Bushes

[fattima]

I did Superpros many moons ago on my old NA6. If I did it again I'd use OEM bushes.

Why is this Matty?
After doing two cars now I prefer the Energy Suspension bushes from 949 racing. Easier to install and they are a better looking made kit, I've not had any issues with noise from these either. Handling wise I couldn't tell a difference between the two.

[davidturnedge@me.com]

Fantastic advice people.

I'm happy to do it over a weekend by myself (or should I ask for volunteers here?).

[StanTheMan]

I'm happy to do it over a weekend by myself (or should I ask for volunteers here?).

*runs & hides*

Matty did a good write up on changing bushes. Maybe he could be kind enough to post an link. I also had an Auto Salon Mag where Kula did his & did a write up of it.

Search the net. I found different tricks from different sources worked well. Can't recall what one of those tricks was but I remember thanking my lucky stars that I'd read this trick in an auto Salon Magazine.

But looking at different sources gave me a fair idea what was involved.

I paid about $85 for a press from supercrap. This press was worth its weight in Gold. having the right tools is probably more important than having all the tricks. Having both would obviously be a massive plus.

[mazdatenfive]

Emailed

[WASP]

IMO to tighten the body you can't go past frame rails, Good win racing sells them and their freight charges arn't as bad as FM
I have them and they are worth every cent.Flyin Miata has an article,worth the read.
Miata Frog FRAME RAILS :: 90-05

[Matty]

I did Superpros many moons ago on my old NA6. If I did it again I'd use OEM bushes.

Why is this Matty?
After doing two cars now I prefer the Energy Suspension bushes from 949 racing. Easier to install and they are a better looking made kit, I've not had any issues with noise from these either. Handling wise I couldn't tell a difference between the two.

I found that after a year or so with the SuportPros that the friction and stiction was quite evident. Rubber bushes just don't do this, because there is no sliding motion, the rubber deforms to allow movement. Hence, no squeaking, and no stiction.

Also, I wouldn't underestimate the amount of engineering that goes into OEM bushings, they are typically quite sophisticated with varying hardness and so forth. If the factory ones aren't hard enough, you can get harder rubber ones from Mazdaspeed I believe.

The downside is cost and a slightly more difficult install, but with the right tools it is not that hard (just time consuming). The Vic Club has a bushing press kit available for loan to members - I'm not sure who has it at the moment though.