I just ordered a complete HardRace bushing kit for my Integra, which comes with new RTA bushings. Should I use those or should I order new OEM RTA bushings from San Leandro Honda Parts for about $28 each? Anyone know of any benefits or drawbacks one has over the other?

 

Only real benefit I can see with the OEM one is you know it's gonna last some years unless you track the crap out of your car. With that said I am still gonna try the Hardrace on my EK.

 

Hardrace made the rear end feel slightly more controlled, but are much harsher than stock. They hardly have any free play that lets the bushing move in and out or forwards and back.

 

I had to make this same decision but I had already spent $30 ea on the OEM RTA bushings so i decided to install those. I then sold the Hardrace ones to my friend.

If the bushing has hardly any movement, wouldn't that be the similar to those poly RTA bushings we all hate??

PS
Are you going to make a sweet write up on installing the bushings?

 

+1 for full write up! i'll paypal ya 5 bones

 

what about the PIC/Suja 1 Motoring Hard Rubber Bushing Kit? Prob the same as the hardrace kit huh. Its time to replace my ES kit with the scary snap oversteer. Hmm im not sure i see the RTA bushing for your year intergra tho.

http://picperformance.com/store/scri...?idproduct=233

 

huh? They're right there in the pic, and it lists 94-01 Integra at the bottom.

I've already ordered the HardRace kit, just trying to decide if I should spend another ~$60 shipped for OEM RTA bushings or not.

 

What made you decide to replace the bushing in first place? I'd say since you already ordered the hardrace use it. If you need to replace them in a few years then order OEM if you want.

 

I ordered them because my original bushings are over 15 years old now and are in dire need of replacement, and I didn't really want to spend the $400-$500 for OEM bushings. Several bushings in the HardRace kit aren't even available separately, like those in the rear upper arms and toe compensator arms.

However my car is also strictly a daily driver, and I don't really care to make the ride any more harsh than it is now with OEM ITR rear springs on Koni Sport shocks.

 

Here is a pic of an OEM vs. HardRace RTA bushing.



Old tech thread that discusses how the RTA moves thru multi-axis. I personally wasn't convinced the HardRace bushing would allow the proper movement so I sold them and went with the OEM bushing. Better safe than sorry plus this isn't a job I want to do again soon.
https://honda-tech.com/forums/road-racing-autocross-time-attack-19/suspension-bushings-honda-acura-racers-493789/

 

I've heard good things about hardrace products so u should be fine; just sucks they don't sell the RTA bushings separate.

Also, I had heard that Mugen manufactures the trailing arm bushings that Honda sells; any truth to this?

The link above gives 2 different part numbers for RTA bushings from honda where one is significantly cheaper than the other.

52385-S21-003

52385-SR3-000

 

The S21 bushing that's about $25 each is the correct one. There was a service bulletin or something concerning the SR3 bushing and the S21 replaced it.

*sigh* I don't know... the HardRace one does look less prone to wearing out or breaking/tearing like OEM ones sometimes do when they get old. I'm not really sure what's the point of the rubber in the OEM bushing around the sides (3 and 9 o'clock positions when on the car), since the main portion only seems to connect at the 12 and 6 o'clock points.

 

So Patrick did you get to install these yet?

 

its to limit the amount the dogbone moves forward and back during braking and launching. thats why theres the curved metal pieces there, to stiffen that edge up. its left unconnected at the sides (on the OEM, but not the HR) so it can still twist in the vertical axis.

youre right, that hardrace just seems too stiff and binding. but it is rubber and elastic at least. stiffness by hand is nothing like the force it will get on the car.

 

naw I just received the bushings today. My new OEM front UCA's won't be here till next week, so it won't be until at least next weekend before I can start installing them.

 

Any update? I am in the same predicament and will soon be replacing 15 yr. old bushings on my EG, which is also a DD.

 

nah, don't have the money yet to get them installed.

 

And those Hardrace bushings look exactly like the Suja One hard bushings I have. All the bushings that came in the kit were good, some were much harder than others though. The Rta are pretty soft allowing movement, while some of the others are much harder. I think it was a design choice, I know I don't have binding problems. For $200 its hard to beat $$ wise. I think they are all China made though.