Performance is now offering this product:
NISMO Sway Bar Touring 2 SCCA Adjustable Kit

What are the advantages, disadvantages, and compatibility over the regular Nismo Sway Bars?


http://performancenissanparts.com/ca...oducts_id=2097

 

The regular sway bars are not adjustable in any way or form. The adjustable kit includes front and rear end links that will replace the stock ones. The end links are very expensive. The aftermarket sway bars seem to overpower the stock end links.

 

The stock front pillow ball end links on my car with the non-adjustable Nismo sway bar began to "clunk" after a couple of years when going over bumps.

The Nismo heim joint end links have eliminated the clunk however additional washers (beyond what is provided with the kit) are needed. This isn't that big a deal if you have another car to go get the additional washers but is something to note if you do not.

You'll also need a 16mm socket and a 18mm box/open end wrench for the install in front.

I've only had them in for a few days in front (haven't done the rears yet), but I'm happy with it so far.

A minor adaptation to biscotti's post: If you have the non-adjustable Nismo sways and the adjustable end-links you can modify the characteristics of the sway bar by changing the length of the end links.

I haven't played to see what it can do, but I do feel like I have better turn-in with the end-links about 1/2" shorter in my install. This may be because of the condition of the stock end-links but if you look at the position of the bar when you change the length of the end link, you can see that it could have some impact.

 

Hey, those sway bars don't have the little anti-slide collars on them that most bars have. Interesting. My Hotchkis bars didn't have those collars either, and mine were sliding all over the place within the bushings. Had to install some custom collars to keep them in place. Wonder if the Nismos have the same problem.

 

The SCCA sway bars offer better handling, adjustability, and with the addition of those end links, better steering feel and response. The end links are solid endlinks, and in comparison to stock, they will help create a much stiffer steering feel, and turn in response. They are stiffer than stock, and will not flex at the joints like the stock ones do.
A Bit pricy, but really worth it.

 

Thanks to all for your answers.

In addition, do you guys know if these are fully compatible with the Nismo Suspension and VCD?

Thanks again!

 

Ksj,
the adjustable end-links are made to take the pre-load out of the swaybar. You need to have someone the same weight as you sit in the drivers seat while the car is on level ground and then get underneath and adjust the end-links unti the swaybar has no load on it on either side (this is easiest to do on an alignment rack). I notice you are in Kirkland, my racecar will be back from the bodyshop end of next week and will be over in Redmond having the suspension installed, along with everything else, if you want to see how this should be set up let me know.

JReiter,
I have a kit sitting here and it has anti-slide collars included with the kit....

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Moved.

 

i had the same clunking noise with my stock endlinks with my nismo nonadjustable bar, and just installed the adjustable endlinks from performance today.... the noise is gone... the new links are definitely sturdier and thicker than the OEM ones.. hopefully i won't have to deal with the noise ever again... 300 bucks for endlinks is steep, but to me well worth it... driving in a parking structure in a nice ride making ugly noises is not fun.

 

did you have to add washers?

if so, why aren't these included in the kit...and where do you get the anti-slide washers?

i would buy the links if i had the confidence that everything was included in the kit rather than having to buy additional hardware to install them.

 

Road Warrior,

This really isn't that big a deal. I just went and got some washers from my local auto parts store. They were $1.89+tax or something.

ksj

 

The guy that installed them for me (Armando at Street Image) mentioned that I seemed to be a few short, so he just used the OEM ones

 

i know its no big deal ksj...just the point of paying that much and having to add your own hardware sucks.

i already mentioned this once to performance nissan and they said the kit comes with everything needed and no additional washers are necessary.

well, this is the second and now the third person i have heard say they needed extra washers for this kit so there must be something going on?????

 

well if it's any help, i drive a G, not a Z, so that might have something to do with it...

 

If i can deal with the noise is there any reason to change them im broke

 

Well, sort of. The stock end links have two main problems (in my experience and from what I've read):

1) They tend to start clunking under the heavier loads of stiffer sway bars, which is annoying and makes the car sound cheap. They'll still work when clunking, however.

2) They aren't quite strong enough to handle the increased loads from stiffer aftermarket sway bars. According to what I've read, the stock end links can warp and bend a bit under heavy loads (such as when cornering hard), and thus make the handling of the car feel a bit sloppy. Once again, they'll still work, but they'll sort of detract a bit from the benefits of a stiffer sway bar.

Basically, you're okay keeping the stock ones if you're broke, but it isn't a bad idea to replace them with stronger end links if you can afford it. My only concern is that eventually the stock ones will break, and then you'll *have* to spend money on new ones. You can certainly still drive the car just fine with broken end links (it's just like driving with no sway bars) as long as you're a bit careful on the corners.