After reading many post on poly and rubber bushings/mounts and the pros and cons, mainly the poly are kinda rough compared to the rubber, I have been thinking of combining a set of each for a 'hybrid' system if you will. I think the poly sounds great for one main reason: durability. But I hear some say it causes a harsher ride but that does give you tighter handling, a trade off there. The rubber has one advantage I see: it absorbs the vibrations a little better but it is too mushy for some and def will not last super long term but life does very depending working cond.

My idea is to have some poly and some rubber. Since I will be replacing most if not all it will most def be an improve no matter which I choose. But I sure don't want to put rubber in things like control arm bushings since they are a PITA to replace, or so I have heard. My idea is to by a set of poly and replace the tough stuff with those and never touch em again but I am not interested in getting a rough ride like I have heard poly gives so I will replace teh easier ones with rubber. Since they will be easy to get on and off I can actually put the left over poly back on if I decide I don't like the ride and want to see if all poly is better. I figure poly last since if I like that then I don't ever have to tough it again. If I decide rubber is better then I will probably be replacing them again anyways so no big deal. One idea I have is to hae a poly engine mount on the left(drivers side) and a rubber mount on the right(passengers side). Seems most times the left one goes but the right is fine, must be do to the torque lifting the motor on the drivers side(drive with your hood off and see what I mean :eek: ). The rubber mount would help absorb more of the engine vibration and the poly mount would last longer even though it gets more punishment. I have to thank Keith (427v8) for that one. I read his post on getting rid of vibration by going to rubber motor mounts. Wonder if just one on the passenger side would have been as effective? I think he will be replacing that left one sometime in the future since he has a pretty healthy engine. :yesnod:

Well now comes the time for feedback. I am interested in seeing what others think of this unique (well at least I have never seen anybody suggest it before other than myself) approach to improving handling without totaly sacrificing ride. I know some will say that they feel no diff with the poly but grab a piece of poly and a piece of rubber and tell me with a strait face you think the rubber won't absorb or at least not transfer as much, of the vibration than the poly. ;)

Any flaws to my logic? I posted this once before but added the mixed engine mounts and am interested in opinions on that.

 

Many years ago i went with poly everything. I avoid ruff roads with 550 lbs fronts and 420 lbs steel rear with short sidewall Z-rated tires. I think a combo would work fine on the suspension.

I use energy suspension poly motor mounts which are about $35 each from Summit racing. My motor is very smooth at all rpm. One of my last motors actually shook the body at stop lights with rubber locking mounts. So I think that it's more a matter of motor balance, reciprocating weight, and idle quality. Not the mount material.

I have also thought that :confused: Why do Vettes need a front spreader bar for stiffening if you have poly or solid motor mounts which would make the engine a stressed member? I have a 79 frame which is one of the biggest and heaviest frames. So I've never had any frame cracks with many years of abuse.

 

Funny - but I was thinking about doing the same thing. Took the body off on Sun so I'll be working on the frame & suspension next. Anyway I was thinking about using rubber control arm bushings, poly sway bar bushings & poly bushings on the rear with a fiberglas spring & smart struts. Will be driving the car on weekends only but for cruising - not racing. Don't wan't the extra road feel that comes with all poly bushings - experience from my 68 Mustang :)

 

Here's an option: Put poly in the front a-arm bushing to hold them still on curves, and rubber in the back ones to absorb jolts that would rock the a-arm back. Joe

 

Only thing is that I do not want to have to deal with the a-arm bushings again after I replace them. I know I am trying to have my cake and eat it too. I really like the motor mount idea if I do say so myself since I think it will help smooth out the car at idle but still reduce torque lift when giving it full throttle. Not sure about the rest but I think I will try it.

 

I went with the option as described by joe73vette and am very happy with the combo.

 

I put new poly body bushings, and front stabilizer bar, then rubber in the control arms. I have solid motor mounts. I did this for the same reason I don't want to do it again. I heard to many sqeeky stories to put poly in the control arms.

Bob

 

Headers and flowmaster 40's will take care of that. :jester

 

I have poly everything except the shock mounts and the body mounts. The ride is very acceptable. They have been in for over 1 year and I have not heard one squeak from the suspension. Now squeeks from the body and interior, that's a different subject ......

 

I put new poly body bushings, and front stabilizer bar, then rubber in the control arms. I have solid motor mounts. I did this for the same reason I don't want to do it again. I heard to many sqeeky stories to put poly in the control arms.

Bob


Headers I have; No flow masters but Dynomax sidepipes I have also. I probably would not hear any squeeking.
:D :eek:

Bob