DIY Network

S2000 Racing Upgrades: Installing A Stabilizer Bar Autocross Racing Enhancements, Part 3 of 3 From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-309

Adding a stabilizer bar will improve handling and performance under hard steering.

In this final segment, Andrew completes the upgrades by installing a front stabilizer bar. This bar is a handling upgrade and will reduce body roll so the car stays "flat" in the corners.

Materials/Tools:

adjustable front stabilizer bar
jack stands and wheel chocks
standard shop tools
pipe thread tape

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	Figure A
	Figure B

Stabilizer Basics

A stabilizer bar (figure A) connects the left and right suspension components. In that way centrifugal cornering force is distributed, which reduces body roll so the car stays flat in the corners (figure B). On a street car you need a bar with some flex to provide a cushy ride, but on the track a stiffer bar has benefits. In a rear-wheel drive car like the S2000, a stiffer bar will keep the drive wheels planted so the driver can get on the gas as he’s exiting a corner--rather than having to wait for the weight to shift back for good traction.

The installation is pretty simple, but it first requires raising the car up on jack stands and removing the front wheels.

Installing the Stabilizer Bars

• Raise the car up and secure it on jack stands. Remove the front wheels. On the S2000, you'll also have to remove the lower plastic cover to access the factory bar.

• Once it's removed, move to the front wheel wells and disconnect the stabilizer links from the factory bar on both sides by holding the locking nuts steady with an open-end wrench while you turn the joint pins with a hex-bit socket (figures C and D).

• Next, remove the bolts and bushing holders from both sides. Carefully lower the bar and remove it from the car.

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

• Before you install the stiffer bar, wrap it with pipe thread tape where it will make contact with the bushings to prevent squeaks (figure E).

• Install the bar with the upgraded mounts and bushings (figure F), and be sure to torque the mounting bolts down to 89 foot-pounds.

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

  Figure G

• Back in the wheel well, install the stabilizer links to the bar with the joint pins in the center of their travel range (figure G).

• After the stabilizer links are tightened down, replace the access panel, remount the wheel, and lower the car off the jack stands.
  

The Bottom Line:

4-point roll bar $850
Racing harnesses $200
Stabilizer bar $225

Total = $1285

Important: Included in this summary are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular car or truck, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of upgrade-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

RESOURCES :

Racing Innovations, Inc.
We apologize no contact information is available.

Comptech
www.comptech.com