DIY: progress rear sway bar install
#122
I just put one of these on my 2012 Fit Sport A/T last week and really like it.
The install was very easy and straightforward. I believe it took me just about as long to round up my tools and get the car jacked up as it did to do the actual install. I bought a 1/2" torque wrench from Harbor Frieght for $13 total on sale to torque the bolts to spec.
A couple of days before the install I took a winding back road home from work and pushed it a little in the corners to get a fresh feel for how the car handled stock and also how much body roll there was so that I would be able to make a good comparison. In some of the straights I also did some slalom style action sawing the wheel back and forth to get a feel for how the car rolled shifting weight from side to side and also how it changed direction quickly. For reference the only handling modification my car has is the switch to 205/50/R16 Kumho PA31 all season tires. These definitely give the car more grip compared to the stock tires, but do have kind of a mushy rolling over feeling under hard cornering and quick directional changes that I hope to alleviate soon with a switch to 17"x7" rims and matching tires.
After the install I did some of the same style driving and could tell an immediate difference. I would say that body roll under hard cornering and quick directional changes has been cut by at least 1/3 to 1/2. Also, I noticed that changing lanes quickly on the interstate is more abrubt and controllable. My wife even commented that she felt that she was getting thrown around less and getting less of a car sick feeling (she's pregnant) than she did before I installed the bar.
I would have to agree with the other guys that the Progress RSB is a great bang for the buck addition to the Fit especially if you like to do some occasional spirited driving.
-Dustin
The install was very easy and straightforward. I believe it took me just about as long to round up my tools and get the car jacked up as it did to do the actual install. I bought a 1/2" torque wrench from Harbor Frieght for $13 total on sale to torque the bolts to spec.
A couple of days before the install I took a winding back road home from work and pushed it a little in the corners to get a fresh feel for how the car handled stock and also how much body roll there was so that I would be able to make a good comparison. In some of the straights I also did some slalom style action sawing the wheel back and forth to get a feel for how the car rolled shifting weight from side to side and also how it changed direction quickly. For reference the only handling modification my car has is the switch to 205/50/R16 Kumho PA31 all season tires. These definitely give the car more grip compared to the stock tires, but do have kind of a mushy rolling over feeling under hard cornering and quick directional changes that I hope to alleviate soon with a switch to 17"x7" rims and matching tires.
After the install I did some of the same style driving and could tell an immediate difference. I would say that body roll under hard cornering and quick directional changes has been cut by at least 1/3 to 1/2. Also, I noticed that changing lanes quickly on the interstate is more abrubt and controllable. My wife even commented that she felt that she was getting thrown around less and getting less of a car sick feeling (she's pregnant) than she did before I installed the bar.
I would have to agree with the other guys that the Progress RSB is a great bang for the buck addition to the Fit especially if you like to do some occasional spirited driving.
-Dustin
#125
I also installed a set of SPC camber bolts a little while back and had the camber on the front dialed in to right at -1 degrees on both sides. That really seems to have helped with the rolling over feeling that the wider tires on the stock rims have and also makes the car turn in harder. I have especially noticed the difference when roads are wet. The front end bites more in turns instead of just pushing and sliding. The guys at the tire shop went on and on about the tires having excessive wear because of the camber, but I've put at least 10,000mi on the car since the install and I haven't had any problems.
-Dustin
#126
Yep, that's on my list also. I've thought about doing some kind of big brake upgrade, but will probably just end up getting some nice slotted rotors and sport pads and leave the stock calipers alone.
I also installed a set of SPC camber bolts a little while back and had the camber on the front dialed in to right at -1 degrees on both sides. That really seems to have helped with the rolling over feeling that the wider tires on the stock rims have and also makes the car turn in harder. I have especially noticed the difference when roads are wet. The front end bites more in turns instead of just pushing and sliding. The guys at the tire shop went on and on about the tires having excessive wear because of the camber, but I've put at least 10,000mi on the car since the install and I haven't had any problems.
-Dustin
I also installed a set of SPC camber bolts a little while back and had the camber on the front dialed in to right at -1 degrees on both sides. That really seems to have helped with the rolling over feeling that the wider tires on the stock rims have and also makes the car turn in harder. I have especially noticed the difference when roads are wet. The front end bites more in turns instead of just pushing and sliding. The guys at the tire shop went on and on about the tires having excessive wear because of the camber, but I've put at least 10,000mi on the car since the install and I haven't had any problems.
-Dustin
#127
-Dustin
#130
-Dustin
#131
anyone that has this bar installed really really low??? i had to take mine off cause it was actually hitting the bottom of my car.. just wondering if someone has a work around... I haven't had a chance to mess with it yet
#133
Did the install last Saturday. Pretty easy, did not remove spring/shock as I was easily able to put the bolt in the middle on the passenger side.
No clearance issues with my hidden hitch...
The bar helps a lot on some type of curves/driving style. It's a nice addition and handling is definitely better. I wouldn't say it's a day/night difference, but definitely noticeable. Didn't see any downside of installing this sway bar.
IMO, the car should've come like this from the factory!
Oh, and for everyone asking themselves this question, bar was installed on a 2014 canadian Honda Fit Sport with a hidden hitch.
No clearance issues with my hidden hitch...
The bar helps a lot on some type of curves/driving style. It's a nice addition and handling is definitely better. I wouldn't say it's a day/night difference, but definitely noticeable. Didn't see any downside of installing this sway bar.
IMO, the car should've come like this from the factory!
Oh, and for everyone asking themselves this question, bar was installed on a 2014 canadian Honda Fit Sport with a hidden hitch.
#136
Did the install last Saturday. Pretty easy, did not remove spring/shock as I was easily able to put the bolt in the middle on the passenger side.
No clearance issues with my hidden hitch...
The bar helps a lot on some type of curves/driving style. It's a nice addition and handling is definitely better. I wouldn't say it's a day/night difference, but definitely noticeable. Didn't see any downside of installing this sway bar.
IMO, the car should've come like this from the factory!
Oh, and for everyone asking themselves this question, bar was installed on a 2014 canadian Honda Fit Sport with a hidden hitch.
No clearance issues with my hidden hitch...
The bar helps a lot on some type of curves/driving style. It's a nice addition and handling is definitely better. I wouldn't say it's a day/night difference, but definitely noticeable. Didn't see any downside of installing this sway bar.
IMO, the car should've come like this from the factory!
Oh, and for everyone asking themselves this question, bar was installed on a 2014 canadian Honda Fit Sport with a hidden hitch.
#138
Definitely doable without too much fiddling - I just put my car up on a ramp and was able to bolt everything in. Maybe there are some under-car differences between the Base and Sport, who knows. It has been a pleasant change in how well it corners, even around the neighborhood. Of course, I do remember that a stiffer car means... a stiffer car when going over speed bumps! 100% worth it though
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