Front sway bar

[reconscout]

I took my front sway bar off about 10 years ago and since have misplaced it. The last time I took the car to the track it seemed to be a little unstable pretty much all after the 1/8th mile. I'm considering getting another one and want to know what other people are running on your cars. I've seen a couple part numbers floating around on different threads but would like to see how things are working out for everyone. There are a few of you out there have had several models and wanted to see what your impressions were. Thanks for your time.

[cjbiagi]

Best part to run in my opinion is the large factory 1 1/8 inch front sway barcombined with a three-quarter inch or seven eights inch rear sway bar

[reconscout]

Thanks. I'll keep my eye out for one, maybe use adco part number.

[cjbiagi]

Addco bars are good too if you can find them, not sure if they are still selling them for H bodies? The front 1 1/8" bar is a little hard to find but would be my suggestion. Many V8 Monza's came with 1 1/16" front bars, a good second choice if that's all you can find but when it comes to sway bars a small difference in diameter makes a big difference in stiffness. Using poly frame mount bushings and end links will also make the bar react quicker.

[Smiley]

You should have the front suspension checked and the alignment done after any suspect parts are replaced.
A 40 year old V8 Vega can have frame spread and worn ball joints/tierods that can change the alignment and reduce stability.
Lack of a front sway bar alone should not cause issues for an drag car.

[cosvega76]

I agree with Smiley. A sway bar won't improve straight-line stability, check for worn suspension/steering parts, or loose front wheel bearings.


Chuck

[cammerjeff]

I should still have a factory 1 1/16" front bar left, but it may be a 1" bar.

I also would check for toe out on the front end, also adding a bar will limit the front suspension Rise when you launch and if it is a 1/4 or 1/8 mile only car its not really needed, and may effect your traction about 10 to 20 feet out.

[reconscout]

If I could recall, the track in El paso was a little rough towards the end, but I think they put some work into it since I moved. But it was a little dicey feeling. Everyone's concern for alignment and worn out suspension parts are 100% warranted. I'd like to set it up to let my son drive around before he gets his license, with in the year or so. I'm not sure how much he'd drive it since there's no heat or ac, but since I know I'm missing the hard part I'll put up a post in the wtb and see what's available.

[Monza Harry]

When I was sixteen I would have driven it without windows and heat, and I was almost thirty before I owned a car with air. I am willing to bet if he has any interest in wheels those factors won't slow him down a bit. A rear bar will help with launch as someone else noted, [Cammerjeff I believe] but a front will do little on a straight away from my personal experience. Harry