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MRnewsBot
03-24-2015, 10:44 AM
Stiffen up the suspension on your Miata and keep mid-corner camber changes at bay.

http://mazdamotorsports.com/wcsstore/B2BDirect/wordpressimages/2014/12/Bushings2.jpg

It’s one that a lot of people forget, but suspension bushings are a wear item. If you’re building a new car or doing some off-season maintenance, it’s a good time to replace them. As they age, they get more flex and thus your suspension geometry changes by a small amount under load.

So at the very least you want to replace old bushings with new stock ones. However, if the rules for your class allow it, consider the Competition Bushing Kit from MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development.

“They’re 30 to 40 percent stiffer rubber,” explains Steve Sanders, MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development manager. “There will be less flex in the suspension with the harder rubber bushings. You want the least amount of flex in the suspension to eliminate changes in your camber, caster and toe when cornering.”

The Competition Bushings are produced in the same molds as the stock bushings and look the same, only they are harder rubber and thus more resistant to allowing movement.

MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development sells both a Stock Bushing Kit and a Competition Bushing Kit for the 1990-2005 NA and NB Miatas. Each kit contains 22 bushings to replace each front and rear upper and lower suspension arm bushing. Call Mazdaspeed at 1.800.435.2508 or log in to your account to order your set today, and remember that special racer pricing is available only to Team Support Program members.

1990-2005 Miata Replacement Bushing Kits

Type / Part Number / Racer Price
Stock Part# / 0000-04-BUSH-KT / $402.82
Competition# / 0000-04-BUSH-40 / $595.00

mx54life
03-24-2015, 04:57 PM
What is the durometer of the "Competition" bushings?

kung fu jesus
03-24-2015, 05:02 PM
Good question.
A cheaper, similar alternative is the I.L. Motorsport bushings. 40% stiffer than OE, rubber. May be German made? I believe at least one of our forum sponsors may carry them. :)

mx54life
03-24-2015, 08:24 PM
I have read some time ago that OEM is 70 Durometer? ES Poly and Prothane are both 80 durometer. A Purple brand has 70, 80 and 90 durometer choices.

mx54life
03-26-2015, 06:01 AM
So according to GWR suspension section, OEM bushings are 55 durometer and so the 40% stiffer competition ones are 75 durometer.

atank
03-26-2015, 06:26 AM
"I.L. Motorsport control arm bushings" (http://www.miataroadster.com/il-motorsport/il-motorsport-control-arm-bushings/g-66838.aspx)

http://d5otzd52uv6zz.cloudfront.net/d9243fc6-006e-487d-a1a1-91c3179ee282-800.jpg

TheButcher
04-02-2015, 12:43 PM
I love my ES poly ones. No deflection at all and not to much vibration.