[GI] Poly bushings: Making a Comeback in Feb 09'!!!

[fowljesse]

I'll make it one of my New Year's resolutions, instead of the usual "Continue to rock it, and keep it real".

[tehbrookzorz]

Ditto on the new year. I'm still in either way. Will you seperate the payments?

[onlytrueromeo]

Ya he's going to do a nonrefundable 200$ deposit, then we pay the rest when everything is complete.

[Whisper]

Ok, my SuperPro set came in. I'll probably try to shove it on around Xmas, when I have time off. Then I'll know exactly what fits and what doesn't. So after New Year is probably best to get this going.

[tehbrookzorz]

Ok, my SuperPro set came in. I'll probably try to shove it on around Xmas, when I have time off. Then I'll know exactly what fits and what doesn't. So after New Year is probably best to get this going.

Oh yeah, like we're going to base our schedule on the deserter.

[Whisper]

What?

[wytbishop]

HEy now...everybody try to get along in my GI thread.

Whisper...can you give me a list of your SuperPro part numbers? I wanna compare them to the ones I have. Just out of curiosity.

[tehbrookzorz]

I was kidding around Whisper. No worries.

[Whisper]

I think it's pretty much the same list as existed on the forum for a while.

SPF0952-80K
SPF0953-70K
SPF1786K
SPF1787K
SPF0907K
SPF0906K

Didn't get swaybar bushings, because I already have poly ones.

[wytbishop]

Update on top post.

[wytbishop]

So I have had what I think is a pretty good idea to bring the cost of the bushings down.

It is my opinion that for most of the people who need bushings, a good set of factory sway bar bushings (which cost about $10 front and rear) would be more than adequate. I myself do not intend to use polyurethane sway bar bushings as I don't think it's necessary. By eliminating the sway bar bushings from the kit, the price goes down to $350 for 10 sets and $300 for 15 or more sets.

On the other hand, those who really do need something stiffer for their sway bar bushings, would benefit from something totally rigid. I am working up a simple design for a rigid aluminum bracket with a 2 piece sintered bronze (Bronzoil) bushing sort of like a rod big end bearing. The bracket would install in the stock location with the stock hardware. The Bronzoil bushing would never require lubrication and it would make your sway bar as tight as it can be. I'm sure I could sell the brackets with bushings for $50. So for those who need them it would not affect the overall price of the kit.

Tell me your thoughts.

[fowljesse]

That sounds great to me! I'm getting the Whiteline sway bar, and it comes with poly bushings, so I won't need them..

[onlytrueromeo]

I didn't know whiteline swaybars came with bushings...Since I was considering getting a whiteline as well, I like this idea. However, I don't think stock rubber bushings will help nearly compared to poly ones...the sway bar takes alot of stress in the corners, and the first thing to want to deflect are the bushings. If you have the stock ones in there, they will deflect alot more than an 80A bushing...your bronzeoil bracket/bushing idea might work, but thats alot of metal to metal contact on stressed metal. Although I see your idea working, wouldn't the parts need to be replaced more often as the metal deforms? Bronzeoil works on shifters because its not alot of stress...solid mounts work on an engine because its not constant torque (only when change in acceleration really) not to mention the engine has much bigger mounts to work with.

[fowljesse]

How about needle bearings? Talk about solid, quick response!

[wytbishop]

well for most people the stock rubber bushings would be fine. Just driving on the street you would not feel the difference. As for metal on metal...the sintered bronze willeasily withstand the load of the sway bars. The bushing will be 32mm wide to spread the bearing stress on as large an area as possible. It would deform somewhat over time if you're racing or autocrossing but they will be cheap and easy to change. The bushing itsself will be a few dollars.