Are the SPL rear camber arms appropriate for a DD car?
 

Hello,
I actually drive a G37S 6MT that is lowered on swift springs and is daily driven and will likely never see a track. I noticed that there are quite a few more users on these forums who use SPL rear camber arms than in the G37 community where almost everyone runs SPC. I was impressed with the build quality and robustness of the SPL arms and nearly bought them since I like to only put quality parts on my suspension. The last thing I want is the camber arms snapping in half during some canyon runs. However I learned that the SPLs use spherical bearings as opposed to the rubber bushings on the SPC arms. I don’t want to reduce the ride quality of my car or introduce any NVH so this is a bit of an issue for me. I would appreciate some input on these questions:

1. Do the SPL rear camber arms really introduce a noticeable amount of NVH?
2. Are the SPC arms of sufficient quality and durability for daily driving with some occasional spirited driving? Are they at least as reliable as the OE arms?
3. I am starting to feel that the SPC arms are probably sufficient for most users and that SPL is mostly justifiable for track/high performance use, is that the general consensus here?

If the SPC part is reasonably durable and will maintain the stock NVH characteristics, then I think I may go that route instead.

Thanks for the assistance

Read this. ;) Most here like the SPL's.


http://www.the370z.com/brakes-suspen...m-bushing.html

The SPL part gives you peace of mind. Mines not a DD but if I drive it to work its a 120 mile round trip going through the back road mountain driving and I don't think twice about the control arms going out.

I have spl arms front and rear, and put an insane amount of miles on myZ (150) round trip daily from the IE to the OC. You want cheap Spc. You want a worry free driving experience SPL.


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I've said it once, I see it needs said again....

SPL! Do it right the first time! Tired of people buying $1000+ CBE's because someone said the quality fit and finish is so much better but for a part that could save your life people cheap out on less than $100! I don't get people's priorities!

You own a $30,000 car! Send the extra $100.

Yeah go with SPL, hands down. Yes they will introduce more noise to the car. You should be more concerned with the safety and performance of the part. You shouldn't cheap out on the suspension it can cause serious problems. Many people have had the SPC arm snap in half causing a lot of damage and costing the drivers a lot of $$$$.

Thanks for the responses. I have no problems with paying the little extra for the SPLs, I think it's reasonably priced for a high quality part. My only concern is with significantly reducing the comfort of the car. Exactly how much of a noise, vibration and harshness increase can one expect from going from stock to SPLs? I really just don't want to make the car unpleasant to ride in.

You'll be happy... If anything car feels more sound.


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I don't hear any suspension noise and I have 18k front and 12k rear springs. Also heard no noise from the solid spl rear diff bushing. Only thing that's increased my noise was the hard tranny mount.

Dude, you have a choice:

1. Return the car to stock ride height and the stock alignment and your amenity and enjoyment will not suffer and your rear tyre wear moves back into the OEM zone
2. Stay with the lowering springs and put up with excessive rear tyre wear
3. Fit SPC components and enjoy the amenity of your ride because NVH will only be marginally increased
4. Accept the fact that a lowered "look" implies you are stepping away from OEM NVH (which is not that flash anyway) and do it right, which is SPL

I know which choice I would make - but no matter what we think, it is your choice to make.

Fair enough, only options 3 and 4 are being considered. I keep hearing that SPL will increase NVH but I can't find any description on how much worse it really is. If the difference is only mild, I think I'll just go SPL and call it a day.

Problem is NVH is terribly personal .... I subscribe to the theory that is it is too noisy, I will turn up the stereo. It is more noisy, but IMHO it is a modest increase in noise.

The fact that SWMBO hates the "noisy sports car thing" and refuses to get into it is the counter-point (and a side-benefit perhaps).

For a definition of SWMBO, refer to acronyms finder dictionary and abreviations finder dictionary - acronyms and abreviations list, definitions and funny acronyms from medical, military, army, training, business, internet, and emails. and search for this acronym.

Thanks for the link. It will be great at work! :bowrofl: By the way, think you have it backwards. HWMBO. She just lets you get away with it. :icon14:


I have the complete SPL front end. I haven't notice any increase in noise. But then I have the complete FI exhaust. :D

How often do the spherical bearings on the SPLs need to be cleaned/lubed? Since they aren't sealed bearings, don't they get dirty quickly?

Teflon...they say never.

I try to clean mine once a month. My car stays pretty clean since its garaged kept, but it is my DD. The SPL Lower control arm bushings make a big improvement in overall handling and front end response, however they transfer a lot of NVH. It almost sounds normal to me now, ha ha. Just wanted to give my .02 cents. Good luck on your decision

stock arms are fine. just get a good alignment.

next option is go SPL

If I could, I would stay on the stock arms but I'm not sure my current alignment is acceptable.

It looks like this:

Toe
Front: 0.00 0.00
Rear: 0.01 0.04

Camber
Front: -1.2 -1.3
Rear: -2.3 -2.2

Too much camber in the rear I think? Not sure how fast the tires will wear out with the current settings. Hard for me to tell since I don't drive a ton.

I thought that since the bearing isn't sealed, dirt and stuff can get into it and hence you regularly need to keep it clean and lubed. Correct me if I'm wrong.

that's not a lot of camber. you're fine

This is my first time running any decent amount of camber, at -2.3 would I wear out the tires that much faster than say -1.4 assuming near zero toe?

Also isn't it undesirable to have such a large difference in camber from front to rear? More understeer at the limit?

I always say when you want to do something, do right from the first time so it doesn't cost you any issues in the long run (especially on a sports car). When you lower the car, you change the geometry of the suspension a bit and the stock arms just cant keep up anymore with the change that's when SPL arms come in. I dont have anything against SPC, but for me all it takes is for somebody to say I snapped my spc arms so I just stay away all together. Hope that helps a little

I would like to do this right, but it seems like there aren't very good options for those who want to lower their car but mostly maintain an OE ride. The SPLs are very well built but there is no denying that the spherical bearings will transmit more NVH and will require regular cleaning and lubing since they aren't sealed. The only reason I haven't just jumped on the SPCs is because I don't like those reports of the arms snapping.

SPC did recently release some new beefier arms though:
Specialty Products Company | SPC Alignment | The Automotive Alignment Leaders

They have a different design and are forged for increased strength and use a new bushing type that is supposed to perform like a monoball but have the durability of the OE part. They claim it doesn't require regular maintenance.

Specialty Products Company | SPC Alignment | The Automotive Alignment Leaders

Since it is so new, I can't find any reviews on it.


EDIT: I should also mention that SPC has revised the design on all rear camber arms for the Z/G to remove the curve. The arms are all straight now for increased strength. I guess this means that SPC's original design was deemed to have inadequate strength.

Ah, to hell with it. I'm gonna order my SPL arms later today and call it a day.

Well I guess you wont be saying this for the front SPL camber arm which cost $700 +.

For DD its a waste of money and over kill.

Btw has anyone had actually experienced the SPC snapping apart while doing DD?
Please convince me. Otherwise you should be fine with SPC but if you do have the money for it go for the SPL. Its your peace of mind in check.

my ears don't pick up any noise from SPL bushing and it very much feels like a DD

I decided to go SPL because I think the NVH shouldn't be imapcted too badly from just installing 2 camber arms with spherical bearings. It is honestly probably overkill for my street driving but I do like the peace of mind of knowing I got the highest quality arms available and I won't have to worry about it. The price difference isn't that much anyway for the rears.

I do think SPC is a reputable company and their arms are probably at least as strong as the OE arms. To my knowledge, all the cases of broken SPC arms were either due to install error, an accident on the road or some fairly extreme track use. I doubt the SPC arms would snap like that under normal street use. I won't be needing the front camber arms, but if I did I don't think I'd buy the crazy expensive SPLs for my DD use.

We aren't talking front. Front doesn't need any adjustment till you hit the track and need more camber and caster. If you'd read the post rusty linked you'd see your wrong. DD can provide plenty of harsh conditions and its not if a spc rear will snap its when. It's cheap china crap crudly painted that will rust out at the threads. It's a horribly disigned part with a built in snapping/stress point. This is why SPL uses titanium at the threads and its solidly welded at the joint unlike spc where they put the adjuster. If you want to mod like a civic then go buy a civic. If you want to mod like a big boy with a big heavy expensive car then do it right or not at all. I'm tired of these teenagers picking up cheap 370's and treating them like a neon/civic. Cheap crap parts give us all a bad name. My car at the moment is highly respected wherever I go. I don't need that to change because people start treating a Z like a ricer.

Man you completely missed my statement I know you are referring to the rear SPC vs SPL. Man Im with you that the SPL is a better quality than SPC. With the price difference of $100 hands down your better of with the SPL at the rear.
That is why I said it would be a different story if we compare price point via front cambers. There is a huge price difference.
By all means get the SPL if you can afford it.

On the other hand I was also stating if for a DD one should be good with SPC. Again like you have stated if your not such a "Big Boy" then go for the cheaper brand. I don't find anything wrong with that, not everyone are equally fortunate like others who can afford it, other would simply want to enjoy a small piece of enjoyment with a lesser degree of financial burden. That is why there are options to fit your purpose of usage and preference.

Well if you categorize people who buy lesser value brands as civic lovers thats you own stereo typing of people. I do not have an issue with that in fact I do agree with you at a certain extent.

But let me give you my own definition of the term "Big Boy"
For me This are the people who drive cars such as Porsche, GTRs, McLarens,Ferrari, Lambo and other list of super cars!

If by chance you have at least one of this cars then you are indeed a "Big Boy" but if you drive the same 370Z I drive Im sorry I guess we are still in the same category of whatever you want to call it.
Because if you refer the "Big Boy" just because your heavy with modding I define it as still a "Wanna be "Big Boy":tup:

Hey Im not arguing or reputing your own opinion yet I do respect it....I would even say that you are Right! But as far as the "Big Boy" statement I do have a different view about it. :tup:

I humbly say Im not a "Big Boy" in my own definition. Im at peace with that. Lol

To OP

Honestly you did the right move in getting the SPL.
Im just giving my personal hands on experience with Rear SpC that i have used it for 2 years not have any issues with it.

So other forum members would have the opportunity to know that it would be fine to have SPC for DD. Depending how you want to drive your Z.

Unless the intension is to track the car or constantly drive it like they stole it, then I'll go for SPL anytime of the day. :tup:

youre missing my point though. i wouldnt even run them on a DD. a DD will rust faster seeing weather. The SPC has a huge design flaw putting the adjuster where it is. at the bend were all the stress is, is just stupid. the SPL welds it solid at that point making it stronger. that kink and size of the SPC steel will fail over time. it may be solid and the SPL may be hollow but doing the math the SPL im sure is 2-3 times stronger. theres no way id put that on any car. LMAO!!!:happydance: "not everyone are equally fortunate like others who can afford it????!!!" they bought a $400-$600 a month car payment! they bought the wrong damn car if they cant swing $100 for safety. and no, thats not why we have those cheap options. we have those cheap options because some kid in China making $0.05 a week makes them and sells them to us. SPC is to cheap to make them here paying at least minium wage.

my stereo type is 100% dead on. an old civic costs a few grand. a person with no money will buy one and mod accordingly. yes there are nice civics out there that run 10's and were done right but your average 16 year old with one who is modding it will show what he's worth. im trying to stay away from that as most used 09's still go for almost 20k. sadly there are still a few 16 yr olds that got their hands on them and are modding like a 16 yr old buying all the cheap crap they can afford. its sad. i wish my 13 body style changed more so im not grouped with them.

well term it how you will but the average american makes 30k a year. these cars cost 30k. most of american will agree with me and not you. you just named some people into the 1%'ers therefore dont count with me and the rest of the US.

you must be loaded then. my house mortgage costs $636 a month for just the house. if i bought my car on a 5 year it'd cost $645. to me thats a big boy car, not a little ricer civic with a fart can.

lol where you work? seems like i need a new career.

Can anyone chime in the Voodoo13 products?

They got rear camber arms and the rear toe arms.

Voodoo13 – Rear Camber Arms

Those you you with SPL camber arms, what are you using for rear toe adjustment? Will SPC toe bolts be ok?

I had a g35 sedan for four years and never had the fwon't control arms or rear camber kit. No issues...on eibach

I use my SPL toe arm but I'm sitting on true type coilovers. :tup:

I had SPL midlinks, now I too have SPL toe links sitting on true coilovers

You can only run toe arms if you have true type rear coils.

And their camber arms don't have a bend in them, so they might not fit with sway bars

I thought he meant to say traction arms but they don't make traction arms. Wonder why.

636 a month for a house in ohio? Houses are like 4 times that out in the areas im looking into.