[s-cars] Re: subframe connectors

[Peter Schulz]

At 04:44 PM 5/19/2004, steve powers wrote:
>Alex Neckas is making them. I have some of his prototype units on my car.
>
>The kits are $250 and include:
>     - (4) Delrin bushings for subframe
>     - (4) OE replacement bolts
>     - (2) OE steel sleeves
>     - (2) OE bushings (for rear)
>
>As I indicated earlier, the turn in is greatly improved. You don't get the
>feeling that the car isn't quite responding. The ride isn't noticeably more
>harsh. Seattle isn't known for it's quality city streets. If I keep my tire
>pressures at 34-36, there is little (if any) effect.
>
>It's easiest to reach Alex via email: staff at intendedacceleration.com. He
>says that kits would be 2 weeks out. He's been spending a bit of time
>focusing on improving the front end suspension of these beasts. He has some
>interesting things in the works.
>
>I'm satisfied with mine. Hope this helps!
>
>sp


Steve:

Are you comparing performance of new delrin to that of old (worn) factory 
rubber bushings?
It's not really a fair comparison.

New factory bushings will also have a positive effect in improving handling 
and turn in.

Personally, I might look at a factory style rubber based bushing with a 
harder rubber durometer before going to the rigidity of delrin.
I believe that the audi engineers used the rubber bushings to build in some 
compliance in the overall suspension system.

When you remove this compliance, you may be shifting stress elsewhere into 
the lower suspension or chassis.
However the likelihood of delrin subframe bushings causing this is much 
less than in a moving member ( like the lower front control arms).
There was a big push a number of years ago for the 80/90 CQ crowd to 
replace the control arm bushings with delrin.
In this case it led at least a number of documented failures of the stamped 
control arm, and I believe that there was one or more failures of the type 
44/C4 style lower control arm with a delrin bushing.


-Peter





Peter Schulz
1990 CQ (perpetually awaiting S2 3b engine transplant)
1991 200 20v TQW indigo mica
1991 200 20v TQW titanium grey
Chelmsford, MA USA
peter at audifans.com