COBB & Hotchkis rear sway bars

[Kain]

So I thought I'd throw up a little comparo between the COBB and Hotchkis rear sway bars now that I've had both. Keep in mind too that I'm rocking the stock FSB and springs.

Both rear sway bars replace the stock RSB and are 2-way adjustable. COBB claims stiffness of 50% in the "soft" setting and 90% in the "stiff" setting. Hotchkis' numbers are 90% and 140%, respectively.

Here's a pic of the two bars together. They are just about the same thickness (~32 mm), but if you notice, the endlink mounting points are much thicker on the Hotchkis. The Hotchkis bar is, I'd say, about 50% heavier (in hindsight, I wish I took the minute to weigh both on a scale), than the COBB bar, despite being the same thickness. Tapping gently on both, I could tell the Hotchkis had beefier walls, hence the extra heft:

Here's a better shot of the tips to show the difference:

And here are the two mounted. Notice the COBB bar has two shoulder flanges that secure the brackets and prevent the bar from shifting left and right. The Hotchkis does not have these, so instead it employs collars. Aside from that, the install is identical.

I only had the COBB bar on for 600 miles and never really had the chance to push the car above 7/10ths. Same with the Hotchkis, still haven't really beat on it yet. Nevertheless, I can definitely feel a difference between the two. Despite the extra stiffness, the car with the Hotchkis bar still feels very composed and predictable on the streets.

Oh, and the red matches the car.

 

[saranya]

now need comparo with the FSB installed. I've heard it makes it even better.

 

[ericrapp]

The chance of anyone doing that is mighty slim. The install a bit of a pain compared to rear. But that would be cool though. Anybody have a skidpad and a GTech for monitoring lateral Gs!

 

[ericrapp]

And Sara, the front sway made the steering a bit heavier but that is a good thing at speed. I will get my alignment on Wed. That should tell the tale. I am only doing front end as i like the slight increase in rear camber. And I will retain as much negative camber in front as stock allows. Any suggestions anyone on toe or caster? Thanks

 

[Kain]

now need comparo with the FSB installed. I've heard it makes it even better.

lawl, knock yourself out. I don't even want to do one FSB install, let alone two.

 

[mrjoshyman]

so whats the verdict? cobb or hotchkis?

 

[bacarl]

+1, This isn't so much of a "comparo" as a "hey guys, I've had two sta bars on my car!!"

 

[Kain]

See the random letters above, between and below my pics? Those form words that in turn form sentences that offer insight into my impressions of both bars based on my limited experience with each.

 

[ndedomin]

See the random letters above, between and below my pics? Those form words that in turn form sentences that offer insight into my impressions of both bars based on my limited experience with each.

Ahhhh. I see!! Now it all makes sense!

 

[opt_ms3]

thanks for the comparison dude. sounds like the hotchkis may be the winner, adding to my list...

 

[tsunami]

are those the stock bushing clamps or did new ones come with the rsb?

 

[Kain]

are those the stock bushing clamps or did new ones come with the rsb?

Both the COBB and Hotchkis come with their own bushings and brackets. The Hotchkis comes with the collars. The only hardware you reuse are the bolts/nuts.

 

[lutexas]

what about the stock sway bar

Can you also add a picture of the stock sway bar. and compare the three bars.

Thanks

 

[Kain]

I have neither the stock nor the COBB rear sway bar any longer. But I can say that while the stocker is adequate, I believe there are a few simple upgrades that makes this car better, and one of them is a thicker RSB.

 

[Yoo Shin]

Notice any "axel" effect with these bars? It's interesting that the Hotchkis is heavier since it's supposed to be hollow and employ an oval design for it's strength as opposed to the more convential rounded design.

 

[ericrapp]

I have neither the stock nor the COBB rear sway bar any longer. But I can say that while the stocker is adequate, I believe there are a few simple upgrades that makes this car better, and one of them is a thicker RSB.

I agree, Kain, the bars really help bring the car to another level. and that is cool that you have had both! At 11/10ths they really shine.

 

[ZooMIN3]

nice! thank you for the comparo as well.

happy I went with hotchkis.

 

[C.A.T.A.P]

thanks guys i know which one to get now

 

[Rizzant]

Nice review

I guess the only thing I wish was included was a comparo of each bar on its different settings. From the looks of the pictures you compared the Cobb at the softest setting which is 50% stiffer than stock to the Hotchkis on soft which is 95% stiffer and felt that the Hotchkis felt more responsive. I think it may have been more fair to compare the Cobb on the harder 95% setting to the Hotchkis on the soft setting.

Im also wondering if you ever switched the Hotchkis to the hard setting at 145% and had any comments on the ride quality.
Thanks for the review.

 

[Kain]

I guess the only thing I wish was included was a comparo of each bar on its different settings. From the looks of the pictures you compared the Cobb at the softest setting which is 50% stiffer than stock to the Hotchkis on soft which is 95% stiffer and felt that the Hotchkis felt more responsive. I think it may have been more fair to compare the Cobb on the harder 95% setting to the Hotchkis on the soft setting.

Im also wondering if you ever switched the Hotchkis to the hard setting at 145% and had any comments on the ride quality.
Thanks for the review.

True, it's an incomplete review. I didn't have the inclination to bother with testing different settings. It seems to me most people set their RSBs on "soft", so that's why I only compared that setting.

I don't plan on switching to "stiff" (cue sophomoric snickering) on the Hotchkis because it feels just right the way it is now. That and I don't want to mess with the balance too much and start fishtailing from lift-throttle oversteer down a busy road (I've learned that from experience).