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There is a big difference in strength between a cast and a forged aluminum control arm.
The other concern in my mind is the fatigue strength of aluminum. It is far less than steel and usually requires much more mass to have the same service life as steel.
The other concern in my mind is the fatigue strength of aluminum. It is far less than steel and usually requires much more mass to have the same service life as steel.
Yep. I believe 35% comes to mind, but I would have to ask my engineer buddy. He is a structural engineer that owns a stable of vettes, and loves to make aluminum parts.
Good to hear of your success with Speed Directs. I really like them, and despite some people concerned with their strength, the C4 arms are aluminum also and so are many SUV's.
These are the only aluminum A-arms for C3s, and all other vendors offering aluminum arms are selling these (drop shipment). So 7 years with no breakage sounds like a good track record to me. They're kinda costly, but I'm leaning toward being a satisfied customer.
Thanks, all, for your input. This is one of those "while I'm at it" type of additional projects.
......I'm 95% decided on VBP's. Same weight savings as Speed Directs, I like their build better, and the price is about 1/2 as much. Just had the Borgeson box installed, and the car is now in repair shop "jail" getting things upgraded.
The other concern in my mind is the fatigue strength of aluminum. It is far less than steel and usually requires much more mass to have the same service life as steel.
