For those of us that can use Aluminum...should I? How much weight savings will I gain? Is it easier to bend the aluminum arms?

For those that were on steel arms and switched to aluminum, I'd love to know if you actually realized a gain in performance.

Thanks,

Ken Arutunian

For those that were on steel arms and switched to aluminum, I'd love to know if you actually realized a gain in performance.

Nothing perceptible back when we switched back and forth before upgrading to some custom E46 arms. If you want real performance gains from your control arms, you're better off using the steel arms and spending extra $$ on buying roll center spacers (though you'll also have to upgrade your tie-rods as well) with offset bearings from a place like RRT. We're probably taking it one step further and going with a custom built arm that will allow track adjustments for fine-tuning the balance of the car.

the weight savings is about half the weight. something like 8lbs. i did not notice any difference and i wasn't expecting it. unsprung weight loss is minimal. i feel a bigger difference if i use light tires.
i have been off-roading plenty (not proud) at the track and have not bent anything. i don't think you'll have any issues with the strength.

ETK shows 3.7kg vs. 1.9kg

where can i get roll center spacers? do these go on the outer ball joints?
Nothing perceptible back when we switched back and forth before upgrading to some custom E46 arms. If you want real performance gains from your control arms, you're better off using the steel arms and spending extra $$ on buying roll center spacers (though you'll also have to upgrade your tie-rods as well) with offset bearings from a place like RRT. We're probably taking it one step further and going with a custom built arm that will allow track adjustments for fine-tuning the balance of the car.

the weight savings is about half the weight. something like 8lbs. i did not notice any difference and i wasn't expecting it. unsprung weight loss is minimal. i feel a bigger difference if i use light tires.
i have been off-roading plenty (not proud) at the track and have not bent anything. i don't think you'll have any issues with the strength.

ETK shows 3.7kg vs. 1.9kg

The issue is more likely to come up in fatigue, as I would imagine the aluminum arms are designed to meet the same strength requirements as the steel ones.

where can i get roll center spacers? do these go on the outer ball joints?

RRT (Roadracetech.com) offers some, but the kit requires that you replace the outer ball joint with a spherical bearing.

Bryan,

That makes a lot of sense. I think that's what I will do. Stick with the steel arms and see what the process is for improving the geometry.

Thanks guys.

Ken Arutunian