Interest in a Hotchkis Front Swaybar GB?

dyong · 03-27-2009, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My135

Are you suppose to install the new end link or it doesn't matter to keep the old one? What is the advantage to keep the old one, save installation time?

I just finished installing mine. I used the stock end links. No point using the new ones since the new ones have to be the same lengths as the stock ones. I am still having my stock suspension. Maybe later when I change to some other suspension, the new end links will be handy.

The install was pretty easy. Just unbolt and re-bolt the Hotchkis. The craftmanship on the new bar is precise and nice.

Have not drove around to test it yet as it is raining outside. Will keep y'all posted when I go for a test drive.

MINI135i · 03-27-2009, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My135

Are you suppose to install the new end link or it doesn't matter to keep the old one? What is the advantage to keep the old one, save installation time?

Yeah, it makes installation slightly easier. The adjustables are trick and very nice endlinks, and appear slightly stronger. The adjustables are most handy when running a full coilover set up and corner balancing the car- i.e. different ride heights on all four corners. Hotchkis instructions reiterate this also.

Don't forget the "cool" factor either. It is much cooler to say "I have a 32mm front bar with adjustable endlinks".

All kidding aside, my biggest concern is whether the stock nut will hold the lower part of stock endlink to the bigger bar. I put a bunch of the included thread locker on it and cranked it down. The stock nut doesn't quite engage its built in locking threads due to the thicker bar. Time will tell. If not I will try the nylon nut in the Hotchkis kit.

wu2x · 03-27-2009, 07:48 PM

Nice to know how easy it is to install, I'm going to try it out this weekend.

adrean8j · 03-27-2009, 10:34 PM

I know I missed the GB...soooo I went to Hotchkis website to just order it at full price but it will not let me for some reason. Anyone else have this problem? Keeps saying enter shipping info....but everytime I enter the Zipcode and update ntohing changes. Maybe there is a problem with their webpage.....kinda disappointed right now....

wu2x · 03-27-2009, 10:40 PM

Try going through Harold @ HP Autowerks, that is who helped us do this GB. I believe you can order it on his website as well.

adrean8j · 03-27-2009, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saikelol

Try going through Harold @ HP Autowerks, that is who helped us do this GB. I believe you can order it on his website as well.

Thanks man! I was

on Hotchkis's website! Thanks again, I will check out HP Autowerks

.

dyong · 03-29-2009, 12:51 AM

Just went out for a test drive. Wow! the Hotchkis sure tightens up the corners. I was going into a hairpin turn at 55mph, the front end won't even tilt. Corner exits are good with any wheel spins. Considering my RFTs. No noise or rubbing sound from the new bar. But its a bit bumpy if only one wheel go over a speed bump. Overall its a good mod and worth every penny. Thanks for organizing the GB.

rcracer_tx · 03-29-2009, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dyong

Just went out for a test drive. Wow! the Hotchkis sure tightens up the corners. I was going into a hairpin turn at 55mph, the front end won't even tilt. Corner exits are good with any wheel spins. Considering my RFTs. No noise or rubbing sound from the new bar. But its a bit bumpy if only one wheel go over a speed bump. Overall its a good mod and worth every penny. Thanks for organizing the GB.

Thanks for posting the review, I won't be able to install the bar for another couple weeks

My135 · 03-29-2009, 11:05 AM

I just received the front sway bar on Friday, did not have time to install it yet cause I am busy getting the trip ready to Hong Kong for 3 weeks.

ridin135 · 04-02-2009, 09:46 PM

Still haven't gotten my tracking number. Just wondering if there is an update on these?

wu2x · 04-02-2009, 11:24 PM

Strange, Harold said it would of been taken care of by now, but it is possible that Hotchkis themselves are backed up. I can PM him if you'd like, but it might be better at this point for you to contact him.

ridin135 · 04-02-2009, 11:37 PM

what is his contact info. Is there any one else that hasn't recieved thier tracking number either?

wu2x · 04-02-2009, 11:52 PM

PMed. I actually ended up asking Harold, and he said 4 people do not have their tracking information yet (this includes e90post's gb).

philaf_666 · 04-03-2009, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ridin135

what is his contact info. Is there any one else that hasn't recieved thier tracking number either?

Yes I think we are 5 still missing our sway bar. But can't blame Harold as I ordered other parts meanwhile and already received it. It seems that Hotchkis wasn't ready to get that many demand (20?). Probably hand built

ridin135 · 04-03-2009, 08:32 AM

Ya its not a problem that I dont have them I was just checking for an update. Thanks again.

derekL · 06-04-2009, 07:25 AM

any chance of a second group buy???

Upgrade+ · 06-04-2009, 01:43 PM

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I didn't have the funds to jump on this one. To the guys that have these, what are your impressions on it a month later?

philaf_666 · 06-04-2009, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Upgrade+

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I didn't have the funds to jump on this one. To the guys that have these, what are your impressions on it a month later?

Definitely a great mod to reduce body roll and increase confidence while cornering. I'm very happy about it.

The down side is that you will feel the softness of the rear end much more.

You might want to consider also upgrading the rear sway or m3 subframe bushings to have a more balanced ride.

03-27-2009, 07:48 PM	#113
wu2x Captain 36 Rep 717 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 6MT Join Date: May 2008 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	Nice to know how easy it is to install, I'm going to try it out this weekend.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-27-2009, 10:40 PM	#115
wu2x Captain 36 Rep 717 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 6MT Join Date: May 2008 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	Try going through Harold @ HP Autowerks, that is who helped us do this GB. I believe you can order it on his website as well.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-29-2009, 12:51 AM	#117
dyong Enthusiast 12 Rep 262 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 135i Coupe Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (1)	Just went out for a test drive. Wow! the Hotchkis sure tightens up the corners. I was going into a hairpin turn at 55mph, the front end won't even tilt. Corner exits are good with any wheel spins. Considering my RFTs. No noise or rubbing sound from the new bar. But its a bit bumpy if only one wheel go over a speed bump. Overall its a good mod and worth every penny. Thanks for organizing the GB.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-29-2009, 11:05 AM	#119
My135 Lieutenant Colonel 85 Rep 1,609 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	I just received the front sway bar on Friday, did not have time to install it yet cause I am busy getting the trip ready to Hong Kong for 3 weeks. __________________ 7/08 135 Coupe, Crimson Red, 6 SP, Sport, Taupe Lette/Aluminum. Performance Mods: JB4 on Map 5, BMS DP Fix V3, Injen polished intake, AR Catless DP, Maddad resonated mid-pipes, aFe exhaust polished tips, ST Suspension Coil Over and Hotchkis front sway bar. Others: BMS OCC, BT Scanner, Mud Flap. Next Mods: AA Front Strut Brace.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2009, 09:46 PM	#120
ridin135 Colonel 131 Rep 2,408 Posts Drives: Depends on the day Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Greenville iTrader: (7)	Still haven't gotten my tracking number. Just wondering if there is an update on these?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2009, 11:24 PM	#121
wu2x Captain 36 Rep 717 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 6MT Join Date: May 2008 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	Strange, Harold said it would of been taken care of by now, but it is possible that Hotchkis themselves are backed up. I can PM him if you'd like, but it might be better at this point for you to contact him.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2009, 11:37 PM	#122
ridin135 Colonel 131 Rep 2,408 Posts Drives: Depends on the day Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Greenville iTrader: (7)	what is his contact info. Is there any one else that hasn't recieved thier tracking number either?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2009, 11:52 PM	#123
wu2x Captain 36 Rep 717 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 6MT Join Date: May 2008 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	PMed. I actually ended up asking Harold, and he said 4 people do not have their tracking information yet (this includes e90post's gb).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-03-2009, 08:32 AM	#125
ridin135 Colonel 131 Rep 2,408 Posts Drives: Depends on the day Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Greenville iTrader: (7)	Ya its not a problem that I dont have them I was just checking for an update. Thanks again.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-04-2009, 07:25 AM	#126
derekL Captain 58 Rep 694 Posts Drives: BMDUBS Join Date: May 2009 Location: CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2019 BMW X3 [0.00] 2009 128i [6.96]	any chance of a second group buy??? __________________ \|Shadowline Grills\|Hotchkis Front Sway Bar\|DIY CF Black Fabric Trim\|Carbon Fiber Trunk Spoiler\|Black O.Z Ultraleggeras\|BMW Performance Exhaust\|M-Sport Bumpers w/ Fogs\|Shadowline Diffuser\|CSR Eyelids\|BMW Performance Shifter/Boot and Handbrake\|AFE stage 2 intake\|Koni FSD + Eibach Pro-kit\|///M mirrors\|Blackline LCI\|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-04-2009, 01:43 PM	#127
Upgrade+ Good life 130 Rep 1,937 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 AW Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NY iTrader: (8)	Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I didn't have the funds to jump on this one. To the guys that have these, what are your impressions on it a month later?
	Appreciate 0 Quote