Anyone using the 1.25" front and/or 1" rear sway bar kits from OPGI?

Thinking about doing a little upgrading to the GS in the handling department. I don't really think I need to go crazy and these look like a nice option. Is anyone running both or either of these? If not what do you recommend? This is just a street/strip car for now. No crazy pro-touring or Auto-X in mind right now.

Here are the kits is question. Look to be the better bang for your buck from what I have seen so far.

1.250" Front - http://www.opgi.com/skylark/1966/chassis-suspension/suspension-components/CH2231/

1" Rear - http://www.opgi.com/skylark/1966/chassis-suspension/suspension-components/CH2232/


Thanks!

 

I have those exact sway bars on my 66 special. With poli urethane bushings. It handles like a corvette. Nice and flat in the corners. I also run a fast ratio steering box. 2 1/4 lock to lock. You'll love those sway bars.

 

Thanks Dan! That's the kind of feedback I was hoping for. Maybe some others have the same experience.

 

Those are similar to stock GM equipment. Will make a very noticeable improvement.
A local salvage yard might have something if you want to save some bucks. Later 2nd gen Camaro and Buick GN/Monte SS front bars are the larger diameter. Look for a fast ratio power steering box while you are at it.
An option to the OPGI bar is this bar/control arm kit from Ground Up.... the extra $100 for new boxed control arms with bushings is a good value.
http://www.ss396.com/chevelle/DCK-1515.html

Shipping costs may vary between vendors. You can check Amazon for pricing too.

 

I have them on my car and can easily keep up with Mustangs and Camaros on the on-ramps. I like 'em.

 

Thanks Walt. I did a little looking on the Ground Up kit. I believe it comes with a 7/8" bar. At least the kits I found that look just like it did. ss396.com does not state what size it is.

I don't know of any good junk yards around me. I know there are several yards around, but all they have in them is very late model junk.

Thanks for the info. Glad to hear of another happy customer.

 

Ditto here. I did the 1" rear sway bar with poly bushings upper and lower. I boxed the lower arms. The front suspension is still factory stock and I could not believe the ride difference. It firmed it up but not to harsh. The quality and fit of the OPGI stuff was great.

 

I'm using the same thing but from here
http://www.muscle-factory.com/shopdisplaycategories.asp?id=50&cat=Suspension+Parts

Urethane bushings everywhere front, back has UMI arms with urethane and roto-joint on one end of uppers. Made a huge difference, I really like it.
But it isn't a Buick.

Mike

 

I have this one on mine .it is the only thing i bought at OPGI i liked
http://www.opgi.com/skylark/1966/chassis-suspension/suspension-components/ADDC939/
Fit nice

 

I am running the Hellwig hollow 1 5/16" sway bar up front and a 1" solid sway bar on the rear. Also boxed lower control arms and some other goodies. This is on a 1965 Skylark.

 

Thanks everyone for your responses! I did a considerable amount of looking and option weighing.

I decided to go ahead and bite the bullet on the OPGI Kits, 1-1/4" Front and 1" Rear w/ boxing inserts. They are on sale, plus it was free shipping(except oversize charges) this weekend on any orders over $149. So it came out as a better deal than any of the other sites I found, just under $300 to my door. Plus this will keep it more factory looking, that way I can really T off the late model guys as they are trying show off and can't figure out why this "boat" is keeping up. :laugh:

I will update everyone on the install and get some pictures of how it looks once I get it done. Will probably be a few months though once I get the new engine and transmission in place and get it back on the road.

Thanks again!

 

The OPGI bars are made by ADDCO.

A quick search would help you find them cheaper.

Amazon Prime is always lees than the parts vendors with free shipping.

 

Paul I noticed they were made by Addco as well. I love Amazon and did check there as well. But with OPGI being on sale and their free shipping, in this case OPGI was the cheaper route even with thier oversized shipping charges. Both kits on OPGI were listed cheaper and included more, especially the rear, than what I found elsewhere.

Thanks for the suggestion though. Much appreciated.

 

Hey Bulldog, you ever get these installed? How it handling now?

 

Unfortunately not yet. In the midst of an engine rebuild. Hopefully in the next few months will get these installed and the car back on the road. Will report back once I get them on and test'em out. Pretty sure its going to make a world of difference.

 

Do you have these yet: (Rear Lower Control Arm Braces)

https://www.opgi.com/skylark/1966/chassis-suspension/bushings-mounts/D250054/

Part of the F41 suspension package for the upgraded suspension.

 

Old thread about the braces. Good reading.

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.p...-Don-t-leave-home-without-em&highlight=braces

 

No, I have not bought these. I will do some looking into it though. Thanks.

 

I have been pondering adding a rear sway bar to our 71 Skylark (already have one on the front) and ran across this discussion. I do not race our car, only take to the grocery store on weekends for Tonight Dough Ben and Jerry's ice cream. (Good stuff by the way) I see many of the ones advertised ship to your door without installation instructions. I don't know if I need bolts, bushings, a welder, or other new parts. I've also read about boxing in the rear.... don't think I would be doing that step.

Update:
After further reading, think I found my answer, looks like there are some bolt on 1" models out there that attach to the stock box arms.

 

Steve - The rear sway bar I bought came with the hardware needed to mount it. You don't have to box the rear arms to install the sway bar. It just helps for added strength. You can also get aftermarket lowers that are already boxed and just bolt in place if you don't want to weld in the inserts. I just want mine to look factory which is why I went that route. Either way the rear sway bar will make a huge difference in cornering in helping to control body roll. Don't have to be racing to feel that difference. Good luck!