Element
02-10-2007, 02:27 PM
Just to start with, I'm aware of the debate over whether SFCs really make a difference on our cars, both before and after the shocks and springs have been upgraded to rates more conducive to the vehicle. My car's currently sitting on stock shocks and springs, but as soon as I install aftermarket parts, I'll post my thoughts.
First part installed were the UMI adjustable poly/rod LCAs. Lots of people say rod-ended suspension parts make the ride unbearably noisy and rough. My car muct be a special case if that's true. Noticed no increase in ride harshness, and no new clunking noises that seem to be attributed to rod ends. These went on rather easily and allowed me to adjust the axle so both tires are within 1/8" of the same distance from the back of the door (measured back of door to axle hub, to ensure I was pulling measurements consistently on both sides of the car).
Also installed a set of bolt-on LCA relocation brackets. After some fighting, sawing, and cussing with the e-brake brackets, I finally got the brackets on. They were rather a tight fit and accounted for most of the time i was under the car, but with the right application of a big-ass pry bar, a big screwdriver (to line the bolt holes up with the stock stuff), a heavy rubber mallet, and plenty of Liquid Wrench, I got them on.
Once that stuff was on, I installed a set of tubular bolt-on SFCs. Hardest part on these was getting the bolt to screw into the metal piece that goes inside the frame, but that was a matter of 5 minutes and a few new bruises on my forehead from dropped bolts. Both sides matched up perfectly with te chassis.
Post-install thoughts. Car feels much tighter and more stable in corners, like the floorboard is actually made of metal and is reinforced, isntead of the flimsy cardboard feeling the car had before. LCAs and relocation brackets make the rear end of the car feel much more stable and "hooked" to the road during launch and acceleration, and eliminated the severe wheelhop I had prior to install. There are more bumps transmitted throughout the car now, but I'd attribute that to the rod-ends and the car's chassis not flexing and soaking the bends and twists up. All three were definitely worthwhile mods.
Only recommendation I would make is that a bit of direction be given in the LCA instructions on what grease to use to lube the poly bushing. I had some PTFE spray gel lube I used on the rod ends, but used a petroleum based grease for the poly bushing, which after reading seems to be the wrong kind - evidently synthetic-based lubricant is recommended for poly bushings. Not a big deal, just something that might help someone who doesn't really know the application differences between oil and synthetic greases.
First part installed were the UMI adjustable poly/rod LCAs. Lots of people say rod-ended suspension parts make the ride unbearably noisy and rough. My car muct be a special case if that's true. Noticed no increase in ride harshness, and no new clunking noises that seem to be attributed to rod ends. These went on rather easily and allowed me to adjust the axle so both tires are within 1/8" of the same distance from the back of the door (measured back of door to axle hub, to ensure I was pulling measurements consistently on both sides of the car).
Also installed a set of bolt-on LCA relocation brackets. After some fighting, sawing, and cussing with the e-brake brackets, I finally got the brackets on. They were rather a tight fit and accounted for most of the time i was under the car, but with the right application of a big-ass pry bar, a big screwdriver (to line the bolt holes up with the stock stuff), a heavy rubber mallet, and plenty of Liquid Wrench, I got them on.
Once that stuff was on, I installed a set of tubular bolt-on SFCs. Hardest part on these was getting the bolt to screw into the metal piece that goes inside the frame, but that was a matter of 5 minutes and a few new bruises on my forehead from dropped bolts. Both sides matched up perfectly with te chassis.
Post-install thoughts. Car feels much tighter and more stable in corners, like the floorboard is actually made of metal and is reinforced, isntead of the flimsy cardboard feeling the car had before. LCAs and relocation brackets make the rear end of the car feel much more stable and "hooked" to the road during launch and acceleration, and eliminated the severe wheelhop I had prior to install. There are more bumps transmitted throughout the car now, but I'd attribute that to the rod-ends and the car's chassis not flexing and soaking the bends and twists up. All three were definitely worthwhile mods.
Only recommendation I would make is that a bit of direction be given in the LCA instructions on what grease to use to lube the poly bushing. I had some PTFE spray gel lube I used on the rod ends, but used a petroleum based grease for the poly bushing, which after reading seems to be the wrong kind - evidently synthetic-based lubricant is recommended for poly bushings. Not a big deal, just something that might help someone who doesn't really know the application differences between oil and synthetic greases.