Page 1 of 2

Mx3 control arms/bushings

Posted: November 1st, 2008, 3:30 pm
by psycotuner
Hey guys,

Ive got an Escort zx2, I recently got the Mazdaspeed LSD and was going to use the Mx3 axles wich are a bit longer so i am going to get some Mx3 control arms (a-arms)

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone makes aftermarket tubular control arms for the Mx3 or smilar ?

And if I use the stock Mx3 V6 arms Does anyone sell Solid bushings for them ? Im assuming my zx2 ES buishings will work, but id like solid if possile.

Thanks

Re: Mx3 control arms/bushings

Posted: November 1st, 2008, 4:59 pm
by psycotuner
hmm, imma try to do some Spherical bearings in the control arms...

Re: Mx3 control arms/bushings

Posted: November 1st, 2008, 8:16 pm
by psycotuner
After a bit of searching I THINK I found what you guys use the SRD Control Arm bushings. However, I have not been able to find anyone who sells them,yet.
I seen a pic of one mx3 owner using a spherical bearing in his LCA, this is what im looking for.

Re: Mx3 control arms/bushings

Posted: November 2nd, 2008, 1:02 am
by mazdamx3freak
psycotuner wrote:Hey guys,

Ive got an Escort zx2, I recently got the Mazdaspeed LSD and was going to use the Mx3 axles wich are a bit longer so i am going to get some Mx3 control arms (a-arms)

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone makes aftermarket tubular control arms for the Mx3 or smilar ?

And if I use the stock Mx3 V6 arms Does anyone sell Solid bushings for them ? Im assuming my zx2 ES buishings will work, but id like solid if possile.

Thanks
your ES bushings will work perfect, I know if u have them in right now the rear on should be loose right? well thats b/c your missing one key part. you need the U clamp from a 323/escort/protege and bolt it on instead of your mx3 one to get the exact fit. and srd went out of business along time ago.

Re: Mx3 control arms/bushings

Posted: November 2nd, 2008, 1:11 am
by psycotuner
the u clamp that has the 3-17mm bolts holding it down?

Re: Mx3 control arms/bushings

Posted: November 2nd, 2008, 1:51 am
by mazdamx3freak
yes the U clamp on the rear bushing

Re: Mx3 control arms/bushings

Posted: November 2nd, 2008, 11:21 am
by psycotuner
hmm, id really like to put in spherical bearings in the bushings place...

Re: Mx3 control arms/bushings

Posted: November 6th, 2008, 11:05 pm
by psycotuner
Anyone? Is there anything harder more firmer than Urethane ?

Re: Mx3 control arms/bushings

Posted: November 7th, 2008, 12:33 am
by wytbishop
On the Shore A durometer scale, the stock bushings would be somewhere between 60 and 70...probably average of A65 . A bowling ball has a shore hardness of A100. 70A is considered a slightly stiffer but comfortable upgrade. 80A is very firm but still streetable. 90A durometer bushings would feel like granite.

You could get a pillow block bearing with blank mounting flanges...

Image

you would need an 18mm shaft ID and about 130mm wide flange. The stock bracket that secures the rear bushing is basically a pillow block but here's the problem...

Image

...it's not flat. You could do it with some customization, but it would be difficult to get the control arm's shaft located in precisely the right spot.

OR you could just order a set of 90A bushings from me in a few weeks.

Re: Mx3 control arms/bushings

Posted: November 8th, 2008, 1:04 am
by psycotuner
keep me posted, im in this to do anything to make the whole car more solid and eliminate wheel hop. I know this isnt going to be comforatable, but this car isnt ment to be, I already have SOLID metal motor mounts.
Looks like the 90k's are my best bet, I wish I could find someone who had that shperical bearing kit from corksport.

Re: Mx3 control arms/bushings

Posted: November 14th, 2008, 9:14 pm
by psycotuner
topp

Re: Mx3 control arms/bushings

Posted: December 11th, 2008, 1:17 am
by psycotuner
top, So just Es bushing huh ?

Re: Mx3 control arms/bushings

Posted: December 11th, 2008, 8:21 am
by wytbishop
Energy Suspension bushings can be made to fit the MX-3 but there is a bit of custom work and the product is only average. If you can wait a little while, the bushings that come out of my group buy are going to be the best MX-3 specific polyurethane bushings available anywhere.

Re: Mx3 control arms/bushings

Posted: January 1st, 2009, 8:42 am
by cobrat
Any update on your bushings group buy? I'm interested.

Re: Mx3 control arms/bushings

Posted: January 1st, 2009, 9:25 pm
by wytbishop
I will be reviving the bushing GB in February.

The Gauging Interest thread is here . Post your interest to that thread and I will put your name on the list of interested parties.