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Originally Posted by packrat79
Work slowly continues on rebuilding this '88 Civic, and now I need some advice on bushings. Nearly every last bushing on this thing is shot - either badly cracked or flaking apart. A complete bushing kit (including control arm and steering rack bushings) for this car is available from Prothane, for about $250. However, these are polyurethane; while much longer-lived, I'm told the stiffer material transfers more vibration throughout the vehicle. Which brings up several specific questions:
1. Could I compensate for this extra vibration, by using higher quality struts/springs instead of OEM's?
2. Does it actually make much difference on such a low-end vehicle?
A third option also exists; I've heard of another bushing material - polyester - and found that the control arm bushings for this car (but no others) are available in this material, from a different manufacturer. How it compares to the other two materials, I don't know.
Thanks for any advice.
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How much difference will it make?
The vehicle will be a little stiffer in every direction, it's this extra stiffness that transmits more vibration. Since this vibration is not coming through the springs and dampers, changing them will not help.
The bushing material is only one component, the geometry of the bush is a bigger factor. Personally I'd be looking for as close to OEM parts as you can. Unless you're trying to make a track race car.