i was wondering if there were any write ups about sway bar kit installs. I recently purchased a set of hotchkis bars and was wondering if anyone else had done a pair and how difficult it was to do.

 

bump

 

There is a write up on the Cusco here (but pics are now gone): https://my350z.com/forum/brakes-and-suspension-diy/44361-how2-install-cusco-sway-bars-w-pics-of-course.html

 

Hotchkis usually has instructions on their website for all their products. If not, contact them and they can send you some. I recall being able to look at the instructions before purchasing them so I know there's a copy out there somewhere.

 

http://www.hotchkistuning.com/bin/in...ions/22413.pdf
Not really that hard, but some of the those bolts are torqued down tight. Also, if you have a dual exhaust you may have to drop it to fit the rear bar in.

 

thanks for the replies. I have dual invidia exhaust so this may be fun.

 

If you haven't changed them yet Front is super easy... rear is a PITA if you are like me and don't want to drop your exhaust becuase you didn't get new exhuast gaskets, but with the exhaust out of the way the rear would be pretty painless as well. I don't know if it's possible to get the bar around a true dual either I would spend the 10 bucks on the gaskets and save your self alot of time.

 

I just did the hotchkis sway install this weekend. It was very
easy. Took me about 3 hours and I had never done it before. The rear bar slides right out if you have a stock exhaust system.

 

Easy install, just made hard by very very tight stock bolts. Instructions are very straightforward, follow them to success.

 

Damnit Jim! Attempted the install myself this weekend and couldn't get it past my Borla TD Exhaust.

 

So would the best idea be to install the sway bar and springs and then upgrade the exhaust?

 

Yes, that, or be prepared to remove the muffler portion which I wasn't.

 

Did you ever install it? What did you have to do? Remove the exhaust, put on the bar, and reinstall exhaust ?

 

I'm having them installed at a performance shop along with the springs tomorrow.

I like to DIY when I can but if I don't have the tools I need and the shop is willing to do it cheap, then my time is better spent hustling for another client job.

 

I have the Injen SES true dual. Didn't have any trouble with the exhaust though. I pulled the rubber mounts and had the exhaust held up by a peice of rope. That way you have as much movement as you need then when the bar is in rehang the exhaust torque down the sways about 50%-75%.

Lower the car onto ramps or enough to be able to reach the bolts to torqu all the way. The key thing is to torque the bolts under weight to get the bars aligned right lateraly err up and down. Same for the front. Make sure the bushing are greased before you install them.

 

how loud is that?

 

Not too loud realy. I have Megan test pipes as well. Only when I get on it does it get on the louder side but thats due to the atmospheric dump of the wastegates. That is actual verry mean sounding more of a growl than a loud raspy sound some get from a more open exhaust setup (tests and exhaust only).

 

Robert and i, tried to do this install, those damn nuts are on there extremely tight. I would recommend some penetrating lube on them and a nice long ratchet to get those off. we rounded 2 bolts, it was a nightmare.......

 

I need to tighten when its ON the ground? fawk!

 

yeah it nutralizes the load, so from start there is not pressure to one side or the other. If you tighten in the air its like putting pretension on it and since you are not exacty putting exact same weight on it. The bars will tension onevenly and you will not have consistant results.

The best consistancy is doing it that way