So I only plan on getting one option when I order my Z next month---the Nismo S-tune sway bars ($500). For those that have them or have ridden in a car that is equipped with them: Are they worth the money and should I get them?

It's either going to be the sways or the Nismo Cams. What do you guys think?

 

If it's cams vs. sways, I'd go with the sways.

 

I've been using the Nismo S-tune sways on my track model for almost two years. The increase in roll stiffness is notable and make the Z much sharper in quick transitions and overall handling. IMHO- if you have to choose between cams, springs, shocks and sways, the sways will have the biggest impact in day-to-day driving with the Z.

 

i'd pick sways too

cams are expensive for not a huge gain

 

maybe a dumb question, but will a sway bar upgrade effect ride stiffness or ride quality(or whats left of it anyways)?

 

Not a dumb question at all. Sway bars should NOT impact overall ride quality/stiffness with proper installation.

 

Dam $500 is a bit high. I have seen the Nismo sways somewhere online going for $380. Search around.

 

Good thread Mr Drifter. I was also thinking of installing these on my Z. Would the dealer be the best place for installing, and does the alignment have to be redone, anybody know?

By the way. I don’t understand why they are referred to as sway bars by Nismo and others.
These bars reduce a car’s tendency, along its longitudinal axis, to roll. These front and rear bars are actually “anti roll bars’. That’s what they should be called.
Swaying occurs on the vertical axis back and forth laterally. Anti roll bars have no effect in that area.
MJD

 

Obviously you are right, but your arguments are moot. Most people know what you are talking about when you say "sway bar" so there's no point in arguing with what people know.

As soon as you come out with a product for a car and call it an "anti-roll bar" people will be asking "Hlp plz is that the same thing as a sway bar?!!eleven!"

 

How hard is it to replace the bars at home? I'm not a beginner but definatly no expert. And will I need anything other than simple hand tools? Or should I have a local shop do it? I really want to do this, but just need to know a bit of info.

 

It is possible to do the job at home. But I found that even with air tools, it took some time and effort. You'll need to put the car up on jack stands and I found the front bar was the toughest. Nissan really torqued some of the front SB mounting bolts and I needed a long breaker bar and a friend to break them loose. The rear wasn't too difficult- you do need to twist and thread the OEM bar to get it out. Just remember which way you did it to get the Nismo bar back in! I'm sure if you do a search on this you'll find some other hints.

 

I thought stiffer Sway Bars would stiffen the ride a bit. Can someone attest to this? Also, how do the Tanabe Sways compare with the Nismo? Tanabe makes quality products.

 

It is really not that difficult. I did complete NISMO S-Tune suspension (Sway Bars, Shocks and Springs) all at home. The front Sway bar is easier to do but it takes a lot more work to get to it as there are many bolts invovled and jacking up the front of the Z even with an aluminum jack can be tricky. The rear one is a bit of a pain. However, (after I scratched the heck out it) I undid the rear of my exhasut (NISMO Cat back) and it was easy. Damn! I wish I would have figured that out before I scratched the Sh__ out of it Probably took me between 6-8 hrs to do the whole job but that includes jacking the car up and down and removing and installing the wheels. NISMO instructions where not very detailed but I found a few websites that helped. If I can locate them I will post here. Good Luck! Z ya!