Another polybush advice thread!

[Superluminal]

I've read various threads, but I'm after a bit of specific advice. My 2 is for weekends and fun and only occasionally to actually get anywhere. I bought it instead of saving for a Caterham and may do infrequent track days. It is a 03 FL and has done 90k and is mechanically very sound, but the suspension is definitely tired. I also have the use of other more practical cars.

It is on the original suspension and I will soon be fitting fresh KYB dampers, top mounts, and Tein springs; I'm tempted to do the job properly and fully polybush the suspension and ARBs (not the engine mounts) whilst I'm down there. In the future I intend to buy a front strut brace and mid-brace, and a distant possibility of a 2zz swap. I don't mind a sporty/firm ride, but don't want something that can't handle a spirited drive on standard crappy B-roads with typical patch repairs, drains, potholes, etc.

Any thoughts?

[Ardent]

Such a subjective thing. I wouldn't go anywhere near them.
But, our terms of refrence are bound to be different.
Best option is to tap someone up near you that has them fitted and make a judgement based on a real life trial.

Me I'm happy on stock kybs with teins and no extra bracing. I like the compliance and comfort and still have more grip than I'll ever use.
No track work for me.

Side note
Only track I would like to drive is Cadwell, as it mimicks my local B roads with all the elevation changes

[JoeCool]

I honestly can't tell my car is polybushed. I can tell it's stiff, but that's the coilovers. I also fully polybushed my old MK1 MR2 and had no issues with noise/vibration on that either.

The thing that kills mine is the solid engine mount/poly mounts  iput in, that transfers a lot of engine noise into the cabin, and if I were to re-do it I probably wouldn't opt for them.

But the suspension poly bushes are fine, and realistically, what option do you have???

I put a set of GT-4 Play polybuhsed rear arms, HArd race rear toe arms (which have non compliant bushes, just rose joints!), and then new standard front arms, and the car is transformed.

For a track/fast road, car, infrequently used, don't even hesitate, just do it. FOr a real daily driver, I'd still do it by we all have different thresholds of what's acceptable.

[jvanzyl]

Where are you based? Then you can find someone near you to do a test drive?

[Superluminal]

JoeCool - that's what I wanted to hear! And you are right, what alternatives do I really have if I want to refresh the bushes?

I'm in Bristol. Ding day would have been ideal, but unfortunately I am unlikely to make it due to family stuff.

[secla]

i may have a full set of polybushed arms for sale soon if you interested ?

[Superluminal]

Certainly interested, I need to come up with a shopping list and budget for all this!

[secla]

its not a cheap job, especially if you paying someone else labour to fit them.
mine have been fitted to my track car project but thats just sat and never been used

[1979scotte]

My current car has quite a bit of polybushing and feels no worse than my previous car both fitted with meister r coilovers.
If anything on pfl wheels it feels more compliant.
Although i am one of the few that likes the harder engine mounts.

[manos3003]

I have polybushes all around and I don't notice anything weird. I'm PFL with 15" wheels and 5/7 MeisterR coilovers, if anything I would've noticed something by now.

[Superluminal]

Three to one in favour, that's probably as close to unanimous as you would ever get on a forum!  I'll start pricing stuff, but intend on doing the work myself. If I buy refurbed wishbones from GT4-play is there anything complex or in need of specialist tools?

[JoeCool]

No, you can replace with pre-bushed wishbones with 2 17mm spanners. Gt-4play want your old arms back for refurbishment. (core charge applies).

 Soaking with plunges every day for a few days prior will really help you. There is no major need to replace the toe arms as well, but if you decide you are going to, prepare to have a big fight with the toe adjustment bolts where the meet the sub frame.

[Superluminal]

plunges? Plusgas I assume?

[1979scotte]

plunges? Plusgas I assume?

Got to love auto correct.

[JoeCool]

NO. Plunges. In the deep end. Twice daily. The pool being full of plusgas, obviously.

[Superluminal]

NO. Plunges. In the deep end. Twice daily. The pool being full of plusgas, obviously.

I'll let you know how that goes!

MOT is next week, so once it's done, I'll poke around underneath the car and give GT4-play a call to work out exactly what I need and how much the damage is going to be.

I've got a Master's dissertation to submit on Monday so this refresh is going to be my reward. Unfortunately window shopping for suspension components is not helping to get it finished.  s:? :? s:?

[secla]

you`ll need a ball joint splitting tool and a big hammer

[JoeCool]

you`ll need a ball joint splitting tool and a big hammer

For the front lower arms and rear toe arms, yes. I got a £20 lever type ball joint splitter (sealey I think) that did the rear toe arms just fine, but there wasn't enough room to do the front arms with it. I resorted to the tuning fork splitter and lump hammer which did the trick.

[Superluminal]

JoeCool - thanks, I was just wondering which type to buy.

[MilesH]

Tim, Come over and you can have a drive of mine with Polybushes if you like. It has BC Coilovers as well but I can soften them off.

[Superluminal]

Thanks miles, I'll PM you next time I might be over in that direction.

[Superluminal]

Rather than start a new thread... has anyone bought the cheap ebay wishbones from the US, removed the standard bushes and inserted polybushes? It works out much cheaper than refurbed ones.

[manos3003]

Unsure if they're structurally as good as OEM ones

[Superluminal]

Initial comments from people who have bought them seem positive, if they looked flimsy I would have thought someone would have mentioned it. My concern is the quality and longevity of the rubber in the bushes - I've seen some cheap pattern bushes in replacement parts for other cars that only last a couple of years before crumbling.

[manos3003]

The ones I would recommend are from GT4 Play, a very compliant set actually, not that stiff