You make me sooooo jealous! I haven't even sourced all my parts yet (cash flow is halted until probably next semester).

Well - I did hit a snag. The needle bearing c-arms dont work with my MS under brace. The brackets used on the MS bar interchange w/ the stock ones, but the needle bearing setup uses a special "cap" for the bearing and replaces the stock one. This put me in a bad mood for a while.

I have now discovered though, SuperNow makes a similar bearing setup that'll still replace the bushing on the c-arm, but uses the stock cap, so it "should" interchange w/ the MS bar. Nice thing is, the price of the SuperNow setup is about $350 for BOTH sides, where the needle bearing c-arm is $350 for one side...

Pics to come...

Just a quickie update so it doesnt sound like this one has fallen off again.

I ordered new URAS inner tie rods and SuperNow tie rod ends w/ adjustable toe and bumpstop.

I also got the rebuild kit for the rear FD brake calipers.

Next week I have to travel for business, but when I get back I'm ordering up the bushings for the control arms, new ball joints and wheel bearings. That'll be all I need to get the suspension back in place so i can start measuring for brakes and picking my coilover setup.

I also need to get the new steering rack off my buddy's parts car (has a better ratio than the PS S4 rack I have now).



While waiting on a few things though, I'm polishing the control arms and removing old bushings. New bushings will be pressed in at 2gslse's garage :)

BTW - I'm bailing on needle bearings. My concern is damage and repair - if something happens to the control arm, its a costly replacement and hard to find parts to replace. For now I'm just going to use Mazdaspeed bushings. Maybe someday I'll spring for the needle bearings...

Why not some delrin/uhmhw bushings?

I thought about those. I somewhat like the idea of using the Mazdaspeed bushings since they are still 40% stiffer than stock but they wont transfer as much vibration through to the chassis. I have a mazdaspeed lower control arm brace as well to help keep things stiff. I guess the main thing is I dont see the benefit from delrin over the MS for the cost, but I'd be glad to hear any input on the subject.

I dunno', that's what i'm going with, it doesn' bind like poly does and it lasts longer than rubber.

Don't have mine ordered yet, i want the car to move on it's own power, than do the rest, kinda half assed.

I agree about poly binding.. I had a complete poly set but ended up selling it after doing more research. Thats why I originally wanted to go w/ the needlebearing setup to avoid binding. I think the MS is a good compromise. They're stiffer, but not solid. I know they'll wear out some day, but this is a track car only, so I doubt it'll get enough mileage to really cause any grief. If they do at some point wear out, I'll go the needle bearing route...

I hope to have all the bushings in place by the end of this month, damn work has to get in the way of my fun!

I've got a full poly on my car and I don't have any binding. You may also be able to secure the graphite impregnated poly if you're really concerned about that.

The binding usually occurs in poly when you lower dramatically. Have you looked at the bushings since install - see any stretch marks so to speak the look like scratches? Not saying it always happens, but poly does have a higher risk for binding, but is stronger than rubber, lol... its a give and take.

I haven't had an opprotunity to lower the car anymore than stock level. I'd need spacers before I drop it anywhere near where the binding may occur.

wow...im jealous. i wish i had the time and money and patience for all of that. my car has been giving me problems for a while now and im only driving it when it rains or is too cold. during the summer im gonna park it and do some more work

good luck with the rest of the build. ill keep an eye on this. it looks promising.

Slow updates, but I hope to have more by the end of December. I got around to painting more of the wheel wells. I'm learning more about paint as I go, especially about thinning and application. I'm using high density foam rollers for this. It doesnt need to be perfect, just covered to prevent any rust in the future and to continue w/ the "color" change. I still need another coat on the driver's side. When this is done, I'll throw the POR15 on the rest and that'll be that.

More parts are slowly coming in to put the car back on the ground. Still need to press in new bushings when my buddy gets back from CA after Dec 5 and then its onto interior work, steering rack, brakes and wheels.

I plan to detar the rest of the car in December/January when its colder outside so I dont need as much dry ice!

Almost done polishing the control arms too, lol... taking my time I guess...

Your project is coming along real nicely :icon_tup:. I like your color choice of blue and that polish job on that control arm is really shining. Keep up the great work!!!

Oooooo - Shiny!! Girls love shiny things!