I have a 2002 base cavalier. I want to improve the handling, but I am reluctant to lower the car - need clearance for snow / speed bumps etc ..
Will installing front & rear sway bars help, or am I really limiting myself by not going lower ?
sway bars, strut tower braces, wider tires... should all help your handling without having to lower the vehicle.
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“When you come across a big kettle of crazy, it’s best not to stir it.”
The effect is cumulative. I installed Addco sway bars before lowering, and the effect was subtle but noticeable in everyday driving. If I had to describe it, I I'd say the main effect was that it helped the car settle and recover more quickly after sudden maneuvers.
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In short... YES.
If you don't want to lower you can still replace struts.
I'f your not going to lower I'd reccomend some D-specs or AGX's, front and rear addco swaybars, and front and rear strut tower braces. The adjustable struts will allow you to sort out the car with the bias your car is going to experience when you install the swaybars. better tires will make the biggest difference.
-Chris
IamRascal wrote:. better tires will make the biggest difference.
Ahhhhh tires - I should have mentioned that. I am running 205/40 17 KDW's on a set of SRT-4 rims.
Any suggestions on sizes for sway bars ?
david monteith wrote:IamRascal wrote:. better tires will make the biggest difference.
Ahhhhh tires - I should have mentioned that. I am running 205/40 17 KDW's on a set of SRT-4 rims.
Any suggestions on sizes for sway bars ?
doesn't really matter size since you aren't lowering it and aren't using it for racing (drag/auto-x,etc). i'd pick up a front stock sway bar someone is sellin locally. will suit you just fine. i have to worry about snow as well but i'm lowered. plus there are speed bumps at my office and neighborhood. you just learn to drive appropriately at them. lowering wouldn't affect it that much.
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