The Random E46/ZHP Question Thread

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Originally Posted by 704sw

What's the Mafia's opinion on poly v. rubber subframe and diff bushings? A little extra NVH isn't really a big deal, but within reason.

Although I'd like to get her on a track a couple times a year, it is a daily driver.

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I went with AKG poly bushings for the diff and kind of regret it. Since the car is primarily driven on the street, the extra harshness from not getting a rev-match perfect is a little too annoying for my taste. Since I did the diff bushings, I've been getting too much mechanical noise during shifts that's also starting to remind me of the reason I got rid of my E30 (constant clunking when shifting).

For someone who doesn't drive 30k a year but instead 10-15, I would recommend OE bushings everywhere as the longevity of poly will probably never be realized during the ownership period...

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Originally Posted by Aeternalis

I went with AKG "black" poly bushings for my rear subframe and differential when I did my suspension last year. No complaints; almost imperceptible NVH increase from the stiffer material. Lemforder rubber or ball joints everywhere else. Drives great.

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I've read a lot about everything and I'm having a little reservation on poly being too firm, especially the AKG black. Are you tracking often?

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Originally Posted by az3579

I went with AKG poly bushings for the diff and kind of regret it. Since the car is primarily driven on the street, the extra harshness from not getting a rev-match perfect is a little too annoying for my taste. Since I did the diff bushings, I've been getting too much mechanical noise during shifts that's also starting to remind me of the reason I got rid of my E30 (constant clunking when shifting).

For someone who doesn't drive 30k a year but instead 10-15, I would recommend OE bushings everywhere as the longevity of poly will probably never be realized during the ownership period...

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Perfect, thanks BP! It also doesn't break my heart that OE is cheaper [emoji4] I can get a mixture of Lemmy and Febi for all 7 bushings in the subframe carrier for about $75 with FCP's lifetime guarantee [emoji1303]

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Originally Posted by 704sw

I've read a lot about everything and I'm having a little reservation on poly being too firm, especially the AKG black. Are you tracking often?

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I don't track my car at all, nor do I plan to do so. Then again my last car (Mazdaspeed Protege) was very harsh with a full set of 88 durometer poly motor mounts so I probably notice increased NVH less than others, but even with the poly I will say my car rides very well. :)

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Originally Posted by 704sw

I've read a lot about everything and I'm having a little reservation on poly being too firm, especially the AKG black. Are you tracking often?

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Ditto here. Hate the drivetrain windup with the stock bushings especially with the LSD and SC but I don't want to turn my car into a vibrating chair...

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Originally Posted by 704sw

What's the Mafia's opinion on poly v. rubber subframe and diff bushings? A little extra NVH isn't really a big deal, but within reason.

Although I'd like to get her on a track a couple times a year, it is a daily driver.

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Go with rubber.

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Originally Posted by Sockethead

Ditto here. Hate the drivetrain windup with the stock bushings especially with the LSD and SC but I don't want to turn my car into a vibrating chair...

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it won't. i have ECS poly diff bushings (88A) and AKG poly subframe mounts (90A i believe), and no NVH increase; only locked-down rear end and much, much better power application. there is a some whine from the diff transmitted into the cabin, but i don't mind it at all.

to put it in perspective: i am CRAZY anal about vibrations and NVH. the UUC black trans mounts i run add some NVH at low revs and that bothers me, but the shifting quality is worth the trade-off. if the poly bits in the diff and subframe were causing increased NVH i would probably go back to rubber.

and, after driving rubber-bushed cars again (my Tourings), and i very much looking forward to getting the sedan's poly bits into the red Touring!

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Originally Posted by Sockethead

Ditto here. Hate the drivetrain windup with the stock bushings especially with the LSD and SC but I don't want to turn my car into a vibrating chair...

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The what? What is this drivetrain windup you speak of?

When you shift hard between gears all those rubber bushings absorb some of the power instead of transferring to the wheels... Hard to really describe. I call it squishy... You can hear it and feel it..

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Originally Posted by Sockethead

When you shift hard between gears all those rubber bushings absorb some of the power instead of transferring to the wheels... Hard to really describe. I call it squishy... You can hear it and feel it..

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you can totally feel it... and after driving the poly-bushed car, it's hard to go back. :)

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Originally Posted by Sockethead

When you shift hard between gears all those rubber bushings absorb some of the power instead of transferring to the wheels... Hard to really describe. I call it squishy... You can hear it and feel it..

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Originally Posted by slater

you can totally feel it... and after driving the poly-bushed car, it's hard to go back. :)

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I haven't noticed a difference in power delivery, only comfort...