Today I finally got around to installing my LCA bushings. For those who have not seen these, Ryan (FE3-323) Had 10 sets of these made. They are spherical lower control arm bushings with 316 Stainless Steel casings. The rear bushing was offset to increase the angle of Caster of the front suspension. (strut placement from this: l to this: / looking from driver side) This has Many benefits, but basically the front wheel is shifted forwards, increasing the wheelbase of the car. This also shifts the weight of the vehicle and alters the suspension geometry. More weight is between the wheels and less is hanging in front of the wheels. Another benefit is the fact that these eliminate front to rear deflection of the bushings, as well as the binding effects of poly and rubber. The good news for you is that he is having more made. That is really good news for you! I am signed up for another set as of now, but if I had the cash, I would buy a dozen sets! I love them! Go check out the group buy!
I have a road I test all my new suspension mods on. It's about 4.2 miles long, and Bing Maps says it's about a 22 minute drive from the bottom to the top (LOL). Begining elevation is 5900' above sea level, Peak elevation is 7850'. There are decreasing-radius, increasing radius, sweepers, and tight corners, as well as 2 sets of three ultra-tight switchbacks. The view at the top is beautiful, but that's not why I'm here.
With new modifications I usually ease my way into the mountain and gradually pick up the pace. I usually don't set a new record until the 3rd or 4th run on a new setup. The fastest this car has gone bottom to top until now is 6 minutes 24 seconds.
I could feel the difference these bushings made immediately. Bottom to top today was roughly 5:58 but I was so shaken by the time I hit the top that I forgot to stop the timer. I remerbered it approximately 10 seconds later... it said 6:08, I believe it was 10 seconds. I'll check again another day. That's not really what matters. The way these have increased response is unbelievable! It's really tough to put into words. I point the car and it goes. It was really noticable in the decreasing radius corners. As I had to increase the steering angle, the car continued to bite the ground harder and harder. Normally on those corners I wouldn't start to hit the throttle until I've hit the tightest part of the corner. Tonight, I eased into the throttle as I started to increase the steering angle... Normally this would have caused some understeer, but tonight it just gripped and turned harder. The way the car responds now made me want more, and it caused me to push harder and harder. I normally just cruise on the way down, because I've boiled my brakes trying to run the downhill (that sucked!) but I was pushing it pretty hard with the new setup because it is addicting! I eased off when I caught a whif of my brakes though.
Another notable change was when hitting bumps and dips in the road. I noted that the shock caused by hitting bumps and dips was far less severe with the sphericals. I could feel the springs and struts doing the work that used to disperse through the bushings. The result is a lot more predictable suspension movement, which made my confidence and comfort level go up. Instead of slowing for the cracks and bumps in the corners I was able to mow right over them, without the car doing anything funny. I also transitioned from pavement to dirt with a sharp 3" drop in mid corner, the car started to oversteer, but with a little opposite input I caught it without any issue. The transition was a lot smoother than in the past.
I'm still a little speech-less, and finding it hard to translate what I felt into words. I will add to this after a few more drives...
All in all, These bushings Effing kick ass! My car feels completely different now, and it's good! Anyone who can afford these, NEEDS to but a set. You will not regret it!
Thanks Ryan! You are the MAN!
-Cody
I have a road I test all my new suspension mods on. It's about 4.2 miles long, and Bing Maps says it's about a 22 minute drive from the bottom to the top (LOL). Begining elevation is 5900' above sea level, Peak elevation is 7850'. There are decreasing-radius, increasing radius, sweepers, and tight corners, as well as 2 sets of three ultra-tight switchbacks. The view at the top is beautiful, but that's not why I'm here.
With new modifications I usually ease my way into the mountain and gradually pick up the pace. I usually don't set a new record until the 3rd or 4th run on a new setup. The fastest this car has gone bottom to top until now is 6 minutes 24 seconds.
I could feel the difference these bushings made immediately. Bottom to top today was roughly 5:58 but I was so shaken by the time I hit the top that I forgot to stop the timer. I remerbered it approximately 10 seconds later... it said 6:08, I believe it was 10 seconds. I'll check again another day. That's not really what matters. The way these have increased response is unbelievable! It's really tough to put into words. I point the car and it goes. It was really noticable in the decreasing radius corners. As I had to increase the steering angle, the car continued to bite the ground harder and harder. Normally on those corners I wouldn't start to hit the throttle until I've hit the tightest part of the corner. Tonight, I eased into the throttle as I started to increase the steering angle... Normally this would have caused some understeer, but tonight it just gripped and turned harder. The way the car responds now made me want more, and it caused me to push harder and harder. I normally just cruise on the way down, because I've boiled my brakes trying to run the downhill (that sucked!) but I was pushing it pretty hard with the new setup because it is addicting! I eased off when I caught a whif of my brakes though.
Another notable change was when hitting bumps and dips in the road. I noted that the shock caused by hitting bumps and dips was far less severe with the sphericals. I could feel the springs and struts doing the work that used to disperse through the bushings. The result is a lot more predictable suspension movement, which made my confidence and comfort level go up. Instead of slowing for the cracks and bumps in the corners I was able to mow right over them, without the car doing anything funny. I also transitioned from pavement to dirt with a sharp 3" drop in mid corner, the car started to oversteer, but with a little opposite input I caught it without any issue. The transition was a lot smoother than in the past.
I'm still a little speech-less, and finding it hard to translate what I felt into words. I will add to this after a few more drives...
All in all, These bushings Effing kick ass! My car feels completely different now, and it's good! Anyone who can afford these, NEEDS to but a set. You will not regret it!
Thanks Ryan! You are the MAN!
-Cody
pm if interested
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