Should I replace the sway bar on my EXT with the one from Touring

[Kokainen]

I test drove both the Touring sedan and the EXT before purchase and end up getting the EXT due to budget. However, I felt that the Touring handling was markedly better, more solid and composed around quick turn than the EXT. A little research indicates that the difference is probably due to the Touring heftier weight at 200lbs, and its beefier sway bar - 26.5mm vs 25.5mm at the front and 17mm vs 16.5mm at the rear. I am thinking of replacing the rear sway bar on my EXT with that of the Touring to improve stiffness therefore more balance less rolling at curve. What do you guys think about it as a quick and economical way to improve handling?

Through further research, I understand that the real impact of sway bar on handling is calculated by taking the sway bar diameter to the power of 4, then taking the difference between the 2 sway bars to arrive at the real impact on stiffness. For example, the Touring rear sway bar diameter at 17mm vs EXT at 16.5mm: (17x17x17x17) - (16.5x16.5x16.5x16.5) = 9,401 or 13% improvement.

Do you think a 13% increase in stiffness of the rear sway bar will improve the handling by reducing understeer? If this topic interests you, let me know what you think!

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[chokesmaster]

In that case you should just go directly buy the progress rear sway bar that came out a few weeks ago. http://www.civicx.com/threads/review-progress-technology-20-5mm-rear-sway-bar.7104/

 

[jeffbatt]

Even relatively small differences in swaybar can make a decent difference. Plus, Honda OEM quality is always a plus.

I'm considering changing the 17mm rear sway on my touring with the 17.7mm from the front wheel drive 2017 CRV but I don't know if it fits yet..

In that case you should just go directly buy the progress rear sway bar that came out a few weeks ago. http://www.civicx.com/threads/review-progress-technology-20-5mm-rear-sway-bar.7104/

 

[Kokainen]

Even relatively small differences in swaybar can make a decent difference. Plus, Honda OEM quality is always a plus.

I'm considering changing the 17mm rear sway on my touring with the 17.7mm from the front wheel drive 2017 CRV but I don't know if it fits yet..

Good idea, but not sure it'll fit since CRV width is 63.5 vs Civic at 61.5 ?? Anyway, if you swap, what will you do with your Touring rear sway bar?

 

[Kokainen]

Through further research, I understand that the real impact of sway bar on handling is calculated by taking the sway bar diameter to the power of 4, then taking the difference between the 2 sway bars to arrive at the real impact on stiffness.

For example, the Progress Sway Bar diameter at 20.5mm vs EXT at 16.5mm:

(20.5x20.5x20.5x20.5) - (16.5x16.5x16.5x16.5) = 102,490 or 138% improvement.

That's more than double improvement on EXT. Any of you who had upgraded can confirm the feeling?

 

[Syntek]

http://www.civicx.com/threads/review-progress-technology-20-5mm-rear-sway-bar.7104/

 

[CivicLX2016]

Does anyone know what size the LX sway bars (front and rear) are?

Also, is the front sway bar an easy install? Do I have to remove an underbody tray to get access there?

Nevermind, specs between the trims really aren't that different:

http://automobiles.honda.com/images/2016/civic-sedan/downloads/2016-civic-sedan-specifications.pdf (see second page)

 

[CivicLX2016]

Is it a good deal for $100 shipped for both front and rear Touring sway bars?

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