Opinions on front susp. rework

[bev]

Due to a broken subframe swaybar bushing mount, I thought I'd redo my front end. Looking for fairly sporty, but not full on race. As far as I know, the car has never been touched since new, except struts.

Replace List:
1. Front subframe
2. Swaybar mount bushings (20mm stock) Pelican @ $6 x 2 = $12
3. Swaybar endlinks (stock) Pelican @ $40 x 2 = $80
4. Front control arm bushings (stock, no offset) Pelican @ $27
5. Urethane Engine mounts (IE) Bimmerworld @ $90
6. Outer tie rod ends (stock) Pelican @ $36 x 2 = $72
7. Control Arms (stock) Bimmerworld @ $180/set

total: $501

Any suggestions on changing/adding anything? Down the road I plan on adding H&R Races and Bilstein sports.

thanks.

[z31maniac]

I'd do M3 control arm bushings and the complete tie rod assemblies. And I'd buy AKG motor mounts instead of IE.

I would also buy the Turner Motorsports front subframe reinforcement kit and beef up the subframe since you will be changing it.

[StereoInstaller1]

I think any discussion of suspension parts should start with what your expectations are.

[Van Westervelt]

You are putting in stock Control Arm bushings, yet you are putting in Poly engine mounts? Makes no sense to me son.

Put in stock engine mounts, and use offset, e30 m3 CA bushings for improved castor.

[StereoInstaller1]

Urethane CABS for improved braking, too.

[T Verdier]

m3 solid offset bushings for street use is the best i heard.
also bavauto has Febi control arms for $160 a set free shiping and febi is owned by bilstien so the quality is probably good.

[clavinZERO]

m3 solid offset bushings for street use is the best i heard.
also bavauto has Febi control arms for $160 a set free shiping and febi is owned by bilstien so the quality is probably good.

TJ, I have had the poly Control Arm Bushings on 2 cars personally. Only way to go. More durable and cheap still. Also what Stereointaller says seems valid... less flex = more direct relationship between tire rubber and braking effect. Amirite?

[bev]

So urethane CABs (offset? I've read lower speed cornering suffers with offset), AKG motormounts (which?), and turner front subframe reinforcement?

thanks for the help so far.

edit-found 75D offset and nonoffset CABs from AKG, seems like whats recommended.

[StereoInstaller1]

The urethane CABs are a very easy install, too.

Why urethane motor mounts?

[MR 325]

If it were my car, I'd go with OEM offsets, not delrin or poly.

[bev]

Why urethane motor mounts?

No real reason, I suppose.

edit-so even though I am looking for a bit sportier handling, I should go full OEM?

[SpecM]

edit-so even though I am looking for a bit sportier handling, I should go full OEM?

yes... I would say so

[clavinZERO]

Poly will be stiffer and sportier, but new OEM stuff will be better than the beat-up old stuff you have in now anyways.

I say if you go polyurethane on anything, get the soft or "street" version of it since you are not driving a race car. It's like "stock +1" but not fuh-raze (aka full race in case you are a newb).

[StereoInstaller1]

The wifes car is 100% stock except urethane CABs. No significant difference in NVH, but a HUGE difference in braking and general "feel".

Best $50 you will ever spend in suspension.

[MR 325]

Even with my E36 M3 front end, I am running OEM E30 M3 CAB's.