BmacIL's Guard GT Build

[BmacIL]

Crazy isnt it?

@TicTocTach yes you are correct. They're a bonded rubber bushing. Bmac is simply showing how tight they are when being loaded, just as the suspension moves when driving or racing. There is nothing good about a bonded rubber bushing in a suspension pivot point, except NVH reduction.

Yes, they're bonded and have indexing teeth to prevent the sleeve from slipping when torqued. Unfortunately the way they've done it causes a whole host of issues. I have not noticed a single detriment to NVH from these bearings. The camber link inner point is like this too, just smaller and not as bad, but it still takes a surprisingly high amount of force to move it. All the more reason to get UCA762 in the future.

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[TicTocTach]

It’s definitely less of an issue on a modern car with good aftermarket support. On the old Mopars, you needed the slight additional spring rate that the rubber bushings provided... very limited choices for torsion bars (front springs), and going to greased poly bushings could make the front end noticeably softer. Again, not really an issue here, so no reason to not free up the suspension to work like it wants... Thanks, gentlemen, and carry on...

 

[BmacIL]

It’s definitely less of an issue on a modern car with good aftermarket support. On the old Mopars, you needed the slight additional spring rate that the rubber bushings provided... very limited choices for torsion bars (front springs), and going to greased poly bushings could make the front end noticeably softer. Again, not really an issue here, so no reason to not free up the suspension to work like it wants... Thanks, gentlemen, and carry on...

There is probably a couple hundred pounds worth of spring rate from that bushing.

 

[TicTocTach]

There is probably a couple hundred pounds worth of spring rate from that bushing.

Haha! That's about all you can get for some old Mopars... and we'd be glad to have it. I'm glad I don't have to worry about that situation with the S550. If you end up being able to tell a difference, that might be good to know, too.

 

[BmacIL]

Haha! That's about all you can get for some old Mopars... and we'd be glad to have it. I'm glad I don't have to worry about that situation with the S550. If you end up being able to tell a difference, that might be good to know, too.

I definitely can. It's a better, more controlled ride with the only big spring back there being the SP085 980 lb handling springs. I'll need a few more days for a complete review in all driving conditions, but I'm all positive at the moment. On my drive last night, I noticed more traction and better rotation at the same time.

 

[Biggsy]

Did you do the front sway bar yet? If so, which hole setting did you use? or planning to use?

 

[BmacIL]

Did you do the front sway bar yet? If so, which hole setting did you use? or planning to use?

Not yet. May take Friday off and do it. Planning on middle setting to start. HUGE thanks again on the arms man. You made the sting of the diff not so bad because I got the bearings in at least.

 

[BmacIL]

BMR front bar went in today. The balance of the car is amazeballs!!!

 

[Biggsy]

Geez. Can’t wait until I get mine. Going to switch out the 350 bar. Glad everything worked out!

 

[valentinoamoro]

I started with the sways and end links on the PP car. Those made a difference but were not transformational. What did the trick was when I did the BK055s over two years ago along with diff inserts, vert links, IRS bracing etc. There was so much more precision and feel. However, the ride was jouncy. I then did the shocks, springs and mounts and the rear kept the precision and information while totally settling the ride.

The funny thing was once I did the rear the front (which I had no problems with) seemed deficient (the biggest change here was the lighter wheels and tires), hence the tension bearings and upcoming lateral arms/tie rods. LOL.

You wont have that issue as you already did the fronts.

 

[BmacIL]

I started with the sways and end links on the PP car. Those made a difference but were not transformational. What did the trick was when I did the BK055s over two years ago along with diff inserts, vert links, IRS bracing etc. There was so much more precision and feel. However, the ride was jouncy. I then did the shocks, springs and mounts and the rear kept the precision and information while totally settling the ride.

The funny thing was once I did the rear the front (which I had no problems with) seemed deficient (the biggest change here was the lighter wheels and tires), hence the tension bearings and upcoming lateral arms/tie rods. LOL.

You wont have that issue as you already did the fronts.

Yes the suspension feels done now. Doing the BK055 near the end was probably a bigger effect than if it was done before, but I can't believe the difference.

Time to hunt some Porsches tomorrow at the PCA Chicago autocross!

 

[BmacIL]

Porsche slaying today. This was my second best run, shaved another 4 tenths off this on the last one, but forgot to hit record on the gopro!

 

[Bluemustang]

Porsche slaying today. This was my second best run, shaved another 4 tenths off this on the last one, but forgot to hit record on the gopro!

Sweet man! Sounds like the BMR front bar and rear lower control bearings made a huge difference! The car looked really good in the corners and overall composed, and great driving by you (at least from what I could tell). The RE71R tires were getting a workout today. I could tell from the screeching in the video. Lol

Seems like you were pushing the car hard! It's all coming together. Keep up the good work!

 

[BmacIL]

Well, embarrassingly I have to admit that I need to fire my chief mechanic (<----). It dawned on me after a few separate things all clicked together that I wasn't sure if I had installed the roll center correction lateral arm on the correct sides. They are L and R handed but not so significantly that it is completely standout or prevents one from installing on the wrong side. I went and checked the other night and confirmed my suspicions. The good news is: ball joints are still in good health only being like this for a couple months. The handling of the car is improved, particularly steering consistency and feedback. The front suspension also feels like it's working more properly, not surprising considering the lower ball joint isn't bound up (see pic). First pic before. Second pic after. You can see where the ball joint is that the angle is quite different.

 

[BmacIL]

I had an absolute blast ripping up the track at Autobahn County Club today. 9th overall of 75 entrants.

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