Another CAB question: solid rubber non-offset?

[butters]

In asking Blunt the answer is no, there are no solid rubber non-offset CAB, so I'd like to ask what alternatives there are. My passenger side bushing has started to come apart so I need to make moves soon.

Powerflex has 2-piece non-offset, but I'm leary of the potential for squeaking. Is there much risk or does it come down to proper assembly with the supplied grease?

M3 bushings are solid rubber, which I like for driveability/NVH while adding stiffness. However, I'd really rather not change the suspension geometry, I'm happy with how the car handles (confident at speeds high enough to get me arrested) and if I can avoid an alignment that's a plus. I've studied vehicle dynamics, no need for a lesson in the subject.

THR lollipops look great but are more on the race-side than I'd like, with the potential for NVH and of course the M3 offset.

If I want to stick with non-offset, am I losing alot of stiffness with a factory bushing? Anyone who has experienced replacing theirs with a new OE bushing please chime in on durability, regret etc.

[Holland]

THR's are the absolute last thing you want if you are looking for stock comfort and geometry. They offset and push your control arms forward.

[MR 325]

Another option is the E36 non-offset bushings. They are firmer than the E30 version.

[jlevie]

I can think of no downsides to the offset M3 solid bushings. The front wheels gain a bit of caster, which will increase high speed stability, but I know of no negative affects from that gain. I always use those bushings on a street car.

[immajackuup]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/BOARD/showthread.php?t=240719

[twistednut]

96'-99' m3 CAB's are non offset and have more rubber than the stock bushing.

[Wishno87]

Turner has some iirc.

[Delraco]

Centered bushings will help with a more crisp turn-in feel. You can get them in solid rubber.
The extra caster added with the offset bushings is great for high speed stability, but if you're looking for an autoX performer, they won't be quite as good on the low-speed handling front. They'll increase steering effort.

That said, nobody seems to notice or care about that difference. I have the THR on my e30 and I like em alright, they don't add too much harshness, but I will say they did increase steering effort slightly, kinda makes the car feel heavier.

[Delraco]

Also, if all you're doing is CABs, you won't need an alignment right away if you install centered and you car is already set up for centered bushings..
The offset ones will throw off the geometry by giving you some toe-out and require an immediate alignment.

These aren't totally solid, but they're the heavier duty E36 versions.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-516-front-control-arm-bushings-fcab-centered-rubber-e30-e36-z3.aspx

[Roysneon]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/BOARD/showthread.php?t=240719

Do you not understnad what you posted or what the OP is asking for? Those are not rubber, much stiffer, and offset, not centered.

[5Toes]

Stock E30 M3 cabs are fine for street use... the caster makes you rub a bit when turning half way to full lock or more, but who cares?

I like mine

[TobyB]

96 m3's on mine work fine... solid rubber (almost? I forget...) and centered.

fwiw.

t