I was informed to cross-post this to the suspension forum (originally posted in the FC specific forum...)

My friend has an '86 FC sport with something like 160k miles on the odo.

I can't help but feel the entire collection of rubber bits in the suspension are rotted out. He has new (under 10k miles young) Koni SA's, which although helped a ton, only seem to make the play in the suspension all the more noticeable.

My questions deal with which bushings should be inspected and replaced and what are some good aftermarket solutions? Since he is building the car for ST2 competition in the SCCA, it is necessary to keep the rubber/metal percentage in the bushings as stock as possible. No spherical bearing type bushings are applicable. Powerflex poly type bushings are more then allowed.

Also, the steering seems slack and communicates nothing, which seems completely out of character for a car that was known as an enthusiast beacon (at least the FB was, I don't know how much of that fanaticism the FC enjoyed...?). Should the tie rods be replaced? Is the rack probably worn down? Which FC has the fastest steering? I've heard the manual steering equipped cars, although they have slower steering, have better feel... is it worth it to find a rebuilt manual rack to replace the power rack?

I also know that the rear suspension has a huge bit of compliance and a nearly rear-wheel steering side affect, but this can be cured with stiff bushings.

Also, can anyone recommend a good set of high-rate aftermarket springs for this car? I'd prefer linear, but a good set of progressive wouldn't be terrible.

I know this is a lot of questions, but hopefully you guys can help me out. This guy is getting kind of bored with his car, and I know that all that can be fixed with a little suspension TLC. I know it restored my faith (and then some) in my car.

Thanks!
Steve

 

Bumpity?

 

I'll second that bump.

I have an identitical car with the same milage. I'm just starting to get into Autocross and I think an FC Sport may be pretty good in STS2, but I would love to hear about what suspension (and tire) upgrades the FC needs to be competititive. In my region, there is only a Del sol and a Miata running in that class.

Mark

86 Sport Restoration Project (autocrossing on all season tires and 18 year old bushings).

 

Another bump.

Out here, STS2 is ruled by Miatas!

Steve

 

While the Miata is a great car, One of the reasons I did not get one when I bought my FC was because there are so many of them in competition (and with good reason, they are a very good car for motorsports). It's like Honda's in the rice burner world, everyone has one. Does anyone think the FC would be competitive with proper mods? Maybe I should stop before I spend too much $$....

Mark

 

Energy suspension polyeurathane bushings are a good fix. About $100 from suspension.com for them all. Made a huge difference in my 150K mile car.

Switching over to a manual steering rack is a good solution to get better feel. Sheds some weight also. If you are serious dump the a/c as well.

Get a good alignment on the car and quality tires are everything.

-Mark

 

How is the ride with the poly bushings. I remember reading some place (~3 years ago) of someone that put in poly bushings (not sure of the brand), and immediately took them out because the ride was too harsh.

Mark