Who here is running urethane modifed front control arms, where did you get them, and how much wdid they cost.

TEP has them for $79 ea = $158
E21parts.net sells the pair for $215

also, was there a noticeable difference in handling?

very noticeable difference in handling

It directly connects the swaybar to the suspension, which greatly improves the geometry. It's the best it gets without going to a custom 3-link setup that VAC sells. Basically the VAC setup is Datsun 510 suspension geometry, which is what the Group 5 320i was.

I use a proto version of E21parts arms. I asked for solid aluminum, and they had no trouble with the request. E21parts uses the highest quality control arms available. Been running them for a few years now with my GC setup. I also recommend the subframe bushings, which yet again I don't use urethane. I run solid where possible.:devillook

Whats the difference between the TEP & E21parts units?

Not sure about the TEP versions, but the E21Parts were Fibi Bilstein, with a pressed in bushing. I did a group buy on this a while ago but for me it didnt work out. I had the cut off month (9/78) for when BMW switched to the later arms. At least we got that cleared up for others. The construction looked top notch.

I wish I knew where to get the earlier style 2 piece bushings for my control arms :(

Here's what I wrote 2 years ago when I installed a set of the bushings from e21parts.net, he doesn't sell just the bushings-only complete arms with the bushings installed....

"I just installed some prototype urethane sway bar to lower control arm bushings. They make a noticeable improvement in the effectiveness of the front sway bar and improve the feel of the car at speed. They do occasionally transmit some harshness from sharp edged bumps and potholes but it's not objectionable."

I still like them a lot, the only thing I would add is that they do squeak a little on really hot days-I guess the urethane expands and tightens up on the washers a little.

The e21parts.net control arms are the best on the market, other brands have been know to excessively wear the balljoints in as little as 10,000mi.

I also tried swapping the arms and late swaybar to my '78-didn't fit, the early sway bar mounts are an inch or so fwd of the late mount postition.

ken

wait, so i can get these control arms in aluminum? or is urathane better?

Not sure about the TEP versions, but the E21Parts were Fibi Bilstein, with a pressed in bushing. I did a group buy on this a while ago but for me it didnt work out. I had the cut off month (9/78) for when BMW switched to the later arms. At least we got that cleared up for others. The construction looked top notch.

I wish I knew where to get the earlier style 2 piece bushings for my control arms :(
Yeah, I have been able to track the earlier style bushings to a place in the UK.
Someone IMS me on Tricord's board i will dig it up.

You want urethane for anything but a dedicated track car.

ken

Not sure about the TEP versions, but the E21Parts were Fibi Bilstein, with a pressed in bushing. I did a group buy on this a while ago but for me it didnt work out. I had the cut off month (9/78) for when BMW switched to the later arms. At least we got that cleared up for others. The construction looked top notch.

I wish I knew where to get the earlier style 2 piece bushings for my control arms :(
korman sells a delrin front control arm (sway bar end ) bushing - 77 models p/n311202320 . This is the 2 piece style

I've got the e21.net arms (urethane) - not much time on the road with them, but from previous, big difference. Car is much flatter in a corner.

Good fit too.

When you guys got the new control arms, did you fit the anti-shimmy kit?

Or does the new ball joint rid that play?

i am definitely fitting the anti shimmy kit with the new control arms

With the e21parts.net arms/bushings the anitshimmy kit is totally unnecessary.

ken

thank you ken, good to know

i am definitely fitting the anti shimmy kit with the new control arms

What is this "Shimmy" you guys are talking about? My car is smooth from a stop to a 100mph. It has a bit of a shimmy when I brake but that's just rotors. When I'd brake from 60mph in my 633 I'd almost end up on my roof. Maybe I'm just used to driving junk!

With the e21parts.net arms/bushings the anitshimmy kit is totally unnecessary.

ken

Thanks Ken :cool

What is this "Shimmy" you guys are talking about? My car is smooth from a stop to a 100mph. It has a bit of a shimmy when I brake but that's just rotors. When I'd brake from 60mph in my 633 I'd almost end up on my roof. Maybe I'm just used to driving junk!

These cars like to shimmy around 55mph due to a design flaw in the front control arms. Its just a rubber bushing and a huge washer that you put on the connection between the control arm and sway bar. When I installed it, it was a difference of night and day. It only $20 from BavAuto, but you can most likely match up the parts for around $5