Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension Adding Larger Rear Sway Bar to SE Sport

Has anybody added a larger sway bar with a sport suspension setup? I am going to buy the BAT Euro suspension package and I am considering adding a larger rear bar at the same time ( 22mm, my car has the stock 18 mm bar). My concern is the car getting "Tail Happy". The SVT reduces understeer relative to the SE by going to a smaller bar in front than what I have on my '98 SE Sport and by stiffening the valving on the rear struts. If someone added one to an SVT without problems, mine should be fine with the larger front bar. Thanks.

Tail Happy Tours are overrated. Yes it does have a tendency to break the rear end loose but the benefits far outweigh the negatives (if any). You really REALLY have to throw the car HARD around a turn to get it to swing out. I have yet to have problems with my beefier sway bar since I got the proper tires for the way I drive (KRAZY!!).

I have a 99 Sport with a 21mm rear sway bar. Understeer is still the predominant handling trait. It will lift throttle and trail brake oversteer sometimes, but not always. It is nice and controllable when it does.

Be not afraid. I previously had a 95 SE with stock suspension and that seemed more neutral than my 99 with the 21mm rear bar. The difference must be in the shocks (and springs a bit too) - nowadays the stock 'Sport' suspension is soft soft soft compared to back then in 95.

-Kurt