NC Door Bushes

[malyou]

Any experiences in replacing NC door bushes with Kenauto Taikan Door Bushes and do they noticeably improve body stiffness/rigidity?

[StillIC]

Door bushes! My favourite topic! I have a bit to say....

But first:
I don't own/haven't dríven an NC with solid door bushes.

However:
I own an NA6 with solid door bushes that I designed and made (3D printed) myself and they are the BEST VALUE MODIFICATION I HAVE EVER MADE TO ANY CAR IN MY LIFE. Cents of cost, an hour or so of my time and the complete transformation of a chassis from a windscreen wobbling pile of jelly to a quite reasonable car. I run coilovers and an RB hollow bar, so I need whatever torsional rigidity I can get.

Having said that, some years ago on this forum there was discussion about door bushes (for NA/NB) where opinions ranged from "complete waste of time" to my opinion, and some in between. My feeling is that the effectiveness of solid bushes is a function of ensuring they are an interference fit with the door cups. I made my bushes oversize then filed them down to a size where I could slam the doors shut (and I do have to slam them). I think it is this attention to detail that makes the solid bush worthwhile. You have to remember that you are effectively making the door and the door cup integral chassis components. They (cup and bush) need to fit together with no free play and maximum assembly stiffness. Another factor that might affect opinions is the fit of the original Mazda bushes. Some seem to be firmer and fit better than others. My original bushes seemed a bit worn and soft compared to others I've seen, so my opinion is based on going from worst case (soft worn Mazda bush) to best case (interference fit solid bush).

Edit:
Try Beavis Motorsport door bushes. Beavis contributes to this forum and makes his own. You can talk to him directly about your bushes.

2nd Edit:
Seems like Beavis may not be making them anymore as I can't find any products on his website .

[malyou]

Thanks very much for your comments and suggestions. I was interested after meeting an NC owner at a coffee shop who was happy with what he fitted but I didn't think at the time to ask any details. I saw the product I mentioned on UK MX5 Parts website but one review made same comment as you about time needed to 'get right fit' between bush and cup. I think for every day use I'll stick with what I've got. Appreciate your response though.