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New bushes - options, cost....possible group buy?

Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2007 11:23 pm
by Slugoid
Long time no see 8).

I've been thinking about replacing my bushes for my 89' NA6 since I think it's well overdue and steering has been wondering recently.

Just like to know what brands are good and what are the cost. I remember there was a group buy for a whole set of bushes a while ago but I cannot dig up that thread. From memory it was around $500-600 for the set.

Would also be interested in organising a group buy to reduce cost. If anyone has the relevant details and enough interest I will go ahead with it :).

Edit: I think the brand was Super Pro

Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2007 11:57 pm
by silvermiata
you can grab the super pro bushes complete kit for 450$ from au ebay or n*power.

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 1:06 am
by Slugoid
Thanks for that! Just what I need :)

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 12:56 pm
by Fuzzlet
Haha there was a group buy on these bushes a couple of months ago....shame u missed out

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 1:01 pm
by StanTheMan
he can now get them cheaper than the group buy....by himself. :lol:

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 3:02 pm
by davamb
Here they are:
http://www.nahux.com/NPOWER/products.php?category_id=49
Anybody got a full set fitted? Much improvement? Poly not as comfortable as rubber? Can a DIYer do it or better left to a pro?

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 4:11 pm
by silvermiata
i wonder if this kit fits to NBs too, or do we need to get a different kit for nbs? does anyone know?

Re:

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 4:25 pm
by Juffa
davamb wrote:Here they are:
http://www.nahux.com/NPOWER/products.php?category_id=49
Anybody got a full set fitted? Much improvement? Poly not as comfortable as rubber? Can a DIYer do it or better left to a pro?


Have fitted two sets myself to two of my 5s. Takes around a full day. The slow part can be removing old bushes from the suspension components. Helps if you own, or have access to a compressor and air tools and a large (and strong) bench vice.

The ride is more compliant that the rubber bushes, especially if the rubber bushes have hardened with age/use. I have seen some posts on miata.net forum where people prefer to leave the older hardened bushes in place as this stiffens the suspension. I am more than happy that I did mine, especially with the spring ratings my Tein Flex have.

J

Re:

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 4:31 pm
by Juffa
silvermiata wrote:i wonder if this kit fits to NBs too, or do we need to get a different kit for nbs? does anyone know?


I believe that most of the bushes are compatiable with either the NA or NB. I think the differences are in the sway bar and end link bushes. Best thing would be to check out the super-pro website or contact Fulcrum in Brisbane.

www.superpro.com.au

Their online catalog indicates bushes are available for both the NA, NB and swaybars bushes on the NC ==>> http://www.fulcrumsuspensions.com.au/fulcrumCat/

J

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 5:14 pm
by Matty
All the control arm bushings are compatible between NA and NB.

The NB doesn't have sway bar bushings, it uses plastic ball joints.

If I were to redo bushings again I'd use rubber ones (OEM or Mazdaspeed). The polys tend to stiffen up as the grease dissipates, adding extra friction and damping.

Re:

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 6:54 pm
by Slugoid
Matty wrote:If I were to redo bushings again I'd use rubber ones (OEM or Mazdaspeed). The polys tend to stiffen up as the grease dissipates, adding extra friction and damping.

How much would new rubber bushes cost? I have kings/koni on atm and I don't want my ride to be harsher than it is currently. Just want to feel connected to the road and not have the car wandering. Already have front and lower chassis brace and struct brace.

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 8:50 pm
by Matty
New OEM rubbers from a dealer would have been about $750-800 when I last checked, but that was a few years ago... You might be able to find some cheaper elsewhere, or some Mazdaspeed ones (40% stiffer apparently) also.

When I said before that they stiffen up, don't get the impression that they are harsh, they're not. It's just that ideally they should be re-lubricated every couple of years or so. I'm lazy and don't like doing maintenance...

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 9:31 pm
by Fatty
as it happens i picked my car up today after having the superpro bushes (from the group buy) and teins fitted. after reading all the talk on the forum i was expecting a harsh ride. i drove the car home ( on some bumpy roads i am very familiar with) and yes, the suspension is firmer. but it was nowhere near unbearable. i reckon i'll be able to live with this easilly. the teins have adjustable dampening (16 clicks) and it's set at 3 clicks off max hard. i can soften up a lot if need be, but so far so good.