To poly or not to poly???
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 983
Likes: 1
From: Bergen County NJ
To poly or not to poly???
The ride is pretty stable and there are no rattles/noises, so I don't think that there's significant wear with the bushings, but I'm looking for things to tinker with. In the spring, I plan on doing a brake overhaul and having the FX-3 shocks rebuilt. It would be a good time to take out the A-arms and replace the bushings.
Has anyone that's switched to poly bushings regretted it? What do you see as the pros/cons?
Has anyone that's switched to poly bushings regretted it? What do you see as the pros/cons?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 7
From: San Diego CA
Re: To poly or not to poly??? (sraft)
Poly bushings made a huge difference on mine. I took the original owner for a ride and he couldn't believe it was the same car.
Pro... Biggest difference was in going around a rough corner. Before bushings, it was exciting to see where I ended up. After bushings, it was like on rails.
Con... it's been about 18 months since I had it done and squeaks are begining to come back. But it's still on rails. :D
Pro... Biggest difference was in going around a rough corner. Before bushings, it was exciting to see where I ended up. After bushings, it was like on rails.
Con... it's been about 18 months since I had it done and squeaks are begining to come back. But it's still on rails. :D
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 0
From: West Islip New York
Re: To poly or not to poly??? (sraft)
Has anyone that's switched to poly bushings regretted it? What do you see as the pros/cons?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 7
From: San Diego CA
Re: To poly or not to poly??? (Feenix566)
These bushings are the bearing surfaces between suspension parts. The stock ones have a rubber donut between the outer race and the inner race to cushion the body from bumps.
To see an example raise your hood and look at the front suspension. The point of the A arm is the ball joint, at the base of the A you will see the bushings.
To see an example raise your hood and look at the front suspension. The point of the A arm is the ball joint, at the base of the A you will see the bushings.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 983
Likes: 1
From: Bergen County NJ
Re: To poly or not to poly??? (John Row)
Con... it's been about 18 months since I had it done and squeaks are begining to come back. But it's still on rails. :D
Are there any lubricants (wet or dry) that provide squeak relief?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 835
Likes: 3
From: Water Winter Wonderland
Re: To poly or not to poly??? (sraft)
I've used them on four cars spanning about 12 years. Pros: Performace is undeniable.
CONS: 1) Noise. Every manufacturer claims they will not squeek, and every set of mine DID squeek - eventually. And I've used an awful lot of the special poly grease! If they don't squeek, then why do they spend so much effort advertising grease-grooved bushings, carbon-inpregnated bushings, and bushings with grease fittings (rhetorical question)?! The only thing I can figure is maybe the North climate and road conditions are too hard on them. CON#2) Harsh ride. I've changed back-and-forth on my 90 C4, and the poly's ride is noticably rougher over small cracks, joints, and bumps in the road. That's just me - others claim no difference in ride quality.
So, if you are going to race competitively and need the performance, go for it. The price is certainly reasonable. If you do not race, stick with the stockers.
Just one person's opinion. Please respect it and don't flame me for it!
CONS: 1) Noise. Every manufacturer claims they will not squeek, and every set of mine DID squeek - eventually. And I've used an awful lot of the special poly grease! If they don't squeek, then why do they spend so much effort advertising grease-grooved bushings, carbon-inpregnated bushings, and bushings with grease fittings (rhetorical question)?! The only thing I can figure is maybe the North climate and road conditions are too hard on them. CON#2) Harsh ride. I've changed back-and-forth on my 90 C4, and the poly's ride is noticably rougher over small cracks, joints, and bumps in the road. That's just me - others claim no difference in ride quality.
So, if you are going to race competitively and need the performance, go for it. The price is certainly reasonable. If you do not race, stick with the stockers.
Just one person's opinion. Please respect it and don't flame me for it!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,204
Likes: 6
From: St Marys PA
Re: To poly or not to poly??? (ELEVENS)
Hmmm next winter's project, this year is pretty much booked. :lol:
I know we did it on the chevelle and it made a huge difference in the handling of that. One thing I would not recommend is using the poly on the engine mounts. We did when we put in the 509 and the vibration you get off that engine throughout the car is ungodly, until you touch the gas, and then it smooth as glass. But idle, standing outside the car, you can see the sidewalls of the tires, flexing in and out and occasionally the car learches forwards and back. Looks like its having convulsions. :yesnod:
Might have to try the poly's though for the suspension. Wonder how it would help the 1/4 mile, I can see a definate advantage for road racing. :cheers:
I know we did it on the chevelle and it made a huge difference in the handling of that. One thing I would not recommend is using the poly on the engine mounts. We did when we put in the 509 and the vibration you get off that engine throughout the car is ungodly, until you touch the gas, and then it smooth as glass. But idle, standing outside the car, you can see the sidewalls of the tires, flexing in and out and occasionally the car learches forwards and back. Looks like its having convulsions. :yesnod:
Might have to try the poly's though for the suspension. Wonder how it would help the 1/4 mile, I can see a definate advantage for road racing. :cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 843
Likes: 2
From: Nashua New Hampshire
Re: To poly or not to poly??? (sraft)
Had all my bushings replaced about 2 years ago (~5,000 miles). Handling improved noticably. NO squeeks yet. I bought them (Energy Suspension brand) from http://www.suspension.com. Their advice was to use Marine grease - waterproof, and extra sticky. I went to a marine store and picked up a tub of this and gave it to the mechanic. Haven't had any problems so far. The sway bar bushings come (if you ask for it) with grease fittings, so you can add grease easily if they start squeeking. But I haven't heard anything yet.
Had heard cases where other brands of poly bushings don't always fit. The ES brand I got fit perfectly according to the mechanic. And once I told him about the drilling-out-the-old-bushing trick I read about here on CF, he said it turned out easy to get the old bushings out (drill a few holes in the old bushing and it will pop out much easier).
Had heard cases where other brands of poly bushings don't always fit. The ES brand I got fit perfectly according to the mechanic. And once I told him about the drilling-out-the-old-bushing trick I read about here on CF, he said it turned out easy to get the old bushings out (drill a few holes in the old bushing and it will pop out much easier).
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 2
From: Latham NY
Re: To poly or not to poly??? (sraft)
I got my bushings at www.p-s-t.com
They have kits that include the ball joints and the price can't be beat.
Buy extra grease! The little tubes that are included are not enough.
They have kits that include the ball joints and the price can't be beat.
Buy extra grease! The little tubes that are included are not enough.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,418
Likes: 1
From: NW Chicago Suburbs
Re: To poly or not to poly??? (sraft)
I poly'ed the rear bushings last winter, this winter I'm doing the fronts. The improvement in handling is quite noticable, I didn't notice any added harshness.
Eric
[Modified by silver & red CE, 10:00 AM 12/13/2002]
Eric
[Modified by silver & red CE, 10:00 AM 12/13/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,192
Likes: 1
From: Airport Cruise-in 1 Veteran Airport Cruise-in 2 Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
All good personal stories!! :cheers:
I'm feeling good about going poly! The car is still out of action so I haven't had it out to get the new "feel" yet. Man I can't wait!! :D
I'm feeling good about going poly! The car is still out of action so I haven't had it out to get the new "feel" yet. Man I can't wait!! :D
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 416
Likes: 2
From: Westfield MA
Re: To poly or not to poly??? (sraft)
Did my '87 coupe two years ago. Installed in both front and rear. The ride is a little more harsh, but not that bad. I used the marine grease and it was ok for the first year. Now they all squeak a little at lower speeds. At highway speeds, I don't hear it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 848
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Re: To poly or not to poly??? (SS409 425HP)
I agree with all the advice above. The ride will absolutely be harsher, so be prepared. Energy Suspension makes a great grease that lasts forever, it seems. It's white, incredibly sticky, and comes in little tubes. Buy extra. Me, the suspension in my 96 is already harsh enough. If the bushings ever go, I'm replacing with stock rubber ones.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 843
Likes: 2
From: Nashua New Hampshire
Re: To poly or not to poly??? (fullboogie)
I agree with all the advice above. The ride will absolutely be harsher, so be prepared...
[Modified by gh86E, 9:18 AM 12/14/2002]
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,367
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
Re: To poly or not to poly??? (gh86E)
I read in a past thread where someone said the polyurethane bushings squeek and the polygraphite ones don't. I have this on my to do list for the spring and would like to know if its true.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 4,623
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Re: To poly or not to poly??? (fullboogie)
Absolutely harsher?? You have a '96? What else did you do to it?
The poly will tighten up your suspension. Count on the fact that the OE bushings are likely shot. If you can do all of them, do it. The diff carrier bushings were one of the single most noticeable suspension changes I made. (and I've made many) Poly bushings there tightened up the whole car. (39,000 miles) If you are really into doing the BEST bushings for the control arms, Global West are clearly in a class by themselves. Aluminum and Delrin, with Zerk fittings. Beautiful.
The poly will tighten up your suspension. Count on the fact that the OE bushings are likely shot. If you can do all of them, do it. The diff carrier bushings were one of the single most noticeable suspension changes I made. (and I've made many) Poly bushings there tightened up the whole car. (39,000 miles) If you are really into doing the BEST bushings for the control arms, Global West are clearly in a class by themselves. Aluminum and Delrin, with Zerk fittings. Beautiful.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 983
Likes: 1
From: Bergen County NJ
Re: To poly or not to poly??? (gh86E)
I found little difference in ride quality. Now, every C4 year used different spring rates (and that's what most affects ride quality I was once told by a suspension designer), so switching to poly on my '86 may not be the same as switching to polys on an '85 or '88,
[Modified by gh86E, 9:18 AM 12/14/2002]
[Modified by gh86E, 9:18 AM 12/14/2002]
I've been looking at the posts and trying to see if there's a corrolation between an individual's mention of additional stiffness and the year of their C4. The pre-92 Z51 cars had some mighty stiff springs, and when you get rid of the rubber bushings, you're removing one of the more compliant pieces of the suspension. I'm thinking that the ride harshness on my '94 Z07 won't be too adversly affected by switching to poly bushings, just like it wasn't affected much at all (in a negative way) by the camber brace.
SR