Hey guys,almost done replacing the bushings on my friend's 79 GS wich I got from Billy(the full set). I was going to intall the rear sway bar bushings but the set that came in the kit was too small (14.5 mm.)Called the dealer and sure enough 79 came with two sizes 16 mm and 18 mm, we got the 18 mm my question is should I buy the bushings for the 18 mm or replace the sway bar with the 14.5 mm (I have one )? Will the car have better performance with the 18 or 14.5? Just wondering why mazda went with smaller diameter.....Thanks!

 

From what I understand, a lot of 1st gen owners remove the rear sway bar all together. The back end of a 1st gen can be a little unpredictable at times. No sway bar (or at least a smaller sway bar) helps to soften up the back end and allows the suspension work.

 

It will depend on the rest of the suspension. If the car has a tendency to oversteer, then go to the smaller bar or remove it completely. What is the car used for? Does it see any competition? Best be may be to remove the bar, and see how he likes it...



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Thans for the information! I heard about removing the bar (but never done it myself) but it's my friends car and he wants to keep it original. Not sure if the dealer can get the bushings for the 18 mm bar but I'll try.

 

The car was completly taken apart for repaint and restoration, very few performance upgrades (adjustable kony shocks that came with the car,header,ignition upgrade,fuel pump upgrade,ss brake lines and the poly bushings),main used for the car DD. I guest that we can play around trying diferent sway bar setups,I just thoug it was strange to have to swaybar sizes for the 79 SA.