alex

first off, is it worth getting the anti-roll bars from Mazdaspeed? considering the comments about the rx8 body roll? And, is installing the roll bars easy? Meaning, no drilling, no air tools, etc. required to do the install?

Also, I was never sure about this (sorry in advance for my lack of knowledge) but is it required/recommended to upgrade the springs and shocks before installing anti-roll bars? So, I just want to reduce roll, I sort of like taking turns a bit hard, I would like to ride to feel stable.

alex

Hercules

How bout you get the car first and see how bad the roll is.

I don't think they would be a difficult install though.

alex

you're right, I'm just getting soooo edgy waiting and getting VINs and my dealer actually calling me now, like he's my new friend. So, signs are definitely pointing in the right direction. I am getting the new owner jitters and probably have too much time to think about things.

alex

tpryor

Assuming you get the car and decide that it rolls a bit too much for your tastes, but rides OK, then buy the bars. You can go back through this forum and find pictures of the bars and their attachment points (in some of the pics from Laguna Seca with the open chassis).

Sway bars (anti-roll bars) only affect the car when it's turning. In a straight line (cruising), the stock springs and shock damping are the only things having an effect on the ride, but as soon as you come off of straight and level, the added rigidity of the bar comes into play and tries to keep the car more level.

So, as you can see, there would not be any reason that you would need to change springs in order to enjoy the advantages of the bigger bar(s).

AND, judging by the bar placement and attachment in those pictures, it looks like it will be VERY easy to change them over.

In this picture, you can see the front one and how it's attached. VERY similar to the Miata, which is no problem at all to change.

Hope this helps........

Sputnik

Whoa Tim, take another look at the location of the swaybar.

Swaybars themselves are normally relatively easy to change, 6 bolts. But in some cars, it can be very difficult to get to the swaybar itself. In this case, look at the front swaybar. It is above the steering rack, making it very difficult to get to from below the car.

---jps

tpryor

I did notice that, but it's at the narrow (booted) end of the rack at each end.

I would suspect it will be easily reached from under the car, coming up from the wheel well arch at each side. Maybe not - but you can bet we'll find out as this will be one of the first things I investigate when the car arrives........

Whoever gets their's first should let us all know........

adrian-1

I received my front and rear mazdaspeed sway bars yesterday. Installed the rear bar already, but I've ran into some problems getting the front out. Can anyone that done this, help me out.

I've got the radiator bolts out as per Mazda's instructions and removed the brackets and the 2 bolts where it connects. Can't seem to wedge the bar through the bottom. It's free and hanging loose right now.

Do you have to remove the wheels and take it out thru the side or remove the plastic on the bottom and remove it thru there.

Here's a picture I found, I would guess it's thru the bottom. I'll get at it again tommorrow morning. Anyone done this before?
thanks,
Adrian

adrian-1

Here's the install instructions I have. Basically remove in the order numbered, but it doesn't say anything about how to get the bar out , once it's loose.

adrian-1

Anybody have any new info? Please reply to my post here. I've got the bar loose but can't get it out. I'll try again in the morning.

wakeech

how about some pictures from under the car itself?? did you put it up on ramps or jackstands?? taken off the wheels?? the brakes?? wait, read your post again and asked if you should... y'know, if it was me and it was my first time, i'd unbolt everything i could think of if i was stuck like that.

i don't think that removing the "plastic thingy" under the front of the car will help you too much without pulling the whole radiator...?? (reminder: doesn't own an RX-8, nor has even looked at the underside of one for several months now)

btw, thanks for searching i think that merging these threads will keep all relevant info in one place.

adrian-1

Got the front sway bar in, thanks to those who PM'ed me.
I was thinking of taking everything off but I didn't want to do extra work. Took a few pics. I used jackstands and removed the wheels. You DO have to remove the plastic underguard, just the middle section, but it's got alot of screws and wires snapped into it.
I didn't have to remove the tie rod end bolt (number 3 in the picture) , it would have made it easier but I was able to manuever the bar out with some patience.

Pic 1 shows the plastic undercover out, alot of plastic screws and a few hidden ones.
Pic 2 shows 2 wires snapped into the plastic. Just pop them out, theres about 6 total to remove.
Pic's 3 and 4 just show how much clearance you have to work with.
Pic 5, pulling the radiator out alittle should give you just enough room to remove the bar. Install in reverse order and use the torque specs found on the install sheet about.

takahashi

To the first question of wheather it is worth while to get the MazdaSpeed parts.

It does not make any different to what you have? But I defend my choice with the insurance purpose that I don't have to tell them about the mod - see they have MAZDA on the bar and it is the same shape as stock. Only in silver not black..

Any guess work, it work like magic

310Guy

Great product but yes, the front was a pain to get changed. I had a shop help me and was away from my car when they did it. However, the tech said it was a "pain in the ***," more than he thought it would be. I believe they disconnected some of the front strut assembly to help...

spank1

take the wheels off the bottom plastic off the two metal brackets off the end links off
snake the bar out the drivers side I used an impact to get nuts off end links it helps
having two people