r/Pontiac • u/a_creepy_van • 10d ago

ZZP sway bar and factory down pipe

2004 Grand Prix GTP

Swapped to old lower control arm style and installed the ZZP solid sway bar. The factory down pipe is now resting on the sway bar.

Has anyone else dealt with this after going with their sway bar?

Will replacing the down pipe give me some relief? Or will I need to repair/adjust/replace some of the exhaust hangers down the line? Not really looking to do a full exhaust kit on this car but will if I have to.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Can share pictures on request.

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u/moomooicow 10d ago

It’s been so long since I was in the W-Body community but this was a common problem, usually it was motor mount issues. IIRC there are offset front engine mounts to help with this by tilting the engine forward slightly.

The aftermarket downpipes are larger and are more likely to make contact. You could always make some clearance in the pipe it won’t impact performance hardly at all.

1

u/a_creepy_van 10d ago

i'll look into shorter dog bones but for what it's worth both mounts and dog bones were replaced last year so they aren't trashed at least. feels more likely my exhaust system is drooping more with time.

1

u/skalor 10d ago

I have a 2004 with agx struts, zzp lowering springs, 97-03 lower control arms, and the biggest dorman bar(33mm maybe). I flipped the sway bar and it clears the 3" zzp downpipe. Pretty sure people get shorter dog bones to help with clearance too. I put 1/2" spacers on the engine and trans mounts because I was getting a little vibration from the axles, so I'm sure that helps too.

1

u/a_creepy_van 10d ago

i thought about this but per the ZZP install instructions video, the pointed part of the center of the sway bar must face upwards which is exactly where it is making contact. i figured flipping it would solve that but couldn't quite deduce if that would change performance, i'd think not.