Should I add 19MM STI Sway Bar to 2012? - Subaru Outback

ScoobieWA · 12-10-2011, 12:08 AM

This is my first post to the forum. I am about to take delivery of my first Subaru, a 2012 Outback 2.5 Limited. I have heard about the need to replace the factory rear sway bar with a 19MM Sti Sway Bar due to handling, and cross wind issues. Can anyone out there confirm or deny the need for this? What about the front sway bar? The car will be used "on-road" 95% of the time and so the issue of an optimal ride is important. Note, that I am used to well handling cars and I would like the Outback to carve corners as best it can. Any input as to the pros and cons of this change would be greatly appreciated!

Mtn_man · 12-10-2011, 12:20 AM

I think its worth $90.00 - but I would drive your new car around without it for a bit so you can get tangible results when you do pull the trigger... so your answer, yes, upgrade your sway bar. There is already plenty to read about it - and instructions for install here...
Sway bar Mod picture tutorial
Just don't put it on upside down like this fella did the first time

**AWDFTW** · 12-10-2011, 12:21 AM

Depends on how the car feels to you in stock form. Many like the upgrade.

hoppyjr · 12-10-2011, 12:24 AM

A worthwhile upgrade IMO.

aggreX · 12-10-2011, 12:49 AM

IMO its one of the easiest, inexpensive and most effective DIY mod that one could do without a jack in 30 minutes or less. My oem rsb is hanging some plants under my deck and could be easily reinstalled......NOT going to happen

Mtn_man · 12-10-2011, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aggrex

imo its one of the easiest, inexpensive and most effective diy mod that one could do without a jack in 30 minutes or less. My oem rsb is hanging some plants under my deck and could be easily reinstalled......not going to happen

+1

Green LTD · 12-10-2011, 02:52 AM

I thought about trying it, might still do it. After over a year of driving it, I haven't really noticed the need for it, but it could well be my driving style. I would perhaps suggest you give the suspension a little time to "break in" and yourself time to adjust to the handling.

tunces outback · 12-10-2011, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aggreX

IMO its one of the easiest, inexpensive and most effective DIY mod that one could do without a jack in 30 minutes or less. My oem rsb is hanging some plants under my deck and could be easily reinstalled......NOT going to happen

Take our word for it, YES, you need it!!

mpnret · 12-10-2011, 07:41 AM

I was one of the original ones to do this back in early 2010. I think it made a small difference but I am not sure how much of this is in my head. It is cheap and easy but think I will skip it next time unless I feel the need.

Nickshu · 12-10-2011, 09:33 AM

Yes. I think it made a huge difference but maybe the difference is bigger on the 3.6R due to it's increased weight and increased rear wheel drive bias compared to the 2.5i

12-10-2011, 12:08 AM	#1 (permalink)
ScoobieWA Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 4 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Should I add 19MM STI Sway Bar to 2012? This is my first post to the forum. I am about to take delivery of my first Subaru, a 2012 Outback 2.5 Limited. I have heard about the need to replace the factory rear sway bar with a 19MM Sti Sway Bar due to handling, and cross wind issues. Can anyone out there confirm or deny the need for this? What about the front sway bar? The car will be used "on-road" 95% of the time and so the issue of an optimal ride is important. Note, that I am used to well handling cars and I would like the Outback to carve corners as best it can. Any input as to the pros and cons of this change would be greatly appreciated!

12-10-2011, 12:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
Mtn_man Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 811 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I think its worth $90.00 - but I would drive your new car around without it for a bit so you can get tangible results when you do pull the trigger... so your answer, yes, upgrade your sway bar. There is already plenty to read about it - and instructions for install here... Sway bar Mod picture tutorial Just don't put it on upside down like this fella did the first time __________________ I don't like this song, I just tap my feet when I get nervous...

12-10-2011, 12:21 AM	#3 (permalink)
AWDFTW Super Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Displaced to Chicago. Car: 2003 2.5 4EAT with AWP. Posts: 6,085 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Depends on how the car feels to you in stock form. Many like the upgrade. __________________ 2003 Outback: "Kaylee". 125,000 and counting. Mods: GE Nighthawk low beams, HIR1 9011 high beam upgrade, Nokya 25k yellow fog lights, Fumoto valve, 04 Forester XT shift knob. Basics: G-Oil Bio-based Advanced Full Synthetic 5w30, Purolater oil filter, STP air filter, Valvoline Maxlife Dex/Merc ATF, Valvoline Durablend 80w90, Michelin Primacy MXV4. Also: More rust and parking lot scars than I care to think about.

12-10-2011, 09:33 AM	#10 (permalink)
Nickshu Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: NoCO Car: '13 Outback 3.6R SAP Posts: 890 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Yes. I think it made a huge difference but maybe the difference is bigger on the 3.6R due to it's increased weight and increased rear wheel drive bias compared to the 2.5i __________________ Nick _________ 2013 Outback 3.6R Limited SAP -- Crystal Black Silica -- Aha SatNav, Remote Start, Tanabe Strut Bar, 19mm RSB, Weathertech Mats, Rear Seatback Protector, Rear Bumper Underguard, STI Exhaust Tips, 3M Clear Bra, Puddle Lights, Hella Supertone Horns Gone: 2012 Outback 3.6R Limited 2009 Ford Flex SEL w/ towing package - PSV (Porsche Support Vehicle) 1982 Porsche 911SC - Track days and Sundays 1964 Corvair Monza Spyder Turbo Convertible - Just for fun

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12-10-2011, 12:24 AM	#4 (permalink)
hoppyjr Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Car: 2011 Outback 2.5i Premium CVT Posts: 363 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	A worthwhile upgrade IMO.

12-10-2011, 12:49 AM	#5 (permalink)
aggreX Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: PA Car: 2011 Outback Limited Posts: 359 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	IMO its one of the easiest, inexpensive and most effective DIY mod that one could do without a jack in 30 minutes or less. My oem rsb is hanging some plants under my deck and could be easily reinstalled......NOT going to happen

12-10-2011, 02:52 AM	#7 (permalink)
Green LTD Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Minnesota Car: 2011 Cypress Green 2.5 ltd Posts: 728 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I thought about trying it, might still do it. After over a year of driving it, I haven't really noticed the need for it, but it could well be my driving style. I would perhaps suggest you give the suspension a little time to "break in" and yourself time to adjust to the handling.

12-10-2011, 07:41 AM	#9 (permalink)
mpnret Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Chester, NJ Car: 2013 Outback Limited 2.5 EyeSight & 2010 Legacy Premium Posts: 1,630 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I was one of the original ones to do this back in early 2010. I think it made a small difference but I am not sure how much of this is in my head. It is cheap and easy but think I will skip it next time unless I feel the need.

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