stock springs/shocks. Adjustable holes may help but might not compensate the diameter change. That Whiteline looks more suitable for track use, I have them when used to time attack my STi.

I don't think it's likely that my Z will be seeing any serious track time, it is my daily (for now at least) so the goal is to reduce body roll and improve cornering and handling feel without going so stiff that I feel every single bump and flaw in the road. That said, I don't have any plans to do coilovers, and I've never lowered any of my previous cars and likely won't adjust the ride height of the Z either. If I'm understanding what others have said, the end links wouldn't be necessary and the Whiteline setup might be overkill for my modest goals, I'm leaning towards the Stillen but will be doing some additional research on the Eibach and Hotchkis as I hadn't really looked into either of those previously...

 

[hipertec]

Hows the Nismo Sway bar kit? It looks like their on sale right now and larger than stock performance ones. What kind of QC issues you have you seen?

 

[zRedBaron]

Hows the Nismo Sway bar kit? It looks like their on sale right now and larger than stock performance ones. What kind of QC issues you have you seen?

They break at the welds. Like this, multiple instances of this happening to customers.

 

[trackratZ]

They break at the welds. Like this, multiple instances of this happening to customers.

Great evidence and details! 7 mm welded on is just too flimsy. I won't be getting these Nismos.

 

[kappa_md]

Front and Rear Sways bar part numbers for the Z34 and the RZ34 are the same, atleast for Eibach. FYI.