MazdaSpeed Rear Sway Bar
September-13th-2007, 12:27 PM
#1
Spam Czar!!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa
Posts: 2,315
MazdaSpeed Rear Sway Bar
Can anyone tell me how much difference there is between the stock P5 swaybar and the MazdaSpeed (red Racing Beat) rear sway bars? I have a chance to pick one up for $80+shipping and I dont think it's a bad deal .. but I dunno if it worth spending money on. Is it significantly better or about the same as the P5 one?
Also, if I decide to buy it do I need new bushings or can I reuse the stock ones? Thanks d00ds.
Also, if I decide to buy it do I need new bushings or can I reuse the stock ones? Thanks d00ds.
September-13th-2007, 12:39 PM
#2
Clean-Up Crew
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Pleasure Point, Ca.
Posts: 2,360
It's thicker, red and says Racing Beat on it. 
To install it RIGHT, you'll also need the subframe from an MSP (at least that's how the "kit" comes from if you buy it from the dealer)...Roy got one and I helped him install it.
You can install it just fine on your P5 subframe, but you may need new brackets, because the RB bar is a little beefier. No biggie, though, and it'll make a ton of difference in handling. Just install it like you would an AWR bar.
To install it RIGHT, you'll also need the subframe from an MSP (at least that's how the "kit" comes from if you buy it from the dealer)...Roy got one and I helped him install it.
You can install it just fine on your P5 subframe, but you may need new brackets, because the RB bar is a little beefier. No biggie, though, and it'll make a ton of difference in handling. Just install it like you would an AWR bar.
September-13th-2007, 12:42 PM
#3
Banned
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Central New York
Posts: 1,241
to properly install the mazdaspeed rear sway, you have two options: (1) get the mazdaspeed rear subframe, (2) get the clunk-fix kit. even with the right brackets, it won't bolt up correctly to the protege5 rear subframe.
September-13th-2007, 01:42 PM
#6
Banned
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Central New York
Posts: 1,241
if you get the clunk fix kit, its worth it.
the mazdaspeed sway brackets are larger (much larger) than the protege5 brackets, and are too big to fit where the stock bracket bolt up. you COULD bore out your stock bushings to fit the mazdaspeed bar. then you could just reuse your stock brackets.
the mazdaspeed sway brackets are larger (much larger) than the protege5 brackets, and are too big to fit where the stock bracket bolt up. you COULD bore out your stock bushings to fit the mazdaspeed bar. then you could just reuse your stock brackets.
September-13th-2007, 01:45 PM
#7
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Rockland, Maryville
Posts: 837
I don't think aMaff even bothered boring them out, just forced them over the MSP bar and used the stock brackets. To my knowledge he hasn't had any issues.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not crapping on the AXR setup. It rocks.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not crapping on the AXR setup. It rocks.
September-13th-2007, 02:12 PM
#10
Scooty Puff Sr.: The Doombringer
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lawrenceville, Ga
Posts: 642
And boy you can ride it! lol. Totally transformed the car, my favorite mod yet.
September-13th-2007, 02:17 PM
#11
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Rockland, Maryville
Posts: 837
No clunky?
Also, I'm still wary of using it with the stock front bar. Mine's a daily driver, even in winter, not a track car. I don't want that **** coming around too easily. I want to work for it.
Also, I'm still wary of using it with the stock front bar. Mine's a daily driver, even in winter, not a track car. I don't want that **** coming around too easily. I want to work for it.
September-13th-2007, 02:18 PM
#12
Scooty Puff Sr.: The Doombringer
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lawrenceville, Ga
Posts: 642
I really don't think you need to worry about it. It's not crazy oversteery, instead w/ the stock bar it's very neutral.