Doing bushings/sways with coilovers?

[WayneKer]

Hi all,

Had a look at some build threads, but it seems this topic varies quite heavily.

I'm looking at getting BC BR's on my lib sometime in Jan, but was wondering whether i should also do my bushings/sways at the same time. Together, it's quite a lot upfront, but is it worth the convenience seeing that I'll be doing suspension anyway? It'll also mean i only need to do a wheel alignment once, but that's not too big of a deal.

I guess doing them separate means I'm able to *feel* and understand how each upgrade (coilovers vs bushings/sways) affects drivability, so +1 for that.

In addition, for bushings and stuff, I'm looking at
- BSF35Z Front Sway bar - 22mm heavy duty blade adjustable
- BSR39Z Rear Sway bar - 20mm heavy duty blade adjustable
- W0506 Front Control arm - lower inner front bushing
- KCA334 Front Control arm - lower inner rear bushing (anti-lift/caster correction)

The above look alright? And is it common to replace sway endlinks and Rear control arm bushings as well?

Cheers!

[GONEWALKABOUT]

Go for it if you want but i dont think you really need sways bars and everything with coilovers unless you have the money and are looking to go all out Bushings are always a good reliability thing, especially if you have high kms!

[WayneKer]

Yeah nah, I'm definitely looking to do the bushings and sways eventually, it's just a matter of when.

I'll get the coilovers done first then see how I go I guess. I've heard that coilovers put the bushings in a lot of stress, so I was considering doing them all in one go.

[GONEWALKABOUT]

Get on the whiteline! yeah well may aswell. DIY is always easier when everything is apart!

[Adrian2627]

If your only going to drive it on the street and have to have coilovers then I'd just go with them and the bushes/Anti-Lift Kit/Roll Centre Adj. This way you'll improve your handling but maintain decent ride quality. Stiffening the springs and adding stiffer sway bars will make your ride harsh. Best to lose the sway bars and go with the various bushes to put your geometry back where it should be.

[bigBADbenny]

I agree with the above advice.
I'd hold off getting the sways in favour of getting the BC's professionally setup.
Then if the handling still needs fine tuning, use sways as a last resort.
Eg I went back to stock sways from WL adjustables front and rear (on soft) and didn't notice any detriment to handling in the 60klm drive to drop the car at Shockworks.

I'd actually recommend buying a set of Shockworks using the extra $$$ saved not getting sways.
Better handling, less chassis stress & complications, less tripodding, more control.
Plus a stronger more reliable design with local service support.

I can see the point of upgrade sways with stock Bilsteins, but for the street, on good coilovers, not required.

[WayneKer]

Ahhhh true. Back when i was keen on STI pinks and Billies, i did a bunch of research and noticed everyone with the setup had sways as well; hadn't thought about sways with coils (my driving instructor won me over on coils over springs haha).

Well, cheers for the great advice guys!

I had a re-read of the shockworks thread, but from what i've read, it seems like its almost geared as top tier (as matched by its price i guess), motorsport spec coils. From the first-hand reviews, no doubt its worth every cent, but would it be worth me getting em for street use only? The cost isn't really an issue because I can always just postpone other mods further along the line for them.

I went back to stock sways from WL adjustables front and rear (on soft) and didn't notice any detriment to handling in the 60klm drive to drop the car at Shockworks.

By the way, could you give me a rough estimate on how much it costed you to get them fitted from Shockworks themselves? And as a side note, if i do decide on getting Shockworks, should i dish out that extra in getting it done professionally? To be honest, i'm keen on trying DIY.

[Adrian2627]

Actually fitting a set of coilovers isn't difficult it's setting them up that requires a bit of experience and understanding of what to tweak for the desired result. It's not just the compression, rebound, and ride height but all the other things in the alignment, camber, caster, toe, scrub, etc that influence the suspensions geometry that will dictate how the shock will perform. Unfortunately, unless you are REALLY good with maths and a tape measure this is best left to people with the tools and the knowhow.

As Ben is saying if you want better handling then spend the coin and do it properly as you'll get improvements in all aspects. You'll improve not only your cornering but the braking, acceleration, and still maintain a comfortable fun to drive car. Shortcutting will only yield something that is dangerous and literally a pain in the arse to drive.

[WayneKer]

Well, i guess i'll be following the words of wisdom and getting mine done professionally. I had a feeling that coilovers were a lot more technical than what some people tend to describe, eg. mcm. Haha

BC's are still on the table, but I guess I'll see if i can pony up the funds for Shockworks and get them fitted; i recall that owen's doing another production run, so i may jump on the bandwagon.

Meanwhile, I'll see if i can find out decent suspensions shops around Melb that users prefer.

[bigBADbenny]

Ringwood Pedders rec by Owen
Trutrack rec by Bruce

Find the similar thread on WRX club...

As I've said the Shockworks feel firm, planted and sporty just poodling around...
But the moment there's big bumps that would upset the chassis with lesser suspension, they are like "OOOOH YEAHHH BRING IT - WOOOT!"
These shocks work: as shock absorbers: the worse your roads are the more you will love them.
Perfect for all the speed bumps and cobbled ramps in Collingwood, perfect in the mountains too.
They have completed my car: its smooth and sporty in all respects now.