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Old 08-23-2018, 03:56 PM   #1
oachalon

 
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Cradle Bushings vs Hotchkis Chassis Brace

Hi,

I have had a set of BMR rear cradle bushings sitting in a box for the past 4 years. I have been reluctant to change out the bushings because I do not want to do the heat method (garage queen and it bothers me), and i dont trust myself cutting out the bushings or trust a shop around here to do it either. I could make a tool or I see ridetech sells a tool.

Before buying the tool or making one, i wanted to see what everyones thoughts were on changing out the bushings (yeah i know i already have them) vs the Hotchkis Chassis brace they sell that basically adds a brace that connects the rear cradle to the chassis in another spot.

I dont see a lot of people running them on here, but does it correct the issue or should I stop being lazy and just get under the car and get those bushings out and replaced?
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Old 08-23-2018, 04:11 PM   #2
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Replace the bushings. It changes the feeling of the car, and it's much better, especially for a stick car. The heat and press method is no big deal - just did mine. If it makes you feel better just hit them with a little paint after you press them out. I think you've you finally do it you'll be real glad you did - those stock bushings, especially in the 2010-2011s, really suck!
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Old 08-23-2018, 05:49 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by acammer View Post
Replace the bushings. It changes the feeling of the car, and it's much better, especially for a stick car. The heat and press method is no big deal - just did mine. If it makes you feel better just hit them with a little paint after you press them out. I think you've you finally do it you'll be real glad you did - those stock bushings, especially in the 2010-2011s, really suck!
^^^^^ Listen to this guy, he knows what he's talking about!! I am doing mine this Saturday and can't wait to drive the car with them in, going solid with Pegasus bushings. Thanks acammer..
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Old 08-23-2018, 06:27 PM   #4
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Thanks for the response. I am still not going the heat method. Car has 9800 miles on it, again garage queen. When I do it will probably end up buying that ridetech tool for pulling them out. If anyone has a used one they would like to sell just PM me.
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Old 08-23-2018, 08:58 PM   #5
VR Baron
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I had bmr bushings done in 2017 along with toe links and trailing arms. They are worth it to get rid of wheel hop. Had incerts before I upped the power. Those were noticeable also, bushings finished it off. No wheel hop, but I have keep revs low on start at autocross as no traction now either..lol
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Old 08-24-2018, 04:54 AM   #6
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Yes I would replace bushings. I put the same brace on my 2010 L99 and my 2013 LS3. Helped allot over just stock. Then when I bought the COMPLETE 1LE track pack that included bushings that really stiffened things up. I have both on my car and work great for the last 4 years.
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Old 08-24-2018, 08:45 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oachalon View Post
Thanks for the response. I am still not going the heat method. Car has 9800 miles on it, again garage queen. When I do it will probably end up buying that ridetech tool for pulling them out. If anyone has a used one they would like to sell just PM me.
What is the concern, exactly, with the heat method? Clearly you're not afraid to alter the car, it's got a blower, a cam, etc. You're not heating it to the point where you're melting down the metal, you just need to get it hot enough to release the glues that hold the bushing. If you're worried about the paint, you just hit them with a little paint after you clean them up - they'll be nice and hot and it'll dry instantly.
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Old 08-24-2018, 08:55 AM   #8
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For what it's worth, I just did mine, and here is the write-up I completed. It's not a how-to by any means, but it covers the basics, and the more on the results of the install.

https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=535425
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Old 08-24-2018, 09:14 AM   #9
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I have both. The Hotchkis also helps protect the fuel system when I road race - which is why I kept it. Cradle bushings are what I would do vs Hotchkis.

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Old 08-24-2018, 08:31 PM   #10
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What is the concern, exactly, with the heat method? Clearly you're not afraid to alter the car, it's got a blower, a cam, etc. You're not heating it to the point where you're melting down the metal, you just need to get it hot enough to release the glues that hold the bushing. If you're worried about the paint, you just hit them with a little paint after you clean them up - they'll be nice and hot and it'll dry instantly.
I am not concerned about the heat hurting the metal it comes down to the paint. I want to keep the factory coatings/paint on this car as much as possible.

$100 to keep the factory paint still perfect even if it’s on a cradle is worth it to me.
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Old 08-27-2018, 07:56 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oachalon View Post
I am not concerned about the heat hurting the metal it comes down to the paint. I want to keep the factory coatings/paint on this car as much as possible.

$100 to keep the factory paint still perfect even if it’s on a cradle is worth it to me.
To each his own - in you're case you're gonna need a tool for removal then.
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Old 09-09-2018, 09:55 PM   #12
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I have both the Hotchkis chassis brace and Pegasus subframe bushings. The Hotchkis was installed first which made the entire chassis feel much more connected. The triangulation of the Hotchkis brace stiffens the entire car. The Pegasus subframe bushings made the rear end more stable, planted and helped the car hook up really well after my cam install. So, I would say that each of these mods worked differently.
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Old 09-09-2018, 10:39 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oachalon View Post
I am not concerned about the heat hurting the metal it comes down to the paint. I want to keep the factory coatings/paint on this car as much as possible.

$100 to keep the factory paint still perfect even if it’s on a cradle is worth it to me.

You can make a bushing removal tool from stuff you have lying around your garage. Minimal heat will get them out. About 300-350 F is all you have to heat the cradle to. No biggie. It did not phase the paint on my cradle. The paint on the cradle looks like crap anyway. You will never notice.
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Old 03-09-2023, 08:10 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Avalnch View Post
I have both the Hotchkis chassis brace and Pegasus subframe bushings. The Hotchkis was installed first which made the entire chassis feel much more connected. The triangulation of the Hotchkis brace stiffens the entire car. The Pegasus subframe bushings made the rear end more stable, planted and helped the car hook up really well after my cam install. So, I would say that each of these mods worked differently.
See, all it takes was a search and finding a 5 year old thread to answer my questions. I have a Hotchkis brace but wondered if it made a difference if I added solid cradle bushings to the mix.
Thanks
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