Should I remove the factory front sway bar ?

Everett Vassar · 11-05-2009, 12:12 PM

81 Malibu wagon The previous owner was perfectly happy with the set up of this car.I think its a little soft in the back.---But everytime I see that big ole front sway bar,I'm thinking I'd like to get rid of that weight and maybe gain a little front end travel.I've had people tell me not to remove it----just dont know why----

Jim Kaekel · 11-05-2009, 03:39 PM

Everett: If it's a drag only car, take it off; if it sees some street duty, leave it on. Removing it will allow the front end to rise quicker, aiding weight transfer.

W J · 11-05-2009, 08:03 PM

Everett, try removing just the swaybar links and see if it gives you anything you like (60'). Bar itself probably weighs about 20 lbs. (+-)? ...I used to just remove the bar links on both my '99 and '02 Camaros when I went to the track and re-connect when they saw limited street time. It def. helped my 60' times. Best wishes....WJ

budgetracer · 11-05-2009, 08:35 PM

I did on my 79 Malibu wagon and saw NO difference.

Everett Vassar · 11-06-2009, 01:35 PM

Thanks guys-- If I can work it in to my winter budget,Going to get rid of the heavy front bumper and bumper shocks for a plastic one.How would I mount the plastic front bumper Do they make a mount?
Also-- Its really a Buick Century But I think the bumper is same as Malibu.

11-05-2009, 12:12 PM	#1
Everett Vassar Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Kennedale,Tx Posts: 227 Likes: 0 Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Should I remove the factory front sway bar ? 81 Malibu wagon The previous owner was perfectly happy with the set up of this car.I think its a little soft in the back.---But everytime I see that big ole front sway bar,I'm thinking I'd like to get rid of that weight and maybe gain a little front end travel.I've had people tell me not to remove it----just dont know why----

11-05-2009, 03:39 PM	#2
Jim Kaekel VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,226 Likes: 133 Liked 529 Times in 107 Posts	Re: Should I remove the factory front sway bar ? Everett: If it's a drag only car, take it off; if it sees some street duty, leave it on. Removing it will allow the front end to rise quicker, aiding weight transfer. __________________ Jim Kaekel 3836 STK Last edited by Jim Kaekel; 11-05-2009 at 03:47 PM.

11-05-2009, 08:03 PM	#3
W J Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Paxton, Massachusetts Posts: 638 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Should I remove the factory front sway bar ? Everett, try removing just the swaybar links and see if it gives you anything you like (60'). Bar itself probably weighs about 20 lbs. (+-)? ...I used to just remove the bar links on both my '99 and '02 Camaros when I went to the track and re-connect when they saw limited street time. It def. helped my 60' times. Best wishes....WJ

11-05-2009, 08:35 PM	#4
budgetracer Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 30 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Should I remove the factory front sway bar ? I did on my 79 Malibu wagon and saw NO difference.

11-06-2009, 01:35 PM	#5
Everett Vassar Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Kennedale,Tx Posts: 227 Likes: 0 Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Should I remove the factory front sway bar ? Thanks guys-- If I can work it in to my winter budget,Going to get rid of the heavy front bumper and bumper shocks for a plastic one.How would I mount the plastic front bumper Do they make a mount? Also-- Its really a Buick Century But I think the bumper is same as Malibu.