Solid Front Torsion Bars. Porsche 911 / 914-6  ❭  FS18

High-performance Sway-A-Way solid front torsion bars for classic Porsche 911 models. Designed as direct replacements for the original front torsion bars, these performance bars allow you to select the front spring rate that best suits your Porsche, from a factory-style replacement through to a considerably firmer competition suspension setup.
SET OF 2, One pair is required per vehicle.

Fits:
Porsche 911: 1965 through 1989 (Standard Chassis)
Porsche 912: 1965 through 1969
Porsche 930 (Turbo): 1975 through 1989 (Verify diameter requirement; some Turbos utilized larger bars for track use)

Always confirm the required torsion-bar diameter and vehicle suspension specification before ordering.

Choose from the following torsion-bar rates: 18 mm, 19 mm,  20 mm,  21 mm,  22 mm, 23 mm  24 mm, 25 mm or 26 mm.
With sizes ranging from the factory-style 19 mm rate through to the competition-focused 26 mm option, this Sway-A-Way range allows the front suspension to be tailored for standard road use, fast-road driving, track days or dedicated motorsport applications.

Product Information

The classic Porsche 911 uses torsion bars as its suspension springs. As the front suspension moves, the torsion bar twists along its axis and provides the resistance necessary to support and control the vehicle.

Increasing the torsion-bar diameter increases the spring rate, providing greater resistance to suspension movement. This can help reduce front-end dive under braking, limit body roll during cornering and provide a more immediate chassis response.

Manufactured using solid high-strength 4340 alloy steel, Sway-A-Way torsion bars are designed to withstand repeated torsional loading while providing consistent spring characteristics.

Choosing the Correct Torsion Bar Rate

 19 mm Solid (OEM Standard Diameter)

The 19 mm torsion bar is the factory-style option within the range and is ideal for owners looking to replace tired original torsion bars while maintaining near-standard suspension characteristics. Note: Engineered as a direct-fit replacement for the front independent suspension.

Recommended for:
•  Standard road cars
•  Original-specification restorations
•  Touring use
•  Cars where ride comfort is important
•  Owners seeking factory-style front suspension behaviour

This is the natural choice where maintaining the classic Porsche road feel is the priority.

Installation & Setup Notes:
•   Indexing & Ride Height: These bars utilize the factory splined ends. Correct indexing (clocking) during installation is critical to achieving the proper stance. Small adjustments at the splines result in significant changes at the wheel.
•   Grease: Always apply a high-quality Moly-based or waterproof grease to the splines before sliding the bars into the A-arms and adjustment caps to prevent future seizing and "creaking" during cornering.
•   Upgrade Path: If you are preparing your 911 for competitive autocross or track days, consider stepping up to a 21mm or 22mm bar. This 19mm bar is specifically optimized for street comfort and original factory handling dynamics.

  20 mm Solid (Performance Upgrade)

The 20 mm torsion bar provides a mild increase in front spring rate compared with the standard 19 mm setup. It offers sharper suspension response and reduced front-end movement without moving too far away from road-oriented ride characteristics. 
Spring Rate: Higher than OEM (Approximately 23% stiffer than 19mm bars) 
Note: A popular choice for Carrera models looking to sharpen front-end response or for early "long-hood" cars being prepared for rally or fast road use.

Recommended for:
•  Fast-road cars
•  Mild performance upgrades
•  Weekend sports cars
•  Uprated road suspension
•  Cars using performance dampers and tyres

A good choice for owners wanting a noticeable but relatively restrained suspension upgrade.

Installation & Performance Notes:
•  Balanced Handling: When increasing the front bar diameter to 20mm, it is highly recommended to also upgrade the rear torsion bars (typically to 26mm or 27mm) to maintain the 911’s neutral handling balance and prevent induced understeer.
•  Spline Maintenance: Thoroughly clean the female splines in the A-arms and adjustment caps. Use a high-pressure waterproof grease on the splines during assembly to prevent "popping" noises and ensure easy adjustment in the future.
•  Indexing: Because these bars use the factory spline count, small changes in indexing result in significant ride height shifts. We recommend documenting your original bar's orientation before removal.

  21 mm Solid  (Performance Upgrade)

The 21 mm torsion bar provides a more significant increase in front spring rate and is well suited to performance-oriented road and occasional track cars. Spring Rate: Stiffer than OEM (Approximately 45–50% stiffer than 19mm bars).
Note: This is a common performance upgrade for Carrera 3.2 and SC models to improve front-end bite and overall chassis responsiveness.

Recommended for:
•  Fast-road Porsche 911s
•  Road and track-day cars
•  Autocross Carrera and SC performance builds
•  Cars using uprated dampers
•  Modern high-grip tyre packages

The increased rate provides stronger resistance to front suspension compression during braking and cornering.

Installation & Performance Notes:
•  Chassis Balance: Upgrading to 21mm front bars typically requires a corresponding upgrade to the rear torsion bars (often to 27mm or 28mm) to maintain the 911's intended handling characteristics and prevent excessive understeer.
•  Shock Matching: Due to the significantly increased spring rate, factory comfort shocks will likely be under-damped. For best results, pair these with performance-valved shocks (such as Bilstein Clubman or Koni Sport).
•  Indexing: Document your factory bar indexing before removal. Because of the high spring rate, even a one-spline difference in "clocking" will result in a dramatic change in ride height.

 22 mm Solid

The 22 mm solid torsion bar moves further toward a track-focused suspension setup. It provides increased front-end support and reduced body movement, making it suitable for cars where handling response is prioritised over standard road comfort. Spring Rate: Stock Equivalent. Note: While 22mm is typically a performance diameter, this SKU is specifically manufactured to provide a factory-style ride quality.

Recommended for:
•  Aggressive fast-road use
•  Frequent track days
•  Autocross
•  Lightweight performance cars
•  Uprated dampers
•  Complementary rear torsion-bar upgrades

Installation & Setup Notes:
•  Spline Fitment: These bars utilize the factory-style splined ends. Ensure the female splines in your A-arms and adjustment caps are thoroughly cleaned and free of debris before installation.
•  Lubrication: Use a high-quality, high-pressure waterproof grease on the splines during assembly to prevent "popping" or "creaking" and to ensure easy removal in the future.
•  Indexing: Because small changes in spline "clocking" result in significant ride height shifts, document your original bar's orientation before removal to simplify the setup of your new stance. 

 23 mm Solid  (Competition Grade)

The 23 mm solid torsion bar is a substantial performance upgrade designed for aggressive road, track and competition applications. It provides considerably greater resistance to front-end dive and body roll than the factory-style 19 mm configuration. Spring Rate: Significantly higher than OEM (Approx. 110–120% stiffer than 19mm bars). Note: Ideal for 911s used in competitive track environments, autocross, or for owners who prefer a very firm, communicative chassis.

Recommended for:
•  Track-focused Porsche 911s
•  Motorsport-inspired build
•  Autocross
•  Competition applications
•  Cars using performance or competition dampers
•  High-grip tyre setup

 At this level, the complete front-to-rear suspension balance becomes particularly important.

Installation & Performance Notes:
•  Chassis Reinforcement: Because 23mm bars exert significantly more force on the chassis than factory bars, it is highly recommended to inspect—and potentially reinforce—the torsion bar mounting points and A-arm brackets.
•  System Balance: To maintain neutral handling, 23mm front bars must be paired with much stiffer rear bars (typically 30mm or 31mm). Failure to balance the rear will result in severe understeer.
•  Shock Damping: Standard or even "Sport" street shocks will be insufficient for this spring rate. Competition-valved dampers (such as Bilstein RSR or Custom Valved Koni) are necessary to control the oscillation of a 23mm bar.
•  Spline Care: Apply high-pressure waterproof grease to the splines during assembly to prevent "popping" noises and to ensure the bars do not seize in the A-arms.

  24 mm Solid

The 24 mm solid front torsion bar provides a high spring rate intended primarily for developed performance and competition suspension packages.

Recommended for:
•  Dedicated track cars
•  Competition Porsche 911s
•  Lightweight race builds
•  High-grip tyre applications
•  Cars with substantially uprated rear torsion bars
•  Competition-valved dampers

This size is most appropriate where chassis control takes priority over road comfort.

  25 mm Solid

The 25 mm solid torsion bar is a very high-rate front suspension option aimed at serious motorsport applications.

Recommended for:
•  Race-prepared Porsche 911s
•  Motorsport builds
•  High-downforce or high-grip cars
•  Competition suspension systems
•  Vehicles with appropriately matched rear spring rates

Professional suspension setup is strongly recommended at this level of spring stiffness.

  26 mm Solid

The 26 mm solid torsion bar represents the most aggressive option in this range. Designed for highly developed competition vehicles, it provides extremely high resistance to front suspension movement and should only be used as part of a properly engineered suspension package.

Recommended for:
•  Dedicated race cars
•  Motorsport applications
•  Highly developed track builds
•  Very high-grip suspension setups
•  Cars using competition-spec dampers
•  Vehicles with suitably matched rear torsion-bar rates

For typical road use, one of the smaller sizes will generally provide a more appropriate balance of suspension performance and compliance.


Why Upgrade Front Torsion Bars?

On a classic Porsche 911, the torsion bar performs the same fundamental function as a conventional coil spring. When the suspension moves, the bar twists. The resistance of the bar to this twisting movement determines the effective spring rate.

Increasing the torsion-bar diameter can provide:
•  Reduced front-end dive under braking
•  Reduced body roll Improved steering response
•  Greater suspension control
•  More immediate turn-in
•  Better support for performance tyres
•  Improved chassis response during track driving
•  Increased resistance to suspension compression

The larger the solid torsion-bar diameter, the greater the spring rate.

Solid Construction

These torsion bars use a traditional solid construction. Solid torsion bars are an excellent choice for owners who prioritise performance, durability and value over the weight saving provided by tubular alternatives.

Advantages include:
•  Proven construction
•  High torsional strength
•  Consistent spring behaviour
•  Excellent durability
•  Wide choice of spring rates
•  Competitive cost compared with hollow alternatives
•  Suitable for road and competition use

For customers primarily focused on achieving a specific spring rate rather than reducing suspension component weight, the solid Sway-A-Way range provides an excellent solution.

4340 Alloy Steel

Sway-A-Way uses high-strength 4340 alloy steel for its Porsche torsion bars. This material is particularly suitable for components subjected to repeated twisting loads because of its combination of strength and fatigue resistance.

The manufacturing process includes:
•  High-strength alloy-steel construction
•  Precision centreless grinding
•  Heat treatment
•  Shot peening
•  Controlled dimensions
•  Protective powder coating

These processes help provide predictable spring characteristics and long-term durability.

Related reference numbers
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FS18

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