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2016 - Cusco vs OEM rear sway bar for SJ

('14-'18) 
15K views 39 replies 21 participants last post by  ayaname 
#1 ·
1. What is the difference between the 20mm Cusco and 20mm STI RSB? Cusco is a lot more expensive. I cannot justify the cost. Thoughts?

2. Will the 22mm Cusco RSB fit the SJ? One site which sells it doesn’t list the SJ... BUT both 22mm and 20mm are cross-compatible with the same STI, so if 20 is good for SJ, don’t see any reason why 22 won’t fit. Please help. And has anybody tried the 26mm FSB/22mm RSB combination?

By the way, my base model SJ is still mod-virgin. I know that it’s probably advisable to start with springs. But I want to go against the norm and try this before lowering.
 
#2 ·
I did the STI 20mm RSB about 3 months in to my purchase. I like it. It’s just slightly more “tail happy” and reduces understeer. The overall handeling impression is much more balanced now. It still pushes when cornering and while applying WOT. But that’s to be expected to some degree. Over all quite happy with nearly 20k on it now. Can’t speak to the Cusco one, but it is a nice blue... I actually thought about doing my rsb in cherry blossom red / hot pink but chickened out.
 
#4 ·
Nice to know. Thanks guys. If ever I decide to use 20, I’ll stick with the oem part and be done with it. The difference in cost between the two brand’s 20s is just ridiculous if the effects are about the same.

But if I end up $pending that much, might as well go 22 with the 26, and upgraded links. I just need confirmation that the 22 cusco is compatible. The OC in me wants to use the same brand because I think they put enough R&D to ensure it performs well together.
 
#15 ·
I too went with the 20mm STI RSB kit from the forum vendor @Subaruonlineparts.com and I've only had the Foz for almost 2 months. Coming from a 335i, I needed something to help with stability and the RSB definitely improved the feel of my Subie. I don't plan on ever going off-road with it, some that do recommend getting the 19mm RSB kit. Bang for buck, it was definitely worth it and very easy to install, made the install simpler with some Rhino ramps that I now even used to do my very 1st DIY oil and filter service.
 

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#20 · (Edited)
I just got a 19mm installed by my dealer, $241 including the bar and bushings. And like everyone says we'll worth the price! This is how the car should have rolled if the line at the factory..... They would definitely sell more!

Ok the ride to work was fun!! corning is definitely improved and the body roll greatly reduced.... sure glad I didn't wait on this mod!
 
#21 ·
Just got mine in the mail. Looking at Youtube it looks beyond simple. Now I am 72 but have been wrenching all my life and am in good physical condition.

I intend to put it on tomorrow. If for some reason I have a problem. I will take it down the road to my specialist. He'll charge under 50 bucks. If he charges like 30 I'll give him 20 dollar tip lol.

I don't intend to use lock tight. I'll check it in a few days and in a week. By then it will be rusted fast..lol
 
#22 ·
The stock bar is 16 mm the new one measures 20mm (as advertised). Doing the math the new one is 1.953 times as "rigid"..say twice as rigid. I am positive it will make a nice difference. Just put it on ramps tonight. Nuts are easy access. Should take 1/2 hour.
 
#30 ·
If I’m not wrong, the aftermarket ones (eg. Cusco, whiteline) are solid bars which are stiffer even though they are of the same diameter as the STi ones.

If you are concerned with the ride comfort, suggest you try sitting in a car with the aftermarket rear sway bar which you plan to get. I was previously on front cusco (26mm) and rear whiteline (22mm, adjustable) but found the car to be rather bumpy. So I reverted to front stock (24mm) and rear STi (20mm).

Ride comfort is a highly subjective matter so it’s best to try it out to see if it meets your needs.
 
#38 ·
Guys. what's an SJ? I have a 2014 F-XT and after reading all these "less understeer", I want to get this upgrade. Where do u guys get your 19 or 20mm RSB? Are those Subaru brand or pull from existing models? Which ones would fit on mine? I'm assuming my factory is less than 19mm. Appreciate any help. Short of changing my weakly horns, I don't do upgrades usually, first time.
 
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