Front Suspension Top Mount Rubbers, Should I Get A Set From Bakers?

[Atari Boy 11]

I am about to fit some Koni yellows to my 205 with PI -30mm springs.

Baker Bushes and Mountings do some replacement top mount rubbers and even offer a forum discount.

The car is used as a weekend toy and track car so comfort is not paramount, control is.

Are they a worthwhile upgrade or will I not notice anything different.

If it is relevant I am going to be (with luck anyway) fitting a rebuilt rear beam sometime soon also but intend to replace the rear mounts with group N ones as I want as much notice as possible for any impending lift off over steer and I think that solid mounts will encourage a more snappy reaction. Is this sensible thinking?

 

If they are worth fitting should I go for softer fast road ones over group N ones?

 

Your comments would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

Jonny

[Super Josh 4]

I have some Group N ones, with little mileage on them if you are interested. Drop me a PM.

 

 

 

Josh

[Stu 18]

Ive just fitted a set of Baker Grp N's to mine, havent driven it yet, but what was nice to see was how little the strut moved about once i bolted it back into the shell, without the bottom arm on it sat as it would with it on!

 

they are a fair bit harder, so i dont know how it'll change the road noise.. but meh, its a track car..

[Jrod 7]

I have them on my car but can't really say how much of a difference they made as I changed ALOT at the same time.

 

All I can say is I fecking love my car!

[taylorspug 7]

Ive got group N rubbers on mine, certainly tightened the steering feel up nicely when fitted, did raise the ride height a slight amount though. Wouldnt say there is anymore real difference in road noise or anything like that, its certainly not worth worrying about if the car is used for track work.

 

As for the rear mounts, the stiffer mounts will reduce lift off oversteer as its physically stopping the beam twisting on the car, which is partly what causes the lift off oversteer in the first place.

[GLPoomobile 958]

I had Grp N top mount rubbers on my previous 205 combined with standard shocks and Eibach 7001 springs (-40mm), and new OE bushes through the front end.

 

For road use I hated them I had the same suspension set up on the 205 before that (it was the same springs and dampers which I swapped over when I broke that 205) but with OE top mount rubbers, and the difference between the two is significant IMO. My memory of them is that they are just too harsh for road use. Perhaps the effect would be less severe if teamed with really good quality dampers.

 

I'd consider going for the fast road ones in future to see what they are like, but I doubt I'd ever use Gp N ones again for a road car.

Edited February 28, 2008 by GLPoomobile

[Atari Boy 11]

Well, time will tell. I have just bought a set from Josh, thanks mate.

[tagy 1]

Bit too harsh for road use I find, be fine on a track car though.

[ifcho 0]

I have just sent some polyurethane to my lathe guy, so he can make me some top mounts....

 

with your opinions on the gr. N ones, I think that PU may be a bit harsh...although it is purely a track car...

[kilauea 7]

I have them on with KYB AGX dampers and -35mm springs. I find the ride spot on, nice and tight but not stupidly crashy.

Only thing is I think they may have increased the height a bit so the front is not as low as I wanted - might just be the springs not settled yet though.

 

I have the rear bushes on too, and at the moment it is dead noisy as the crap bosal exhaust vibrates right through the car at low-ish revs. Sounds o.k from 4.5k on though. Putting a standard exhaust on and I don't think it will be too bad.

[d-9 0]

Cant comment on the rubbers as I havent fitted them yet, but the service from BBM is spot on:) Stew is one of the most helpful guys Ive dealt with and the box of bits turned up exactly when he said it was going to, in time for me to fit it this weekend.