Would replacing batwing bushings impact alignment?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
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Would replacing batwing bushings impact alignment?
Fully rebuilt suspension few years ago, including all bushing...except for the batwing. Thought at the time was to soften the driveline a bit with rubber batwing and motor mounts. This winter, I’m replacing motor mounts with billet aluminum/poly from ProLine. At the other end I’d like to replace the original batwing bushings. Here’s the hang-up - I spent some serious coin on aligning the car. Nearly every shop I called couldn’t do more than set the toe on a C4 and was dumbfounded by the control arm shims. I took the car to a former Chevy dealer that linked up with a local Corvette specialist and they really could hold an intelligent convo about the alignment. I haven’t driven it too many miles since and it still feels really dialed in. I don’t want to mess that alignment up. Will swapping to poly batwing bushings relocate things enough to matter or am I overthinking it?
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: N.E. Ohio OH
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
If you do this, consider the SuperPro bushings over normal poly.
https://www.corvettepartscenter.com/...nt-bushing-set
Notice they are 1 piece push through, as opposed to 2 pieces that regular poly use. This is what I have for swapping my Dana 44 setup in.
https://www.corvettepartscenter.com/...nt-bushing-set
Notice they are 1 piece push through, as opposed to 2 pieces that regular poly use. This is what I have for swapping my Dana 44 setup in.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
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Thanks, not a lot of info in the link... What is the SuperPro advantage? They still appear to be poly and in something that doesn’t need to flex that seems fine. I know ordinarily the steel sleeve need to come out of the batwing which can be a pain, if the sleeve is retained with the SuperPro I can see that as an advantage.
My suspension is poly bushed throughout. I know there is a case to be made for rubber bushes, but at the time it wasn’t available. I’ll also add that I went with the graphite impregnated bushings with the appropriate lube and have yet to hear a single squeak. Poly over the original bushings was a tremendous improvement in how tight the car feels.
My suspension is poly bushed throughout. I know there is a case to be made for rubber bushes, but at the time it wasn’t available. I’ll also add that I went with the graphite impregnated bushings with the appropriate lube and have yet to hear a single squeak. Poly over the original bushings was a tremendous improvement in how tight the car feels.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,648
Likes: 1,059
From: N.E. Ohio OH
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
Super Pro bushings are in between oem rubber and poly in hardness. That is why they can be one piece. They can be pushed through, unlike poly, which is hard and in time can fracture (I would imagine) and bind a Corvette suspension that moves in more than just a X and Y axis. Some folks have actually had Corvette suspensions (rear) not move freely as they should when on jackstands and no wheels due to poly binding.
Super Pro for C4 Corvettes are relatively new on the scene.
Yes the steel sleeve goes inside the bushing.
In my opinion, a heim joint type setup or the Super Pro bushings are far and above poly bushings.
Super Pro makes bushings for all aspects of a C4.
Their USA site is new. Different Corvette parts suppliers are carrying the bushings now, as well as available on eBay
https://superprousa.com/
https://superprousa.com/pages/why-superpro
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l 1313&_nkw=superpro+c4+corvette&_sacat=0
Super Pro for C4 Corvettes are relatively new on the scene.
Yes the steel sleeve goes inside the bushing.
In my opinion, a heim joint type setup or the Super Pro bushings are far and above poly bushings.
Super Pro makes bushings for all aspects of a C4.
Their USA site is new. Different Corvette parts suppliers are carrying the bushings now, as well as available on eBay
https://superprousa.com/
The base material used by SuperPro is a polyurethane elastomer; a class of Thermosetting synthetic polymer that involves the reaction of various types of isocyanate resins with curing agents. This gives an extremely durable material with the best features of both rubber and plastic. Since the introduction of polyurethane into the aftermarket suspension industry in the early 80s, many have tried but few have succeeded in creating a product with consistent, accurate and durable results.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l 1313&_nkw=superpro+c4+corvette&_sacat=0
Last edited by drcook; Oct 21, 2020 at 02:51 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: near the thumb in the mitten
Replacing batwing bushings may effect.alignment. it depends on how you do it. If don't take the camber rod eccentric bolt loose and leave it bolted to thr assembly, the alignment is more likely not to change. You could scribe cam.bolt washers to locate bolts back to original position. Depending on wear and how everything bolts back in; alignment can change slightly. It worth atleast having alignment checked afterwards.
