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[Z06] poly suspension bushings ?? please

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Old Dec 16, 2003 | 12:23 PM
  #1  
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Default poly suspension bushings ?? please

Someone wants to give me a Xmas present, but I have a pretty tight budget. I want to tighten up my 04's suspension just a bit to dampen the body roll, but I don't think I want to go to heavier sway bars (just yet). So, I'm thinking about the polyurethane suspension bushings. I've heard that they improve the handling. Any thoughts on whether those things are worth it? Any thoughts on what the practical effect on the car's handling/performance/ride quality will be? Thanks so much.
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Old Dec 16, 2003 | 02:02 PM
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Default Re: poly suspension bushings ?? please (mikeo)

This is a good post, I'd like to know as well... :chevy
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Old Dec 16, 2003 | 06:39 PM
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Default Re: poly suspension bushings ?? please (mikeo)

good mod and not exspensive but the labor is to install
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Old Dec 16, 2003 | 07:51 PM
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Default Re: poly suspension bushings ?? please (mikeo)

Anyone else??? :( Please??
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Old Dec 16, 2003 | 08:05 PM
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Default Re: poly suspension bushings ?? please (mikeo)

Very good and cheap mod (not including time or labor!) I have driven a C5 coupe with the F45 shocks, hotchkiss bars, and poly bushings on a race track and I could not tell a differenc with my Z06!!!!
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Old Dec 16, 2003 | 10:26 PM
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Default Re: poly suspension bushings ?? please (mikeo)

I think you really need to do the sway bars to reduce roll. Or look for custom shock valving.

Poly Front A Arm bushings will increase steering feel. Major PITA to install. Will not help reduce roll.

If a budgeted Xmas gift...what about a brake bias spring. $20 part. Easy to install and you can brake bleed/ flush as a bonus.

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Old Dec 17, 2003 | 10:41 AM
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Default Re: poly suspension bushings ?? please (Kenny94945)

:iagree:

Poly bushings only add that last little improvement over other mods done prior to poly bushings, i.e. swaybars, shocks, etc., and they squeak like crazy. Might I suggest 3 very easy mods, and not too expensive?

1. Lower ($40)
2. Bilstein Sports ($330)
3. GM T1 swaybars ($700)

with those very easy to do yourself mods, little more than $1K, and do the labor yourself, you will not recognize your car afterwards.

Hope it helped.


:D


[Modified by Vette Lag, 8:51 AM 12/17/2003]
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Old Dec 17, 2003 | 11:02 AM
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Default Re: poly suspension bushings ?? please (mikeo)

Bushing kits are not expensive.
Installing them can be expensive and very time consuming.
You need to remove your upper and lower arms.
Have the rubber bushing pressed out with a shop press.
Have new bushings installed.
Reinstall everything on car.
Get alignment.

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Old Dec 17, 2003 | 12:29 PM
  #9  
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Default Re: poly suspension bushings ?? please (fdupny)

Thanks guys. I can't tell you how valuable this forum is for me. I think you've made up my mind. If I understand it right - cheap mod to buy parts, expensive mod to have installed, limited improvement. I'll probably ask for something else from Santa and consider the bushings if I ever get the %^% and put on the T1s. Thanks again. You guys rule!
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Old Dec 18, 2003 | 01:02 AM
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Default Re: poly suspension bushings ?? please (Vette Lag)

:iagree:

Poly bushings only add that last little improvement over other mods done prior to poly bushings, i.e. swaybars, shocks, etc., and they squeak like crazy. Might I suggest 3 very easy mods, and not too expensive?

1. Lower ($40)
2. Bilstein Sports ($330)
3. GM T1 swaybars ($700)
:iagree:

except DUMP the BILSTEINS. Go with the 04 ZO6 shocks. Read all the posts about people who have dumped the POS Bilsteins and went with the 04 ZO6 shocks. They are cheaper, and are much better.
The T1 sways might be a bit stiff on the road unless that doesnt bother you, if it does go with the Hotchkiss Sways.
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Old Dec 18, 2003 | 11:36 AM
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Default Re: poly suspension bushings ?? please (Yano)

:iagree:

Yano,

You are probably right, sachs spent alot of time develping those, so they should provide a better feel than the Bilsteins. :rant: I think they are working more on the magneto shocks for the C6 Z06, and they should prove to be unbeatable in that category of performance.
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Old Dec 18, 2003 | 04:44 PM
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Default Re: poly suspension bushings ?? please (mikeo)

The bushings are cheap, find a good shop to press them in for you. Slight improvement in the handling of the car, huge improvement in wheel hop. Used in conjunction with better sway bars (Hotchkis) and the 04 shocks you will have a kick butt suspension.

Had mine for a year now, 3 years in my race car, zero squeaks.

Les
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Old Dec 18, 2003 | 08:06 PM
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Default Re: poly suspension bushings ?? please (ZO6Les)

Les, you RULE. Thanks. I think I'll wait until I got some extra coin for the sway bars and do the bushings at the same time. I've already got the 04 shocks (came with the car ;) . Can't wait for that stiffer ride. Thanks again.
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