The size of the RT andRon bar are similar, but it's not the size it's the type of material that makes it perform.
You are correct. The space provided for the sway bar on a Spyder is limited. The RT Bar is about as big as you can go and still be able to install it easily. Fortunately, we are not stuck with diameter alone when determining sway bar stiffness. Using the right materials. You can actually get a stiffer sway bar with a smaller diameter, depending on the materials used.
There is a 3rd aspect of a sway bar that affects stiffness. But it doesn't really come into play with the 2013+ models.
Diameter is only 1 aspect of overall strength and function of a sway bar. In fact, my 2008-2012 GS/RS/RSS bar is the same diameter as stock. You just can't go by diameter alone. I even had one customer return this particular bar kit without even trying it. He said it would be ridiculous to install an identical bar. And, if you go by looks alone, it is identical to the stock bar on the early RS models. I was not able to convince him that diameter is not an accurate way to estimate strength. You would have to know the metallurgy (or do a physical test) to determine strength differences.
There are several spring steel compounds, from relatively weak to very strong. Most sway bars are made with weak spring steel. The weaker steel is much easier to bend and drill. And because you usually have no space limitations with most applications, you just go bigger with the less expensive steel compound. This is what I would do if I could get the needed stiffness and still have a bar small enough to install easily. My fabricator actually ended up buying a much bigger press to be able to bend my bars.
My sway bars are made with spring steel which is just 1 step down from the strongest bar stock. We tried the stiffest one, but it was so stiff that bending it disrupted the molecular bond at the bend. This would cause the bar to fail, eventually. I still tested this bar compound and found it too stiff anyway. A too stiff sway bar is not safe.
A sway bar is a very simple, yet complicated suspension component. Which, unfortunately, makes for some misconceptions.
) back and read over to make sure things are correct. Just because a word isn't misspelled, doesn't mean it it used correctly. Thanks Again:thumbup:
