i'd go with either the STi Group-N bushing set, or something from a company like proflex. the STi stuff is more expensive, but arguably better quality.

 

i don't know that whiteline sells a complete kit, though they might. Noltec makes a bunch, though i think you'll have to buy them ala carte, they don't sell a kit to the best of my knowledge.

try http://www.rallispec.com for the full group N kit.

 

You may also want to check out Energy Suspension. They have a new kit for the WRX. Not all of the bushing but some like the Front End Control Arm Bushing Set, Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Set, Front Sway Bar Bushing Set, Rear Sway Bar Bushing Set, and Manual Shifter Bushing Set. Then fill in the rest with some Whiteline, STi group-N, or Noltec.

I tried the Noltec steering rack bushing but it was a pain to install. It was just off a bit. I switched to the Whiteline product and it fit like a glove and installed in about 30 min.

http://www.energysuspension.com/subaru.html

For me I went with the STi group-N for everything but the steering rack bushing and shifter bushing (whiteline and kartboy).

Lowball

 

Spherical bushings are for race cars. Hardened urethane bushings give 90% of the stiffness with about half of the NVH transfer. Also, urethane bushings last much longer. Remember, stuff on a race car doesn't have to last very long. Stuff on your car does.

 

as far as i know, the only other bushing you could replace with the ALK would be the front inner control arm bushing (i think). the ALK will replace one of the bushings, so if you're buying a full kit you might have a duplicate.

i'm not sure exactly what comes in the Powerflex kit, you might want to call RalliSpec and ask.

 

No the STi groupN set up came from various venders like Rallispec and avsport. But I actually replaced whole parts and not just the bushings.

The stuff from Energy are actual "hardened urethane bushings" that replace the factory soft bushings. They have to be installed into your OEM parts or if it's engine, tranny or strut tops, just replaced. If that all makes since... The swaybar bushings and shifter bushings are just pop in place too.

That Perrin kit is supose to be a pretty good alternate to the Whiteline kit. I wound have went that way but I already used the STi set up, but it doesn't change caster like the ALK's.

 

Yes, just like the Whiteline. I was talking about the STi front control arm bushings. Sorry for the

LB

 

stupid question..... what exactly are bushings?

It sounds like they obviously help with your cars manuverability, but.....
what is exactly is it?
where do these "bushings" attach to?
what can of improvements can I see with changing "bushings"?
what are the negative sides to doing "bushings"? (except for feeling more road as stated above)

is changing bushing's an easy job?
is it relatively a cheap modification to do to a car?

just a few question questions for now....

Thanks in advance.

- Ulysses

 

what is exactly is it?

It’s a rubber bushing that separates metal parts on the car. It prevents metal on metal contact. The factory ones are very soft and are made so that it gives the car a more comfortable ride.


what do these "bushings" attach to?

They attached to various parts on the car like the sway bars, strut tops, engine mounts, etc.

what can of improvements can I see with changing "bushings"?

The car will have less play or sloppiness, which will provide better handling and allow you to drive the car with more control and responsiveness.

Here is a quote from Rallispec: “significantly reduce compliance for more precise wheel alignment control.”

what are the negative sides to doing "bushings"? (except for feeling more road as stated above)

Feeling the road more, increased noise and vibration. But it all depends on the combination of bushings that you use. If you just replace the sway bar bushings you may not really notice much in the way of more noise or vibration. But when you start getting into the strut tops, engine and tranny mounts, control arm bushings, etc. you will get increased NV (noise and vibration).


is changing bushing's an easy job?

Some are easy some are not so easy. The engine and tranny mounts are not so easy. The strut tops and front control arm bushings are not to bad. The lateral links and trailing arms I think you need a bushing press of some kind.

is relatively a cheap modification to do to a car?

Not really. The complete 17 piece group-N bushing kit is around $550 and then you can add the strut tops for another $300. Engine and tranny mounts are about $70 to $90 each. And then you either have to get it all installed or due it yourself.

There is a lot of info on suspension mods so just search around and see what fits your budget. But don’t forget, the WRX stock is a better handling car than most cars in its class right out of the box with out changing anything. So depending on what you plan on doing with the car you may just need to add a matched set of sway bars and some better tires.