bondjamesbond

I want to improve the cornering and handling of my 97 A4 (it has the 2.8). I dont drive it hard so dont need to go overboard; I just want some improvement in these areas. Everything I've read seems to indicate that a thicker front and rear sway bar is a cost effective way to achieve this (and sounds like something I can do myself). So my questions are, what are some sway bars you've installed on your cars that have done a good job of improving cornering and handling, what was the cost, and where did you get them? I'm not interested in the real thick bars that could cause some suspension damage and I want to retain the current ride quality as much as possible. Also, I'd prefer to hear from those of you that have some aftermarket sway bars installed rather than a theoretical discussion. Thanks.

SMOKINA4TURBO

Go 19mm...I got 22mm and damn is it stiff. You can really feel the road irregularities.

DustysA4

I have/had the 22mm. I took it off because it does it's job too well for city driving if there are bad roads. I also had it combined with some semi-racing coilovers so maybe that was part of it too.

Anyway, I'd go with the 19mm on soft for everyday driving. It can always be switched to hard fairly easily. The install is no problem at all and you will notice a difference, especially if your going from the non-sport swaybar.

bondjamesbond

The prices look good, but they were lower than what their website shows.

DustysA4

Whoa, I just checked and their prices suck now! Okay, down with the racesearch idea. It was good while it lasted. I guess SPP has the best prices now, or maybe carparts.com with a coupon. Again, sorry for the false info.

DaveW

Best price: carparts.com w/ 20% off coupon.

JayP

Watch out- check the archives for people who installed stiffer rear bars and tore the subframe.

bondjamesbond

Hey, thanks for the info. Ordered the sway bars yesterday, saved around $50. Ordered the 19mm for the rears, the 29mm for the fronts; total, including delivery, was around $300. Will let you know how much of a cornering difference it makes.