Did someone say 914 rear hollow swaybar?, I considering building them. Options

[Ira Ramin]

Ok Brad, you’ve got my attention. Actually you had it all along and this project is finally getting close to the top of the new projects list. I’m finally looking at doing a 914 rear swaybar. The design would be similar to my existing swaybar designs with the following criteria. Target price will also be the same. Here is what I’m thinking so far.

1) Hollow chrome moly heat treated bar design.
2) Anodized 6061-T6 aluminum arms with slots for adjusting stiffness.
3) Adjustable droplinks with spherical bearing rod ends for eliminating preload.
4) Noncompliant bushings for the pivot points.
5) Bolt on design using all metric hardware, with no welding or cutting required.
6) Short droplinks to prevent contact with trunk on lowered cars.
7) Optional longer droplinks to allow mounting inside trunk.
8) Size will be about 16mm or 17mm equivalent stiffness and will be determined with testing.

I’m open to any suggestions, so feel everyone free to comment. Currently I’m trying to finalize the design requirements, come up with a realistic design solution, and determine if there’s a big enough market to justify moving forward. Unfortunately I don’t have a 914 to design around. Anyone with a 914 near San Diego interested in helping? Eventually I’ll also need some help with the testing. Initially, I’ll probably build three sets of prototypes and would like to get them on cars that are already sorted out and see a lot of track time. The test cars don’t necessarily need to be near by. At least one car needs to be relatively stock. I have a Weltmeister bar to start designing around, but could also use a factory bar to work with if anyone has one I can borrow or buy. This is your chance to get your opinions heard. Is there interest in a high quality 914 rear swaybar? What features would you like to see? Would anyone be interested in helping with a car to design around and with prototype testing? Target dates would be prototype testing in the spring and the 1st production run in the summer.

Thanks!
Ira