Is it worth fitting the rear anti-roll bar

[Angus]

Whats the consensus on the usefulness of the rear antiroll bar ?

 

In the build manual for the R400 (Duratec), it lists the rear A/R bar as 'optional'. Just how optional is it really ? If I didnt fit it, what difference would I notice in the ride / handling ? (I intend to use the car for touring and the occasional track day).

 

Its a pretty long thin rod so I cannot see it providing much anti-roll (or twist) in any case, and leaving it out would simplify the build (less bits), save a little weight, and remove a possible point of failure.

 

What do people think ?

 

Angus

[rj]

Depends a lot on driving style and setup.

 

Which front ARB have you? If orange, then you can get away without a rear ARB. If anything meatier then it's a must.

 

 

But all IMO

[Angus]

Front ARB is 1/2" dia, with (dark) blue rubber bushes.

[Beelzebub]

What about fitting it & leaving it disconnected That way you can try it with & without.

 

D.

[6speedmanual]

Rear ARB, being adjustable, can be used to fine tune the handling balance between understeer and oversteer. The difference on the 5 settings (including "disconnected") is quite noticeable even when road driving.

 

I would recomend fitting it and enjoying trying different settings to find a set-up you like.

 

Also recommend, when you get round to it and after a good few shake down miles, a full corner weight and geometry set-up to get the best from the chassis.

 

Lots of threads on handling balance and set-up in the past pages of BC.

 

Good blatting when you are up and running

 

6SpeedManual

*tongue*There's no such thing as too much BHP per Ton 😬

[millsn]

Min e's good in the dry, leave it off in the wet. just personal preference I think, the car's squite different with and without

[Slipper man]

I think it is quite important on circuit. Leaving it off is ikely to cause a lot of understeer on track. I am not a 'fiddler' on set up, but change the rear a/r bar settings quite often, and it does make a difference. Personally, I have more questions about the need for a front a/r bar - mine is always on its softest setting.

[Mick Day]

Angus

 

Have a chat with Gary May here.

 

Maybe Paul Gibb would like to comment?

 

HNY.

 

Mick

[Paul Gibb]

*wavey*Hello Mick,

Angus, I am afraid that my limited knowledge of set up is all second hand from Gary the font of all wisdom on these matters. I have never run a rear anti roll bar on my Vx and my car handles fine 🥰 (admittedly not quite as nimble as a K) although it is very stiffly sprung & therefore not so good for kerb hopping . I can recommend his adjustable front anti roll bar which makes a noticeable difference to the handling and is very easy to use .

Good luck with the building of your car.

 

L7 FUN

 

Edited by - Paul Gibb on 7 Jan 2008 00:35:52