Two days ago I had a Whiteline BSR49XZ 22mm rear sway bar installed (set to the soft - 21mm - setting) on my 3.6R + #23 with Michelin XIce3 snow tires on the Subaru wheels. I had a mechanic install it because (1) I'm over 70 and don't like crawling around on the floor; and (2) I live in Rhode Island and its *still* snowing and my garage isn't heated. They (Elite Auto Repair) did a good job, installing the bar on a lift (where I took the pictures below) and moving it to their alignment bay to tighten the bolts with the car level and the weight settled on the wheels.
I was particularly impressed with the bracing bars, which help the sway bar to work without mounting flex and probably slightly reduce chassis flex. Below, after a couple of pictures (where the light color helps it show) I'll post my impressions, which I'll edit as (if?) I have more.
From left rear of car looking forward.
From right rear of car looking forward.
Impressions:
(1) It feels more stable, similar to the difference after installing good shocks replacing worn shocks; tighter, better attached to the road. Slightly firmer ride but still comfortable; I wouldn't have noticed the ride change if I hadn't been looking for it.
(2) In a long damp sweeper, accelerating gently (there was a car ahead of me), the steering was lighter and the "plowing" sensation was gone. On subsequent days, on other turns, the same sensation is evident: Flatter cornering (duh!) and both ends of the car working equally leading to the lighter steering.
I had planned a 20mm rsb, but the shipping delay plus GTeaser's comments plus the heavier front end in the 3.6R and its immediate availability led me to the change. I'm very glad I did it; it's like my first sports car (MGA) and my totally rebuilt 2002 -- I'm looking forward to curves again.
