Raven01750

I bet with the new LSD installed also, it doesn't even feel like the same car. Finally put the "Sport" in the "Sports Coupe".

Work has been so behind this year it is no longer funny. Maybe I can get done next year the upgrades I had hoped to get done this year. But, with one in College and one who is soon to be headed that way. I can still live with my girl the way she is and not fret over it. LOL.

Paul

joemg

It really is a terrific car from the factory, but yes, the upgrades are a real improvement.


I was able to hunt down an Aristo bar for $140 shipped from japan (used):
https://www.japandirectjapanese.com/...1998-2005.html

and the ISF bar for about $120 shipped (new, though I had to wait a little over a month):
https://www.megazip.net/zapchasti-dl...?q=48812-30400

Probably the best $260 (plus bushings/endlinks) you could spend on this car.


Maybe they'll make college free in 2020 and you can spend all that money on mods :P

mak99

Hm - for me, the Aristo comes up as $100 shipped to Seattle. I might have to jump on this as I (finally) just ordered the rear sway bar today (48812-30400 via Lexus Parts Now for just under $152 shipped), as part of my off-season upgrades.

digitatc

Is the bar solid or hollow?
The 28.6mm hollow bar doesn't provide any extra benefit so just want to make sure.

mak99

Well, crap. Lexus Parts Now cancelled my order since I didn't have the correct VIN# for the ISF rear sway bar. Guess I have to go a different route - any suggestions besides me contacting a local dealer?

Bgw70

$117 shipped from Megazip.net

https://www.megazip.net/zapchasti-dl...?q=48812-30400

Bgw70

About $80 shipped on Amaya a.com

https://www.amayama.com/en/part/toyota/4881230400

mak99

Thanks! Though I just now saw your reply - I actually ordered one via Ebay yesterday for a few $$ more...that's my penance for being a bit impatient!

The sway bar is just one more item to add to the SC project list, with other stuff waiting in the garage. Door stop, spare tire kit, cabin filter, rear brakes/rotors, cupholder, check main speakers for surround condition, troubleshoot GPS screen...

jwrichter

Sway bars make little difference, install the Meisterr coilovers to get the soft handling corrected.

mak99

The rear sway bar arrived today from Japan, so off to the garage it goes. I was surprised that it wasn't any longer than it is, but this is my first time doing anything suspension-y to any car I've owned...


^^ shipping box


^^ new sway bar


^^ part #

joemg

Hah! I thought the same thing! It's so short compared to the front bar.

joemg

I must disagree with you, I did front and rear and the difference was very noticeable. I've also done sway bars on several other vehicles and it was quite noticeable on them as well. Pretty good bang-for-your-buck suspension mods.


Obviously coilovers give you a major difference in handling, but if you're just looking to make your street car feel tight around the turns, the sway bars are a great place to start.

alex2016g

Hey, can you please explain the thinking behind this statement?
I am using ISF links with stock ride since 2017 (I think), so far so good but reeding this makes me worried.
PS still have the original links.

digitatc

ISF links are shorter. Using them with stock height ride will stretch the links and eventually break em.

CCC-TT

iTrader: (1)

This is correct, racing teams will often run a stiff sway bar and as soft of spring as they can get away with.
The YouTube channel, Engineering Explained, has a good episode on this. Additionally, if you’re looking for reading material, google the Factory Five Hotrod build by Bret Voelkel @ RideTech.

In interviews with Bret, he lays out very explicitly why they choose to run a thicker sway bar with very soft springs... and this guy knows his stuff... owns a suspension company and wins a lot of races!