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Suspension Bushings?

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Old Mar 26, 2009 | 08:34 PM
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Default Suspension Bushings?

I am installing a set of Bilstein Sport shocks on my C6 in hopes of mitigating wheelhop somewhat, and I was wondering what your thoughts are on doing polyurethane suspension bushings at the same time? LG and PFADT both make a nice set that would roughtly double the cost of my shock install, but I wonder if this is worth it at this time:

Being Polyurethane, they will make more noise, such as creeps and squeaks, particularly when it is cold, right?
The install is pretty involved since I have no hydraulic press; I'd have to torch or drill out the old ones...
And is there really enough compliance from the factory bushings that I would feel a difference, particularly in wheelhop?

I.E. is it worth $400 when I am only looking at spending $300 in shocks?
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Old Mar 26, 2009 | 08:57 PM
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How about the fat tranny mounts and the engine mounts? Arron pfadt will tell you thats the ticket for wheel hop
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Old Mar 26, 2009 | 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by CMY SIX
How about the fat tranny mounts and the engine mounts? Arron pfadt will tell you thats the ticket for wheel hop
WAY too much interior noise for a car that gets driven 80 miles a day and 1000+ mile roundtrips on weekends...
Been there done that with a previous car and I'm not repeating it with the 'Vette... This is NOT a race car, so I can't compromise on interior noise...
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Old Mar 26, 2009 | 09:40 PM
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Sam,

I had urethane bushings installed when I did my Pfadt coilovers. They don't make noise. The secret is proper lubrication when installed.
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Old Mar 26, 2009 | 09:48 PM
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Originally Posted by johnodrake
Sam,

I had urethane bushings installed when I did my Pfadt coilovers. They don't make noise. The secret is proper lubrication when installed.
How was the install?

I wonder if anyone has ever swapped just the bushings to see the difference?
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Old Mar 27, 2009 | 02:44 PM
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Anyone else?
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Old Mar 27, 2009 | 03:12 PM
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I will be right back.
Randy
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Old Mar 27, 2009 | 03:18 PM
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Originally Posted by PowerLabs
Anyone else?
I'm ready for shocks too. I changed my worn out base shocks at 18k and now have 4k on some z-51 shocks and they are not very good,
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Old Mar 27, 2009 | 03:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Rock'n Blue 08
I'm ready for shocks too. I changed my worn out base shocks at 18k and now have 4k on some z-51 shocks and they are not very good,
Not to Hijak sams thread, I had poly bushing in the suspension of my CJ-5..(I know not a vette), but the key is to use a lot of the silicone lube they supply. My Pfadt sway bar bushings make no noise..

As for shocks, I'm going with Koni FSD's..There was a good write up in the General section earlier this month..

Last edited by nwc6; Mar 27, 2009 at 03:28 PM.
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Old Mar 27, 2009 | 04:23 PM
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Originally Posted by PowerLabs
Anyone else?
I agree about lubricating poly bushings, and they shouldn't squeek.

I also agree that the stockers DO have enough deflection to add to your wheel hop issues.

I ALSO agree that at least the stock tranny mounts need to go.

I DO NOT agree with the price. I'm waiting for a $90 PST kit or I'll figure something else out. Not worth $400+$300 for trans bushings -to my budget anyway. No way.

Last edited by Tom400CFI; Mar 27, 2009 at 04:29 PM.
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Old Mar 27, 2009 | 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Tom400CFI
I agree about lubricating poly bushings, and they shouldn't squeek.

I also agree that the stockers DO have enough deflection to add to your wheel hop issues.

I ALSO agree that at least the stock tranny mounts need to go.

I DO NOT agree with the price. I'm waiting for a $90 PST kit or I'll figure something else out. Not worth $400+$300 for trans bushings -to my budget anyway. No way.
On top of the cost to install the bushings, which would be substantial for those of us who don't have a torch and other necessary tools to perform said install.

San
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Old Mar 27, 2009 | 04:54 PM
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Only replace the rear lowers. This will decrease labor time and the once every couple month lube job on them. This is the bushing that gains the most in terms of wheel hop without the extra added noise-harsness-vibration. We have done so many rear lower only installs it makes my head spin. Most gain-least drawback in a street car!!!

Randy
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Old Mar 27, 2009 | 08:51 PM
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i came to the conculsion that new shocks only help if there is something wrong with your old shocks, aka leaking.. i just put bilstein hd's in,, maybe they are too soft. inprocess of installing the pfadt engine mounts, goto youtube and look at the video they have for them. any increased vibration will be livable.. only time will tell though.. i just need to find the time to throw them in.

-carl
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Old Mar 27, 2009 | 09:38 PM
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I did a full polyurethane suspension kit on a Fiero GT, the car was unreal it was driving a go cart, it would outhandle my c6 at slow speeds tight corners, but of course with only 140 tired hp not much on top.
anyway i would have done it to my c6 but i couldn't find any kits i liked.
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