No swaybar?

[Wernd]

Anybody not running swaybars at all? I've never run a rear one on my E46s I've tracked but now the M3 is getting the Bimmerworld d splitter and it won't fit with the ground control front swaybar. I've talked with bimmerworld about not running a bar and they recommended at a minimum my spring rates would need to increase by 100lbs. I'm currently running 750 front 900 rear on MCS 3 ways. I'm just curious if anyone has any experience with a barless setup? Ordering the bimmerworld front swaybar is an option however I'm currently leaning towards going without a front bar. I'm going to tack the car in a month without a bar at NCM and then have another discussion with Bimmerworld.

[bigjae46]

Which splitter is that? I’ve never considered the sway bar getting in the way.

I run no rear bar and I didn’t change spring rates. Also didn’t change spring rates much with aero. I increased the front spring rate by 50lbs to reduce splitter scraping.

Let me know if you plan to sell your GC front sway bar.

[Wernd]

The bimmerworld front splitter that's always out of stock, so I don't think they've sold many of them. I was shocked they didn't warn me before purchase

Will do on the swaybar.

[bigjae46]

Is it the flat one? What interferes with the splitter? Does the GC bar hang down lower or something?

[fourmula1]

I'm sure there are many ways to build a fast car beyond my comprehension, but the path of altering setup and removing the front sway to fit a splitter does not make much sense. These cars can accommodate some serious splitters and retain sway bars. Find a bar that fits before even thinking of going with stiffer springs.

[Wernd]

Is it the flat one? What interferes with the splitter? Does the GC bar hang down lower or something?

It is round and it hangs down lower than stock

[Wernd]

Find a bar that fits before even thinking of going with stiffer springs.

Why?

[fourmula1]

What are your current spring rates? BW pushes a pretty standard stiff setup and lot of the fast driver/builders run way softer rates. I cant pretend to be able to explain much more than what I feel and what I see others running.

[Wernd]

750 front 900 rear

This is the point that you're now going to tell me that's too high. And even with the swaybar I knew those spring rates were too low and needed to be stiffer

[bigjae46]

It is round and it hangs down lower than stock

And it interferes with a flat splitter? Or with the mounting brackets?

Shaik from Fat Cat Motorsports did an experiment on a miata with no sway bars. That might give you some insight.

I think only the OE front bar is adequate. My opinion here, E46s are faster when they are neutral. What most people think is neutral actually understeers. What I care about is getting on the gas earlier and earlier. My car runs away just about every car coming out of a slow or medium speed turn for the first 1/4 mile, even 600+ HP cars. It takes a solid 1/2 mile for them to start gaining on me. The only cars that have run me down have been radicals and GT3s/GT4s on Hoosiers at COTA. Oh and a Formula 2 Ferrari car.

The key is no understeer. So I think an OEM bar works better if you're willing to deal with a little less rear stability.

[Wernd]

Yes the bar hangs too low for a flat splitter. If you look at the stock belly tray it actually swoops down from the front bumper.

I'll try to find that miata thanks!

I'm simply looking to control the yaw angle of the car with the throttle after apex. I'm hoping the splitter gives me enough front grip to make the car "neutral" which when power is applied to the rear tires will make the car "loose" on exit as those tires will then be trying to corner AND accelerate

[CrookedCommie]

No front sway bar is a new one, why not ask Bimmerworld what they recommend in order for you to fit the splitter with the current sway bar?

[Wernd]

No front sway bar is a new one, why not ask Bimmerworld what they recommend in order for you to fit the splitter with the current sway bar?

I did ask that and it requires me cutting the splitter basically in half. Which is a no go, hell I wish the splitter was deeper than it is, lol. It sounds like it's the bimmerworld bar or no bar

[CrookedCommie]

I did ask that and it requires me cutting the splitter basically in half. Which is a no go, hell I wish the splitter was deeper than it is, lol. It sounds like it's the bimmerworld bar or no bar

Is there a way to mount the splitter lower? Interested in a solution because I have a GC front sway I'm trying to use with an Artisan Research front splitter, and didn't realize this could be an issue. I snagged a cheapo front "CF" lip to seal the gap between the bumper and splitter but haven't mocked anything up yet.

[fourmula1]

Is there a way to mount the splitter lower? Interested in a solution because I have a GC front sway I'm trying to use with an Artisan Research front splitter, and didn't realize this could be an issue. I snagged a cheapo front "CF" lip to seal the gap between the bumper and splitter but haven't mocked anything up yet.

Depending on your ride height, if the splitter is much lower than that aluminum reinforcement plate, it is going to be really low especially if you try to get a few degrees of AoA. Which might be a positive thing if the aero works? You'll need scuff blocks and really good support.

I just think removing the sway bar in order to fit front aero is a compromise. You can retain sway bar and run a massive splitter or flat floor if you want to.