As most everyone's cars are getting up in age now, I am starting to see bushings that may soon need replacement. Many of them only come with the rest of the arms from Honda for $$$$$. I see a few brands thrown around:
-PowerFlex
-Energy Suspension
Others?

I was wondering what everyone was planning to do with theirs or what they have had success with. I'd hate to have to constantly lubricate them but I don't see much other option.
Thanks,
Cam

 

spoon has a set for like 1200$
Ballade sports has a fancy looking set for 1000$ (I just ordered, look in mods and parts for their thread, should be on first page)
Powerflex has a purple (street/track) or black set(race stiff) - $850
Energy has a set for like - $280

I think I found a couple more higher end ones. From the reading of done I opted away from energy because of all the mixed reviews on them. Powerflex was my next option but for the extra 150$ I decided to go with Ballades new stuff. Their claim to fame is that they do not become unaligned after a hard track day. Wish I could give you a review but I haven't even recieved them let alone will get to test them before mid may.

 

It won't be till mid summer or later before I get around to doing anything bushing wise. I am trying to get my other issues fixed... like the stripped from subframe bolts thanks to a Honda Dealer etc. Just going ahead and starting my research to make it easier when I do make a choice. I did like the ballades but I wonder how well they stay lubricated and such being spherical ?

 

Mugen sells them too.

 

I recently spent time researching this. For a track car the solid, pillowball bushings are a good choice.

For a street car, the poly bushings advantage are cheap, firm, and since bushing material is not bound to sleeves, they have better range of motion. But that comes at a price. That means they have to be lubed (you can add grease fittings to make this easier), and this also means there is a certain amount of static friction, stiction, that has to be overcome. So poly does better with big bumps, but can be a little harsher with small bumps. Poly also doesn't require loading suspension as part of install. A disadvantage is poly can have more nvh.

Rubber big disadvantage is it ages, and its not as firm as poly. The Mugen rubber bushings are more firm than stock, so that is a plus.

I think as long as you understand what you are getting into, poly can be a good choice. If you just want something to replace worn stock bushings, with the same advantages and disadvantages, and would like something a little firmer than stock, the Mugen rubber bushings are a great choice.

 

I think i'll end up going with the Mugen ones eventually. these made it for 12~ years and most are still in moderately good shape as it is.