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View Full Version : Neuspeed front sway clears Jackson Racing race header



cpu519
04-24-2004, 12:49 PM
Some who have installed the Jackson Racing race header didn't have any problems, but some have had clearance problems with the front sway bar. My header rubbed the stock 25mm sway, RSX owners also have had problems with their 23mm front sway bar rubbing. It seems there are some manufacturing quality issues with the JR header that cause some to have less clearance, one batch even had the head flange welded upside down. I couldn't even start the engine without the header banging away at the sway, and I didn't want to put on again the Type S exhaust that I used originally with my engine swap. What I did temporarily was mod some 25mm Energy Suspension sway bar mounts to increase the clearance with the stock sway bar until I could either find another swaybar with more clearance or have one custom made.

I first machined the urethane bushings to raise the bar up, the bushing was thinned on its flat side. Then I machined an offset so it sits further back in the sway bar mount groove in the subframe. I was able to raise it 1/8" and move it rearward 3/16", every little bit helped.

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMzY3MzcxNnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg


Then I rebent the mount bracket to fit. It looks ghetto but got me on the road with my header.

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMzY3MzcyNnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg


Here are a couple of shots that show the offset:

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMzY3NTIwNnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMzY3NTIxNnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg

cpu519
04-24-2004, 12:53 PM
Here's the clearance I ended up with, a whopping 1/8"! Under normal driving there was no rubbing. But popping the clutch in reverse, hard downshifts with no rev matching (both unusual situations) and backing quickly off the accelerator from very high revs, those situations made it rub because the engine was being rocked in the opposite direction. I tried ES motormounts for a while, they actually lessened the clearance but prevented the engine from rocking so they solved the rubbing. But the vibes annoyed me so out they went.

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMzY3MzczNnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMzY3Mzc0NnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMzY3Mzc1NnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMzY3MzgxNnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg

cpu519
04-24-2004, 01:02 PM
After checking with Progress, Neuspeed, Hotchkis, Toda, and some custom manufacturers, I settled on the Neuspeed front sway bar. I didn't receive a reply from anyone except Toda. I had to check with a dealer who then got me in contact with Neuspeed to get info about their bar. The Progress does not have any extra clearance. The Hotchkis might, but it is 25mm and hollow just like the stock bar - no change. The Toda definitely has more clearance, but it costs $250 or so. Neuspeed was very helpful and provided me some measurements of the inside of the hump, that helped me decide. Here are shots of the stock and Neuspeed bars. I couldn't lay them directly on top of each other because of the bends, but the Neuspeed has less horizontal clearance (not a problem with the Jackson) and more vertical clearance at the top right corner - right where I needed it.

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMzY3MzgyNnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMzY3MzgzNnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg

cpu519
04-24-2004, 01:28 PM
Here's the clearance after the Neuspeed was installed, 9/16" and no rubbing whatsoever. Handling improved quite a bit too, less front end roll. I've got the Progress springs and rear sway, good combo.

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMzY3Mzg0NnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMzY3Mzg1NnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE%3D.jpg

I'm very satified with this bar, it was less expensive than the Toda or a custom bar (about $240 for a custom bar), cost was $135. I don't see myself purchasing another header like the Toda, Comptech, or whatever else might come out so I don't think I'll need to change this bar. I originally wanted the Progress front bar for more stiffness (27mm solid vs. 27mm hollow for the Neuspeed), but I'll eventually get Tein Flex, JICs, or some other coilover when my struts wear out, those will provide more roll stiffness. :D

Rodney

!@#$%
04-24-2004, 04:27 PM
I just wish that I had your engine.

Good detective work on the clearance issues. :D

bioevolve
04-24-2004, 07:02 PM
Good info! My JR Race header will hopefully be in by next weekend. I have the ST (Suspension Technics) 00-01 sway bar kit on my car.I have about 3/4 inch clearence with DC header and Megan Test pipe. Will post pics of it if it clears hehehe.

Low Rider
04-25-2004, 10:53 AM
Good write up! ;) I think I would have gone the lazy route and bought the Toda from the start... :D

bioevolve
05-02-2004, 04:52 PM
cpu519, did you get any nut and bolts for the A part to B part of the header? I didn' and I have no roomve to use any spring loaded bolts. O2 Sensor #1 is right in the way. Can you take a pic that area, cuz I might have wrongly made test pipe. TIA!

cpu519
05-03-2004, 08:35 AM
Originally posted by bioevolve
cpu519, did you get any nut and bolts for the A part to B part of the header? I didn' and I have no roomve to use any spring loaded bolts. O2 Sensor #1 is right in the way. Can you take a pic that area, cuz I might have wrongly made test pipe. TIA!

Mine was used, but it did include nuts and bolts. They're just regular nuts and bolts from the hardware store. I can take a pic this weekend.

bioevolve
05-03-2004, 11:46 AM
Originally posted by cpu519
Mine was used, but it did include nuts and bolts. They're just regular nuts and bolts from the hardware store. I can take a pic this weekend.

Kewl thanks!

2fastcivic
05-03-2004, 11:53 AM
nice. i was thinking of getting the progress fornt sway but i guess imma wait b/c i am planning to get the dc race header. how you like the race header on your car? can you feel a big difference?

cpu519
05-03-2004, 03:28 PM
The header made a big difference, engine revs more freely than the RSX Type S header/cat I was using before. I would go with the DC if you don't need to use a cat. It is comparable to the Comptech and Toda and is much cheaper.