Rear trailing arms upgrades?

[DMS]

I'm about to send the rear trailing arm to the paint shop but was thinking if I can make some enhancements. I was thinking to do this:

http://www.e30m3project.com/e30m3perfor ... /index.htm

Any more things I could do?

[DMS]

I'd like to mount stronger bushings aswell anybody knows an adress?

[Peter Florance]

I'd like to mount stronger bushings aswell anybody knows an adress?

don't know about the subframe bushings but I love the AKG Motorsports trailing arm bushings. Of course you can probably use the weld on tabs like Ireland Engineering sells. I can't; they aren't legal for StreetPrepared class.
The part # is e30adjsf
http://www.iemotorsport.com/

[Karl in KS]

Somewhere (like BMP??) I saw stiffeners for the sub frame bushings--basically poly inserts into the open spaces in the bushings. I didn't try them so I can't comment on their effect.

Also see how the subframe bushings are braced in the fore and aft direction by that piece that runs forward to the floor pan. Once upon a time I was contemplating making a similar lateral brace, like from the subframe bushing bolt to the inboard rear seat belt reinforcement. Longer seat belt bolt might all you need for a tie-in. Haven't gotten around to trying that either. I got lots more ideas than time, money, or energy.

As far as the trailing arm goes, ours are a lot more robust than the e36 arms shown in the linked article.

[Peter Florance]

Somewhere (like BMP??) I saw stiffeners for the sub frame bushings--basically poly inserts into the open spaces in the bushings. I didn't try them so I can't comment on their effect.

I have these. They made a huge difference in the way the car steered; almost like on rails (installed in 2006) Ireland Engineering has them.

Also see how the subframe bushings are braced in the fore and aft direction by that piece that runs forward to the floor pan. Once upon a time I was contemplating making a similar lateral brace, like from the subframe bushing bolt to the inboard rear seat belt reinforcement. Longer seat belt bolt might all you need for a tie-in. Haven't gotten around to trying that either. I got lots more ideas than time, money, or energy.

These days the rear of my car feels more solid than the front. I wish I could still get the Grunts bushings for the front radius rod.

As far as the trailing arm goes, ours are a lot more robust than the e36 arms shown in the linked article.

agreed.

[DMS]

Hmm some questions rize:
-IE doesn't seem to have any parts for the E12: BMW E12 suspension parts
-I can't find the subframe rubber inserts. Got a part number/link?

From what I understand I need to buy new subframe bushings at the dealer (these include the metal housing) and buy the inserts separately. There are no replacement upgraded bushings?

For the trailing arm bushings I can buy E30 ones which should fit aswell?

Regards,
Jan

[Peter Florance]

Hmm some questions rize:
-IE doesn't seem to have any parts for the E12: BMW E12 suspension parts
-I can't find the subframe rubber inserts. Got a part number/link?

I'll see if I can find the part # but I think it's the same part as the 2002 insert.

From what I understand I need to buy new subframe bushings at the dealer (these include the metal housing) and buy the inserts separately. There are no replacement upgraded bushings?

I was hoping I could find a way to use e30 or similar pressed into our old housings. Or mold some. Old housings were on my 'want to buy' list but I haven't found any yet (use them for molds for urethane)

For the trailing arm bushings I can buy E30 ones which should fit aswell?

Regards,
Jan

Yes they are the same part #. If you are adding adjustment tabs to the subframe you just need standard urethane bushings (I can't due to StreetPrepared class restrictions). If not, get the AKG Motosport Adjustable bushings. They are much better than the KMAC's as far as keeping alignment. I run camber ~ 3 degrees front and 2 degrees rear.

[DMS]

I was hoping I could find a way to use e30 or similar pressed into our old housings. Or mold some. Old housings were on my 'want to buy' list but I haven't found any yet (use them for molds for urethane)

Molding urethane was not on my options list but perhaps I should have it there. I have some spare parts I can use as a mold.

The other option I was thinking about was to use the E30 ones and make a mounting plate for those. Shouldn't be to hard and in the end even cheaper then the original with inserts. However this would mean yet another project .

Yes they are the same part #. If you are adding adjustment tabs to the subframe you just need standard urethane bushings (I can't due to StreetPrepared class restrictions). If not, get the AKG Motosport Adjustable bushings. They are much better than the KMAC's as far as keeping alignment. I run camber ~ 3 degrees front and 2 degrees rear.

Do you have a picture of the adjustments tabs welded on someones car? I'm a bit hesitant to get these as I worry if I'll be able to get everything back in the right alignment etc. Perhaps I should just buy the regular ones and install them for now. In time I might need to do some serious welding to the subframe if I decide to change to a different differential.

[Peter Florance]

Jan, Why not just get the AKG Motorsports adjustable bushings? No welding and complete adjustment available.
I think there's an e28 with the tabs. I'll check

[DMS]

Because they are expensive and not available locally. I need to get them shipped from the US which makes them even more expensive and will take more time. I would like to get everything finished before 2010 as I'll be on a long holiday then .

I can get powerflex poly urethane bushings here "locally" for about 120 euro's, which is about half of the AKG ones including shipping and tax.

[DMS]

Because they are expensive and not available locally. I need to get them shipped from the US which makes them even more expensive and will take more time. I would like to get everything finished before 2010 as I'll be on a long holiday then .

I can get powerflex poly urethane bushings here "locally" for about 120 euro's, which is about half of the AKG ones including shipping and tax.

Ok I ordered the powerflex ones and the E30 subframe bushings. I'll be making a new mount for the E30 subframe bushings to fit the E12 subframe.

I'll post when I have some progress.