E30 Subframe Bushing Buyer's Guide

   Garagistic's line of upgraded E30 rear subframe bushings come in 6 different configurations to give you the ability to fine-tune your handling to your expectations. With 3 different materials and 2 designs, you have to consider a few things before you make your decision to ensure you're satisfied with the ride quality and characteristics each variation delivers.

Solid Bushing Hardnesses: 80a VS 95a VS Delrin

This option refers to the density of the material according to a durometer scale. A new OEM bushing sits somewhere around 60 A on the Shore scale, around the same density as a car tire. On the other hand, you have the Delrin at a 120 on the Rockwell scale just behind the density of solid aluminum. In addition to density, I'll discuss the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels each material produces. Here we have a graph with some science and each bushing outlined in its respective color below to help visualize the difference in density and we'll discuss some of the pros and cons of each option and their ideal application!

 

80a Polyurethane 

Our 80a density bushings are perfect for the conservative OEM+ setup where stock or slightly modified suspension is utilized with a goal to sharpen the handling characteristics while keeping the ride quite and comfortable. Of the three options, these transmit the least amount of noise, vibration, and harshness from the engine and drive train to the chassis and cabin. If you are looking for a mild upgrade with little to no adverse effects on ride quality and comfort this is the option.

 

95a Polyurethane 

 Our 95a density bushings deliver an even greater improvement to handling by further eliminating deflection in the rear subframe under hard driving conditions with a small sacrifice in NVH levels transferred to the cabin and chassis at low RPM. These are for the spirited driver that attends the occasional weekend track event or autocross but still civilized enough to pick up your date for dinner.  

 

Delrin

 This material has a density similar to aluminum but transfers around 40% less NVH from the engine and drive train. Our Delrin bushings totally eliminate all deflection in the rear subframe under the hardest driving conditions and provide the most feedback from the driving surface. These are meant for dedicated track cars due to the consistently optimal driving surfaces they will encounter. You will feel every surface imperfection and weight transfer, and while this connection to the road is desirable to amateur and professional racing drivers, it is not a quality most desire out of their daily driven E30.

Standard VS Raised 

  

             STANDARD BUSHINGS AVAILABLE HERE                    RAISED BUSHINGS AVAILABLE HERE

Your choosing between our standard and our raised subframe bushings depends solely upon your suspension mods. The E30 uses a dated, but lightweight and efficient rear suspension design.  Our Raised Subframe Bushing's design effectively re-positions the subframe 12mm higher than it's factory mounting position to counteract the negative effects lowering your car has on the e30 rear suspension geometry.  This geometry correction removes a lot of excessive toe and camber, and offers better tire contact and wear characteristics in the rear end to get that power to the ground! The 12mm raised subframe bushings reduce the camber in the rear by 4.0 - 4.5 degrees. The average change is from -5 degrees to -1.5 degrees (depends on suspension setup). The standard subframe bushing kit does not change the camber. If your car is standard ride height or slightly lowered with aftermarket springs the standard bushing is the option for you.  

We hope this helps you make an educated decision to get the feel and feedback you desire from your E30 - Garagistic Support Team