Camber Plate bushings

[msterling]

Last weekend my son and I were installing a set of Koni Sports on my 911. The rears were easy enough once we realized that the bump stop rubber had to driven on the shaft all the way to the step in the shaft. Doh!

The fronts were going along well until we decided to replace the camber plate bushings with the ones that came with the insert kit. We figured; two doughnuts with a spacer tube in the middle. After digging and pounding for a while we only succeeded in damaging the original rubber. It turns out that the original is one piece and has to be cut out! I can do that but I wonder if the bushings that came with the kit are correct replacements. The Elephant Racing replacement bushings look way different. The ER parts are kinda pricey although I'm sure they are top notch. Here are the ones that came with the Konis and the then the ER bushings.




I need to get the ER parts on order if I don't have usable replacements on hand. If I had it to do over again, I would have left the original bushings alone as they looked to be in good shape.

[msterling]

I went ahead and installed the front shocks with the rubber bushings that came with the Konis. Seems OK but looks different than the original. It would only take a few minutes to swap in the ER bushings if I find that I need them.

Anyone have an opinion?

The car feels transformed with the new shocks. Transitions seem better controlled just driving around town. First Autocross in two weeks so we shall see.

Cut the bushing all the way around about 1/4" in from the edge and punch it out the bottom.

[KTL]

I had no idea that those bushings and sleeve are intended to replace the rubber insert within the camber plate. I used the Konis with the original bushing in the camber plate and had no problems.

[pors1968]

Those bushings look65-68 swb koni bushing .

[msterling]

Originally Posted by KTL

I had no idea that those bushings and sleeve are intended to replace the rubber insert within the camber plate. I used the Konis with the original bushing in the camber plate and had no problems.

I have no doubt that I should have left the originals undisturbed but that ship has sailed. The Koni supplied bushings and sleeve seemed to lock in pretty well. Maybe I can contact Koni for the straight poop. They do supply some parts that are not needed and the only instructions are little drawings that are not too helpful. The bushings for the rear shocks were much like the originals and seem perfect.

[msterling]

I decided that PORS1968 was right and that the bushings that came with the Konis were the ones for for early 911s. Here is a pic of Elephant Racing's camber bushings for 65-71 911s.

I ordered and installed Elephant's bushings for 71-89 911s and they look right.

BTW, tried out the Koni Sports last weekend at a PCA Autocross event. Big improvement in handling. Transitions are much quicker. Turn in happens right now! I clipped a couple slalom cones before getting used to the better response. Those 27 year old Boges were pretty tired. Right now I have them adjusted right in the middle which is 360 deg from soft. I'm going to an SCCA Test and Tune this weekend and may fiddle with the settings. Oversteer-Understeer balance seems good right now.

[chris_seven]

The front bushes supplied with Koni inserts do look as if they work with front camber plates from 1965 to early 1970 but are as you have noted completely incorrect for later model years.

Although the Koni bush looks as if it works and will fit the earlier car but is different they are a different shape and are missing the 'spigot' which locates them in the centre of the camber plate.

We have re-manufactured a correctly shaped NBR Bush of 80 Shore A Hardness along with the correct diameter plate washer, stainless steel tab washer and a fine pitch 14mm nut of the same pattern as used on early cars.

[KTL]

Interesting. I learned something new today about the early upper strut mounts.

I'm pretty sure I have some of these bushings in a drawer of suspension bits, if anybody needs them. Free to whoever would like them.