Suspension Upgrade or Replace Bushes on standard suspension
01-18-08, 04:46 AM
#1
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Suspension Upgrade or Replace Bushes on standard suspension
Just wondering what is the best option... Well I assume that Coilovers etc would be a nice option although cost does come into the equation.
If I go with the bushes (Group Buy - Delrin Bushes), would they suffice for road use and the odd track day here and there...
Just sceptical that if I do go with the Delrin bushes, will they be enough, too hard for road, not sufficent for track etc...
In saying all the above, people seem to be very happy with the Delrin Bushes.
Thanks in advance.
Woz
If I go with the bushes (Group Buy - Delrin Bushes), would they suffice for road use and the odd track day here and there...
Just sceptical that if I do go with the Delrin bushes, will they be enough, too hard for road, not sufficent for track etc...
In saying all the above, people seem to be very happy with the Delrin Bushes.
Thanks in advance.
Woz
01-18-08, 10:45 AM
#2
Might want to search this forum as there have been a few threads on this topic and they all become heated discussions.
Having said that....
Think about the purpose of the bushing and why rubber was used to begin with. Rubber makes a good material to locate the suspension parts while having enough flexibility to isolate Noise Vibration and Harshness from the car to the driver. If you install bushings made from stiffer material, you increase the amount of NVH being passed through to the driver. For that reason, I recommend stock or the poly bushings for cars that see street driving on varying road conditions.
The FD really doesn't need anything stiffer than that as the bushings are stiff enough as they are. I know various people that with FD race cars that are still racing on stock bushings with the exception of the trailing arms and toe links. This is wheel to wheel racing, not track days.
Some people (usually the younger less experienced) think stiffer is better but that isn't always true. Some people have different tolerance levels for what they find acceptable stiffness, loudness etc and you won't be able to determine that from the posts you read on here. The younger guys have higher tolerances ( as I once did).
One last thought, stiffer also decreases adhesion/grip in the wet. That is why race cars soften their suspensions on wet days. Might want to keep that in mind given your location.
Do yourself a favor and search here and research so you can learn and form your own opinion.
Having said that....
Think about the purpose of the bushing and why rubber was used to begin with. Rubber makes a good material to locate the suspension parts while having enough flexibility to isolate Noise Vibration and Harshness from the car to the driver. If you install bushings made from stiffer material, you increase the amount of NVH being passed through to the driver. For that reason, I recommend stock or the poly bushings for cars that see street driving on varying road conditions.
The FD really doesn't need anything stiffer than that as the bushings are stiff enough as they are. I know various people that with FD race cars that are still racing on stock bushings with the exception of the trailing arms and toe links. This is wheel to wheel racing, not track days.
Some people (usually the younger less experienced) think stiffer is better but that isn't always true. Some people have different tolerance levels for what they find acceptable stiffness, loudness etc and you won't be able to determine that from the posts you read on here. The younger guys have higher tolerances ( as I once did).
One last thought, stiffer also decreases adhesion/grip in the wet. That is why race cars soften their suspensions on wet days. Might want to keep that in mind given your location.
Do yourself a favor and search here and research so you can learn and form your own opinion.
01-21-08, 05:10 AM
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Bushings
Cheers mate for the detailed reply. Appreciate the effort put in to your reply.
Right you are, mixed opinions and driver preference will always come into the equation. I'll search through the forums and come to a decision.
By any chance, do you know where supplies the stock bushings???
The stealerships over here will charge massive amounts so going to try and avoid sourcing from them.
Cheers again.
Wozza
Right you are, mixed opinions and driver preference will always come into the equation. I'll search through the forums and come to a decision.
By any chance, do you know where supplies the stock bushings???
The stealerships over here will charge massive amounts so going to try and avoid sourcing from them.
Cheers again.
Wozza
01-21-08, 10:41 AM
#5
I think Malloy Mazda here in the US may ship to you. He gives us a nice discount. I believe his phone and email are in the FAQ thread in the 3rd gen section.
I'm also using the Super Pro on some parts from the group buy section. I believe one of those guys spends time in the UK fwiw.
found Ray's number:
M
Malloy Mazda , Ray Crowe is the parts manager, gives great prices to RX-7 owners, quick shipping:
(888) 533-3400 , (703) 490-8170 , fax: (703) 490-3864 , hmkparts@aol.com
I'm also using the Super Pro on some parts from the group buy section. I believe one of those guys spends time in the UK fwiw.
found Ray's number:
M
Malloy Mazda , Ray Crowe is the parts manager, gives great prices to RX-7 owners, quick shipping:
(888) 533-3400 , (703) 490-8170 , fax: (703) 490-3864 , hmkparts@aol.com
Last edited by gracer7-rx7; 01-21-08 at 10:47 AM.
01-21-08, 07:26 PM
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Definetly give Ray Crowe a call. He's there M-F Eastern Standard time. Your money will probably go further here in the US than at your local dealership these days. Ray will hook you up.
Depending how tired your suspension is and how much money you want to spend is a factor.
One of the biggest failure points on these cars are the pillowball bushings in the rear. They are a stock part that nobody makes aftermarket. These are back there in addition to the rubber bushings you are considering. If you have any clunking or sloppiness in the rear - there's a good chance that it's a bad pillowball bushing.
Ray Crowe will send you all 6 (3 on each side) and new dust covers for about $300.00. Buy the new dust covers - don't be cheap like some people. You would be surprised how much improvement you will get when you fix this one area of the car. It's the very first thing you should be looking at if your suspension is still stock (they are probably shot).
There is an awesome write up on how to replace the pillowball bushings with an impact gun here: http://www.clubrx.org/default.asp?id...ntent=32&mnu=5
or with hand tools here:
http://www.maxcooper.com/rx7/how-to/...lls/index.html
Depending how tired your suspension is and how much money you want to spend is a factor.
One of the biggest failure points on these cars are the pillowball bushings in the rear. They are a stock part that nobody makes aftermarket. These are back there in addition to the rubber bushings you are considering. If you have any clunking or sloppiness in the rear - there's a good chance that it's a bad pillowball bushing.
Ray Crowe will send you all 6 (3 on each side) and new dust covers for about $300.00. Buy the new dust covers - don't be cheap like some people. You would be surprised how much improvement you will get when you fix this one area of the car. It's the very first thing you should be looking at if your suspension is still stock (they are probably shot).
There is an awesome write up on how to replace the pillowball bushings with an impact gun here: http://www.clubrx.org/default.asp?id...ntent=32&mnu=5
or with hand tools here:
http://www.maxcooper.com/rx7/how-to/...lls/index.html
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