[ckucia]

Not sure where to post this, since it probably covers a lot of topics.

I'm curious about the comfort level of a vehicle where the body, specifically the passenger compartment, is not isolated from the frame by rubber bushings. I'm especially interested where the suspension is mounted by hard, precision bushings or heim joints.

What sort of noise and discomfort is introduced into the passenger compartment with a setup like this? Isn't this how early vehicles and rodded versions of them were built?

 

[[email protected]]

You are correct, the stiffer elastomers do introduce a noticeable increase in noise and road feedback into the passenger compartment. Noise and discomfort is so subjective that it is hard to quantify. Try this; have you ever ridden in a 60s or 70s Corvette? That is what all those suspension stiffening upgrades will result in. Some people love it an it drives some people mad.

 

[ckucia]

Thanks willys36.

Earliest vette I've been in was a late 70's my GF's mom owns. I didn't find it too bad.

I'm guessing that, with standard motor mounts, the engine noise isn't so bad, but with an IRS there might be a fair amount of gear noise from the differential.

I guess my biggest concern is ride harshness. I suppose you'd feel every single ripple in the pavement.

 

[tjh211]

Consider how you will use the vehicle, If it is to be a driver, then comfort is the goal, if you want your friends to ever come along.

we have all become so spoiled over the last years that if your car's ride is harsh, you will be constantly asked if something is wrong.

I use poly-graphite bushings and they are the best of both worlds, but they are stiffer than stock, and provide a little stiffer ride, but the handling is great.

 

[OneMoreTime]

Hard ride

If one wants to get an idea of the ride quality try your riding lawnmower or one of the early jeeps..

When a car is equipped with heim joints and the body is bolted solid every vibration, divot in the road, even running over a cigarette butt can be felt..

Kinda like the difference in riding Harleys when a king of the road model is compared to a rigid chopper..

Some like it some don't and some people get white knuckled when they get into a Rod..

All that being said the Rod is just waaaay to much fun..<<grin>>

OMT

 

[SirVette]

Thanks willys36.

Earliest vette I've been in was a late 70's my GF's mom owns. I didn't find it too bad.

Willys36 refers to the Corvette solid body mount bushings used to 72.
The body mount bushings were changed & specially designed for 73 up Corvette for better NVH & to not hurt handling. So the late 70s you refer to is different & much better than the early 70s Willys36 refers to.
Many complain of NVH in the early ones. The 73 up Corvettes are nice & solid so some change the early body mounts for the late ones.

PS I have the high performance FE-7 suspension so ride is not an issue with me. Only performance counts.

 

[willowbilly3]

I think the very essence of a hot rod should be a little raw and edgy. It should be just a little bit dangerous. Part of the fun is feeling what's going on with the components. Feeling the texture of the road, hearing the exhaust, being able to see the tires going round as you drive, having the engine exposed so you can see the fan blades turn. Now that doesn't mean it should beat you to death either. And obviously not everyone feels this way or there wouldn't be all the high dollar "street rods" that look like a 34 Ford but feel like a Lexus when you get in.

 

[tm454]

You get what you pay for....

You can probably make a dump truck ride like a Lincoln if you put enough money into it. The idea of the new an improved suspensions with urethane bushing will be a bit stiffer than the rubber components I'm sure but will give you better handling in the long run.


Tazz


Rat Rods Rule!