[Shotimes] Delrin subframe bushings

[Donald Mallinson]

Zach,

I think the perceived NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness for those that 
might not know what that is) of the solid subframe bushings depends on 
two main factors:

1.  Your personal tolerance of a harsh ride, some people just don't 
notice it or are used to and like cars that ride (and respond) like a 
go-kart.

2.  The quality of road in your area.  If you have smooth roads with few 
frost heaves and potholes, then there is little to notice.

In my case I put aluminum bushings on my '89 with virtually stock 
suspension in good condition.  I live in Illinois with really crappy 
roads in some areas and for my daily driver I want to have some 
comfort.  The NVH was SO bad that I took the bushings back off and put 
the stock ones in within a week.  My '89 felt 20 years older instantly 
with rattles and buzzes that had never been there, and haven't been 
since.  The slight increase in steering feel was not enough to offset 
the teeth rattling ride.

There is no doubt that taking out suspension compliance will increase 
NVH in any car, but how the driver perceives it is what is in question 
here, and that is effected by the quality of the roads.  Tire selection 
will also make a little difference.

Now that my '89 is going to pretty much track only use, I will get 
another set of aluminum bushings and they will be a benefit this time.

Don Mallinson

Zach Leahy wrote:

>I think the NVH is greatly increased when you have already stiffened
>the suspension.  I had put in tokico/eibach already so I think it may
>have amplified the change in NVH.
>
>Now, if the roads are smooth there is little difference... but Here in
>northern IN, they are not.
>
>I remember riding with george and he was complaining about some of the
>california roads....
>
>Z