Ken and Nick - Would You Please Provide Feedback?

FT@SGP · 03-02-2004, 06:19 AM

A NASIOC vendor, Dynamispeed, has posted a potential safety issue they claim to have identified with the Cusco's adjustable rear anti-roll bar when used on the STi.

(sorry for the cross-post, but I thought this is important to follow up)
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...hreadid=512862

We are using the Cusco bar on our STi, have not noticed an issue as of yet. But I also wanted to check with Ken and Nick, whom I know are also using the Cusco bar to see if they have had any issue with it.

I would appreciate if you can provide some feedback or mention anything that is relevant on this issue.

Thank you.

elucas730 · 03-02-2004, 07:59 AM

Could this be a problem with other sway bars or is there something in the Cusco design that leads to the problem?

FT@SGP · 03-02-2004, 08:07 AM

Well, the initial information that I am getting is that those guys don't really know what they are talking about, lol.

Pretty much all the sources I am checking with including Cusco, say that is just not possible unless you really screw up the installation and don't use the right bushings, under-torque the mounting bracket, or some other weird scenario. But, I am still pursuing it to see what comes out at the end.

At this time, there is nothing to worry about, and it certainly does not seem to be a "design" issue as there are only so many ways you can design a OEM replacement bar and that is the exact shape of the OEM bar

elucas730 · 03-02-2004, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FT@SGP

At this time, there is nothing to worry about, and it certainly does not seem to be a "design" issue as there are only so many ways you can design a OEM replacement bar and that is the exact shape of the OEM bar

That's what I was thinking. While we are on the subject (sort of), what would be gained by replacing the endlinks when installing an aftermarket sway bar such as the Cusco? Is it needed or worth it?

FT@SGP · 03-02-2004, 08:39 AM

Stronger endlinks with spherical bearing would minimize "compliance", which in turn get more efficiency out of the A/R bar and allow better initialization of the spring loads under hard steady state cornering, and increase end-link durability for solid ones. the down side is increased clunking, other noises and harshness, and maintenance as bearings need to be greased regularly.

Is it worth it? Not in my opinion for the STi, given the down sides; unless you are preparing track/auto-x car.

FT@SGP · 03-02-2004, 09:28 AM

Well, there is some more information that I am finding out as we keep monitoring the situation:

More information is better than not having it, but nothing to panic or worry about it at this time in my opinion. Our STi is in the body shop at this time until Friday, so I cannot test it myself.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...p&pagenumber=1

***sciolist*** · 03-02-2004, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Our STi is in the body shop at this time until Friday, so I cannot test it myself.

Uh oh.

FT@SGP · 03-02-2004, 10:23 AM

LOL. We know that we can fit pegions in our oversized hood scoop; so in-line with our general testing policies we wanted to see what else we could fit. Following our step-by-step approach we finally reached a point in which we determined, with careful data logging in the mean time of course, that a deer does not fit

The deer damaged the hood and ripped off the scoop, and now the shop is trying to rush the paint job and all for us to make it to VIR

Hummer · 03-02-2004, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FT@SGP

We are using the Cusco bar on our STi, have not noticed an issue as of yet

Have you or do you use the 24mm?

FT@SGP · 03-02-2004, 10:30 AM

24mm.

I have an initial "clunk" when first loading the rear (like when I first start to accellareate from a start, for example from a red light, just gentel). I think that is due to the end-link hitting the lateral link initially. But what I cannot figure out is that if that the case then how was it possible that the stock one was not doing the same thing.

Mey be then, it is the edge of the A/R bar that is hitting the lateral link. In that case if I put it to the middle position or the lightest position, the clunk should disapear. Darn that I cannot test this *right NOW* lol, that is killing me, not finding the answer

Any way, while preparing the car for VIR on Friday, I'll see about it. but the earliest I can report back will be Monday after VIR.

Also, I am checking with Cobb to see if they have experienced something similar. It is just a curious issue; something don't make sense, and somethings do.

***sciolist*** · 03-02-2004, 10:43 AM

Quote:

a deer does not fit

Well, true to form, your level of experimentation exceeds mine. Unlike the suspension mod's, I have no immediate plans to follow you into this area.

It's ironic with all the deer we have running around out here that my lone such encounter was in WVa. I wasn't driving, just sitting in suicide seat eating a bowl of soup as we approached ground zero at 60 mph. Coulda done without that one.

Hope you get it sorted out in time.

03-02-2004, 01:55 PM

Haha, I thought you were kidding in that other thread about hitting a deer! I keep forgetting that deer in the South are little bambi sized and don't automatically mean 'your car is totaled' like they do in the midwest,

HeyDan · 03-02-2004, 04:50 PM

Thanks for the heads-up.

RiX · 03-02-2004, 06:08 PM

Thanks, indeed. Hopefully, Cusco's right about what they said.

FT@SGP · 03-02-2004, 06:11 PM

Still searching and asking different people to get multiple perspectives. I am not concerned at this time, but worth keeping an eye on the issue.

03-02-2004, 06:19 AM	#1
FT@SGP Spec C Club Location: Become a sponsoring vendor Posts: 1,038 Join Date: Jun 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	A NASIOC vendor, Dynamispeed, has posted a potential safety issue they claim to have identified with the Cusco's adjustable rear anti-roll bar when used on the STi. (sorry for the cross-post, but I thought this is important to follow up) http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...hreadid=512862 We are using the Cusco bar on our STi, have not noticed an issue as of yet. But I also wanted to check with Ken and Nick, whom I know are also using the Cusco bar to see if they have had any issue with it. I would appreciate if you can provide some feedback or mention anything that is relevant on this issue. Thank you. This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

03-02-2004, 07:59 AM	#2
elucas730 Senior STI Driver Car: 04 Subaru WRX STi Location: Apalachin, NY Posts: 352 Join Date: Sep 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	STi-branded wheels Could this be a problem with other sway bars or is there something in the Cusco design that leads to the problem?

03-02-2004, 08:39 AM	#5
FT@SGP Spec C Club Location: Become a sponsoring vendor Posts: 1,038 Join Date: Jun 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	Z3 today :) Stronger endlinks with spherical bearing would minimize "compliance", which in turn get more efficiency out of the A/R bar and allow better initialization of the spring loads under hard steady state cornering, and increase end-link durability for solid ones. the down side is increased clunking, other noises and harshness, and maintenance as bearings need to be greased regularly. Is it worth it? Not in my opinion for the STi, given the down sides; unless you are preparing track/auto-x car.

03-02-2004, 10:23 AM	#8
FT@SGP Spec C Club Location: Become a sponsoring vendor Posts: 1,038 Join Date: Jun 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	Angeles Crest Highway - Canyon Run Pictures LOL. We know that we can fit pegions in our oversized hood scoop; so in-line with our general testing policies we wanted to see what else we could fit. Following our step-by-step approach we finally reached a point in which we determined, with careful data logging in the mean time of course, that a deer does not fit The deer damaged the hood and ripped off the scoop, and now the shop is trying to rush the paint job and all for us to make it to VIR

03-02-2004, 10:30 AM	#10
FT@SGP Spec C Club Location: Become a sponsoring vendor Posts: 1,038 Join Date: Jun 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Ken and Nick - Would You Please Provide Feedback? 24mm. I have an initial "clunk" when first loading the rear (like when I first start to accellareate from a start, for example from a red light, just gentel). I think that is due to the end-link hitting the lateral link initially. But what I cannot figure out is that if that the case then how was it possible that the stock one was not doing the same thing. Mey be then, it is the edge of the A/R bar that is hitting the lateral link. In that case if I put it to the middle position or the lightest position, the clunk should disapear. Darn that I cannot test this right NOW lol, that is killing me, not finding the answer Any way, while preparing the car for VIR on Friday, I'll see about it. but the earliest I can report back will be Monday after VIR. Also, I am checking with Cobb to see if they have experienced something similar. It is just a curious issue; something don't make sense, and somethings do.

03-02-2004, 08:07 AM	#3
FT@SGP Spec C Club Location: Become a sponsoring vendor Posts: 1,038 Join Date: Jun 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	Well, the initial information that I am getting is that those guys don't really know what they are talking about, lol. Pretty much all the sources I am checking with including Cusco, say that is just not possible unless you really screw up the installation and don't use the right bushings, under-torque the mounting bracket, or some other weird scenario. But, I am still pursuing it to see what comes out at the end. At this time, there is nothing to worry about, and it certainly does not seem to be a "design" issue as there are only so many ways you can design a OEM replacement bar and that is the exact shape of the OEM bar

03-02-2004, 09:28 AM	#6
FT@SGP Spec C Club Location: Become a sponsoring vendor Posts: 1,038 Join Date: Jun 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	Well, there is some more information that I am finding out as we keep monitoring the situation: More information is better than not having it, but nothing to panic or worry about it at this time in my opinion. Our STi is in the body shop at this time until Friday, so I cannot test it myself. http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...p&pagenumber=1

03-02-2004, 01:55 PM	#12
mistkerl Posts: n/a	Haha, I thought you were kidding in that other thread about hitting a deer! I keep forgetting that deer in the South are little bambi sized and don't automatically mean 'your car is totaled' like they do in the midwest,

03-02-2004, 04:50 PM	#13
HeyDan Senior STI Driver Location: PA Posts: 349 Join Date: Jun 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	Thanks for the heads-up.

03-02-2004, 06:08 PM	#14
RiX Professional STI Driver Car: Driving Fav Mod: Driving school... GT35R :) Location: In my STi Posts: 455 Join Date: Apr 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: XX Tuning Header Thanks, indeed. Hopefully, Cusco's right about what they said.

03-02-2004, 06:11 PM	#15
FT@SGP Spec C Club Location: Become a sponsoring vendor Posts: 1,038 Join Date: Jun 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	Still searching and asking different people to get multiple perspectives. I am not concerned at this time, but worth keeping an eye on the issue. This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.