Hotchkis Comp vs Street Sways for a daily?

[2way]

I tried a quick search and didn't find much... but this may have already been answered, considering most seem to prefer the comps.

I'm going the slight suggested mods route and considering a sway bar set. I'm somewhat knowledgeable in many areas, but must plead a bit of ignorance when it comes to suspension.

Car has original Yoko tires (will continue to for at least the next 15-20K), isn't lowered, and stock struts. After which I will probaby be going to BFG Traction T/As. I will have to be contending w/snow on a 70 mile commute:-(

I know the preferences seem to be for the competition sways and, pardon the pun, is the way I'm leaning.

Opinions?

[silv3r0ne]

im using the comps as a daily driver, no regrets to this day.

[boostjunkie26]

Hmmmm, considering you're going to be going thru some rough snowy winters, perhaps you should narrow your inquiry to those who see the same climates.

From what I've "heard," the comp sways tend to err on the side of neutral.... might be a little tricky on a slippery surface.

[Blue Bomber]

No problems here with the equivalent of the Comp setup in winter.

[BaLLnFoShO]

i hear that the comps are better since they are bigger but im a newbie on surface conditions and how they would play a part of driver skills with the sways

[GT_RyderZ]

i'm fine with the street sways.

[Blue Bomber]

i hear that the comps are better since they are bigger but im a newbie on surface conditions and how they would play a part of driver skills with the sways
The only difference between the two is the stiffness of the rear sway. Same diameter front and rear sways, and same exact front sways. The sways' added stiffness over stock can make it harder to get good traction in the snow. I've even heard suggestions to unbolt your sways to improve traction in deeper snow. Haven't experienced any problems with mine, though. As long as you have a good set of tires and take your time, you'll be fine.

[Thor]

The Celica is a bit tail happy in the snow stock, also.
I would strongly recommend not unbolting the sways at any time especialy driving in the snow. A good set of dedicated winter tires goes a long way.
I'm sure driving in some snow/slush with either the comp/street sways and a couple bags of sand in the trunk should help a bit to settle the rear.

The difference between the street/comp bars is some people chose the comp. because of heresay. I'm sure most of the people with the comp bars have not pushed their cars around some curves on public roads to the point of spinning out.

It's I have the comp. bars and not the street bars kind of thing.

All I ever see is people took a certain favorite turn at a speed greater than with the stock sways or the ride is neutral. That doesn't say much or get my vote.
With the street sways, you can drive almost as hard and they
are more forgiving.

My thoughts are I have basically driven on a rear stock bar only for some time and it sucks. I would chose the comp. bars only if installed together and you plan on pushing the car in the near future. If you're not going to take turns at ungodly speeds and learn the curve, then why get the comp. bars.
If you could find someone selling the street bars cheaper. Get them.
Either way you won't be disappointed.

[BaLLnFoShO]

i hear that the comps are better since they are bigger but im a newbie on surface conditions and how they would play a part of driver skills with the sways
The only difference between the two is the stiffness of the rear sway. Same diameter front and rear sways, and same exact front sways. The sways' added stiffness over stock can make it harder to get good traction in the snow. I've even heard suggestions to unbolt your sways to improve traction in deeper snow. Haven't experienced any problems with mine, though. As long as you have a good set of tires and take your time, you'll be fine.

oh iight cool. damm blue you know it all. thanks to you i learned a lot from all the advice you give out

[2way]

The sways' added stiffness over stock can make it harder to get good traction in the snow.Will the rear Comp +123% vs. the Street/Sport +88% make this worse? Or are you referring to the front traction?

I should also add to this that it has stock 16" rims. I don't plan on any racing or rallying.... other than what might happen on the highway. The snow portion is only 3-4 mos. (hopefully less?) out of the year and I'm not planning on getting snows. Maybe, if I find things a bit hairy, I'll upgrade rims/tires & put snows on the stock rims. But, I really would rather do w/o that expense and is why I am considering the Traction T/As as my next tires. If I go the other route, then I'll consider going for some stickier ones on the new rims. However, with a 70 mile (one way) commute.... I'll want something with good treadwear. But, thats another whole discussion - one thing @ a time;-)

The Celica is a bit tail happy in the snow stock, also.
A good set of dedicated winter tires goes a long way.I'm sure driving in some snow/slush with either the comp/street sways and a couple bags of sand in the trunk should help a bit to settle the rear.Hmmm, I really hadn't considered the lightness of the rear end. It might give it a tendency to swing around in braking on snow/ice. I noticed a huge improvement in FWD traction when I went from 4 cyl. Camrys to an Avalon, due to the added weight. I used to throw a solid granite block in the back of my old RWD cars. However, I really appreciate the weight suggestion reminder - as it should increase the rear traction. The Avy is much better in the snow than the Camrys I had were. I prefer to baby the Avy...and not use it in the winter... but it is an option to garage the Celica instead. It might be a bit safer with all that extra metal, too.

BTW, Blue Bomber many kudos for being a Mod... a definite labor of love! This is an awesome board, a huge wealth of info/advice, & I think it is definitely the BEST for the the 7th. Gen. If it weren't for this board, I wouldn't have learned about the lift bolt problem and had it fixed while I was still under warranty on the used '02 I bought (had I been here earlier, I'd have known about the rev limiter, but I don't think it will be a major issue for me, except when I bounce off it - lol). What a difference with the head replaced. Going into lift is only noticeable by the sound change now. I would definitely have been a hurting puppy further down the road w/o you folks.

Anyone else have any opinions on the topic of comp vs street?