Subframe Bushings - Polyurethane vs Aluminum

[flipture]

I'm about to buy new bushings for my S13 since the old ones are shot and are making quite a bit of noise and just feel sloppy. I can't seem to decide between poly and aluminum for the subframe. I'm going with poly on the rest of the car but I'm not sure of the ups and downs of aluminum for the rear end.

Can some one break down the factors i should consider when choosing? What would be the downside & upsides of going with the aluminum's?

Also are the "subframe collars" the entire bushing? Collar sounds like something that would sit on top of the stock bushing but i hope i'm wrong...

[180fan]

bingo on the collars. if you're gonna do subframe bushings, go with the collars for something simple. if your subframe bushings are totally shot, replace the entire bushing is a real pita. I haven't really seen a good set of poly bushings for the subframe though.

either way, if you're gonna drop the subframe, have fun getting the old bushings pressed out. Those are murder.

so here's the breakdown with the materials. poly is more compressible than aluminum. so it'll give more, ie it'll be more comfortable and it'll also transmit less noise than the aluminum. The aluminum will be stiffer and have less flex which is good for more predictability and stability, but it makes for more noise and a rougher ride. The nismo ones are made of stiff rubber, if noise and comfort are an issue and if you're gonna drop the subframe.

Now you choose between the two.

[flipture]

removing the bushings isn't really a problem... I actually removed a few out of a friends starion yesterday... The car isn't my daily driver so it doesn't matter how long its down for and i can take my time with it and do it right...

I think the bushings in the new k-frame i bought are good but on the old ones, the center was completely seperated from the outside of the bushing...

I do still get a slight klunk when releasing the clutch that I believe to be coming from the rear. I thought it went away when i put in the new k-frame but it seems to be back slightly... Whart are some common places i can check to look for bad bushigns?

I do plan on doing the whole kit for the entire car but i'd just like to know whats going on...

[180fan]

you can pick up a set of bushings from energy suspension, but they pack some weak bushings for the subframe. so if it's already split, yeah you're gonna see why I said it's a pita to get them out. Again it depends on the material you're looking to replace them with and the different qualities associated with each.

[flipture]

you can pick up a set of bushings from energy suspension, but they pack some weak bushings for the subframe. so if it's already split, yeah you're gonna see why I said it's a pita to get them out. Again it depends on the material you're looking to replace them with and the different qualities associated with each.

I already know how to replace the subframe bushings... its no problem if its going to be worth it. I'm going for quality here and don't mind taking my time...

What do you mean the bushings they pack are weak? Do you mean the collars that sit on top of the bushings? Or do they include the entire bushing with the kit?

I've seen this kit:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...ZWDVW

And am pretty sure i'm going to do these but want to make sure the subframe bushings are ready for some bashing...

^ does this kit just come with the things that sit on top of the subframe bushings or the entire replacement bushing? I can't quite tell...

[180fan]

the poly bushings that I got with my energy suspension master kit looked like just thin slivers of polyurethane and a metal washer. if you look at that master kit (btw the RS-R kit is the same as the Energy Suspension kit, don't blow the extra 100 on just the name) on that picture third from the left in that row of 6, you'll see a pair of bushings that look like a ducks mouth that's open. That's the subframe bushing that's supplied in those master kits. it's lame.

[rotorimp]

There is a Aussi company http://www.noltecsuspension.com that make the best I have seen. they also make some engine mounts that are bad *** too!

[hi_kpa_s13]

the poly bushings that I got with my energy suspension master kit looked like just thin slivers of polyurethane and a metal washer. if you look at that master kit (btw the RS-R kit is the same as the Energy Suspension kit, don't blow the extra 100 on just the name) on that picture third from the left in that row of 6, you'll see a pair of bushings that look like a ducks mouth that's open. That's the subframe bushing that's supplied in those master kits. it's lame.

Question..... I am about to install a master kit on my car too. Hence I've yet had these pieces apart. Do those pieces replace the factory ones or do they work as reinforcement around the factory mounts?

[180fan]

they slide in

[ISUJinX]

There is a Aussi company http://www.noltecsuspension.com that make the best I have seen. they also make some engine mounts that are bad *** too!

Q. F. T. Noltec rocks.

If your car is a daily driver, and you like hearing your radio at a reasonable volume, get the Poly ones. Aluminum ones are incredibly stiff, rattle your teeth on bad roads stiff... they rule for the track, but IMO stick with Poly for a street car.

[holmeS13]

Go aluminum from spl. Ya its a little stiffer (you can feel everything in the road) but you never have to mess with them again and it handels alot better. 2.5" lower your comfortable ride is not there anyway add the bushings and get a harness to keep you self in your chair when you hit a pot hole.