Omnipower Front Lower Control Arms Review
#1
Omnipower Front Lower Control Arms Review (56k warning)
I have been meaning to post this review for some time now. I don't work for Omnipower. I am not quite done with my suspension yet, but I felt I should post a performance log of this product. I can't imagine it being hugely popular since it is somewhat expensive ($359), but I know many 92-95 Civic owners have been wondering about Omnipower's Front Lower Control Arms. Read on for my review.
Suspension Setup:
95 Civic EX EJ1 coupe
Ground Control adjustable coilovers with KYB AGX 4-Way Shocks
Stock front sway bar
Suspension Techniques rear sway bar with subframe reinforcement and tie bar
ST Rear Sway Bar mounts into Omni RLCA
Skunk2 Front Upper Control Arms
Omnipower Rear Lower Control Arms
Omnipower Front Lower Control Arms
DC Sports Front Upper Strut Bar
Megan Racing Rear Upper Strut Bar
NRG Front Lower H-Brace
SPG Rear Camber kit
16x7 +45 16" Rota Slips with nitro-filled Falken Azenis 205/45/16
Black open-end lugnuts
Ok, the lugnuts don't do a whole lot, but maybe they save a tiny bit of weight?
Anyway, I bought these because after getting a new power steering rack installed, my steering got VERY tight. Since I already had used Omnipower for the rear lower control arms, and since they are the only ones that make front lower control arms, I thought I would give them a try. They are much lighter than the stock pieces (by 2.5 lbs per arm), and the bushing is polyurethane and flared on the ends so it won't pop out. However, it is BLUE. This is the worst bushing color I have ever seen. Why not black?
Colors aside however, the installation was not difficult. We got it in the rack and the total time for installation was less than one hour. It could be done in the driveway in about the same amount of time. Of course, we were taking our time and were adding more than just this at the time, so your time may vary.
Performance Review:
Just backing it out of the garage felt different. The car feels more "solid". Corners can be taken more sharply now and the steering wheel turns more smoothly on the return after a sharp turn. The overall steering feels incredibly responsive. The tightness from the p.s. rack is almost all gone, and the steering wheel is easier to rotate at all speeds. The slightest turns feel more precise with these arms. Overall, these made a huge difference in the way my car feels. It truly makes a difference that can be noticed right away.
Rating: 4.5/5
I give it a 4.5 because of the BLUE bushing (come on, at least make it black) and the price. It is a great value, but somewhat pricey. It all boils down to, "You get what you pay for." If you need to buy new control arms anyway, I suggest looking into Omnipower.
If you like my reviews, let me know if you'd like me write any more on the other stuff I've got.
Here are some pictures of them installed on my ride.
Side Shot
Front Shot
Kinda blurry close-up, shows the NRG H-brace bar
Modified by bluebomber at 1:10 PM 3/2/2008
Modified by bluebomber at 1:15 PM 3/2/2008
Suspension Setup:
95 Civic EX EJ1 coupe
Ground Control adjustable coilovers with KYB AGX 4-Way Shocks
Stock front sway bar
Suspension Techniques rear sway bar with subframe reinforcement and tie bar
ST Rear Sway Bar mounts into Omni RLCA
Skunk2 Front Upper Control Arms
Omnipower Rear Lower Control Arms
Omnipower Front Lower Control Arms
DC Sports Front Upper Strut Bar
Megan Racing Rear Upper Strut Bar
NRG Front Lower H-Brace
SPG Rear Camber kit
16x7 +45 16" Rota Slips with nitro-filled Falken Azenis 205/45/16
Black open-end lugnuts
Ok, the lugnuts don't do a whole lot, but maybe they save a tiny bit of weight?
Anyway, I bought these because after getting a new power steering rack installed, my steering got VERY tight. Since I already had used Omnipower for the rear lower control arms, and since they are the only ones that make front lower control arms, I thought I would give them a try. They are much lighter than the stock pieces (by 2.5 lbs per arm), and the bushing is polyurethane and flared on the ends so it won't pop out. However, it is BLUE. This is the worst bushing color I have ever seen. Why not black?
Colors aside however, the installation was not difficult. We got it in the rack and the total time for installation was less than one hour. It could be done in the driveway in about the same amount of time. Of course, we were taking our time and were adding more than just this at the time, so your time may vary.
Performance Review:
Just backing it out of the garage felt different. The car feels more "solid". Corners can be taken more sharply now and the steering wheel turns more smoothly on the return after a sharp turn. The overall steering feels incredibly responsive. The tightness from the p.s. rack is almost all gone, and the steering wheel is easier to rotate at all speeds. The slightest turns feel more precise with these arms. Overall, these made a huge difference in the way my car feels. It truly makes a difference that can be noticed right away.
Rating: 4.5/5
I give it a 4.5 because of the BLUE bushing (come on, at least make it black) and the price. It is a great value, but somewhat pricey. It all boils down to, "You get what you pay for." If you need to buy new control arms anyway, I suggest looking into Omnipower.
If you like my reviews, let me know if you'd like me write any more on the other stuff I've got.
Here are some pictures of them installed on my ride.
Side Shot
Front Shot
Kinda blurry close-up, shows the NRG H-brace bar
Modified by bluebomber at 1:10 PM 3/2/2008
Modified by bluebomber at 1:15 PM 3/2/2008
#3
Re: (JDM Like Whoa)
They make them for DC, EG, and Del Sol. I got mine directly from Omnipower for $359. King Motorsports has them on this page for $349:
http://www.kingmotorsports.com...at=40
http://www.kingmotorsports.com...at=40
#7
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: OC and Bay Area
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Re: (bluebomber)
I am very sure that this new responsive feel is just because you replaced your old, worn out bushings. I still would rather replace the bushings and save some money than buy these. But good write-up regardless.
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