Just a quick question. Would it make any difference to install an upgraded PHB to a stock suspension?

 

It might be a small amount if any. I would look into springs first, then control arms. After that look at the adj phb. It will help center the rear after lowering it

 

Depends what you want to do

If you are going to lower the car, it would be a nice idea (not a requirement) to install an adjustable one. This will allow you to re-center the axle, once the car is lowered, as it will move it slightly over toward the drivers side (as mentioned above). If you DON'T drive the car hard, any number of them from different manufacturers will work fine. If you DO drive corners hard, I would refer you to a specific design.

Jazzer

 

I understand the need for an adjustable PHB if you change the height of the suspension. But doesn't the PHB do more than JUST center the axle. Most PHB manufacturers include the fact that the original factory equipment PHB is hollow and uses inferior rubber bushings that allow flex and the ability for more movement in their advertisments. If this is true wouldn't any upgrade from the stock PHB be a noticeable improvement? Not only when pushing the car in the corners but also in everday driving?
Maybe I'm overthinking it.

 

You are correct, that most aftermarket PBH's have a mechanical upgrade for harder driving in a few ways. Depending on the ULTIMATE goals for the driver, OEM bushings may be all that is needed. Upgrading to spherical and/or poly is a nice upgrade for one who pushes corners hard, but at the cost of NVH. If there is no desire to run the car hard, got this impression from another question by the same person, then I recommend to stick with and OEM type of bushing to limit the NVH.

Jazzer

 

So, what I was thinking was a solid adjustable bar (probably aluminum to save a little weight) with poly ends would keep the noise levels down and increase the rigidity of the rear suspension. Maybe not by a huge margin, but a noticeable improvement for those days when you do want to heat the tires up on the twisties.

 

If DD and a little handling is what you are after, I would look into lowering springs. IMO the best bang for the buck if you are only looking to do one thing.

 

The lowering springs is where this all started. I've been looking at all kinds of them and trying to decide which ones would be the best for what I want.

 

So you need to decide if you want a progressive rate or not. Progressive give you a lot of benefits

They give the lower stance
They are progressive so you won't have a harsh ride
They improve handling

Cons
Sometimes a little mor expensive
If you are really pushing the car (like a track day) they can be hard to judge.

 

http://shop.classicdesignconcepts.co...g-pack-2005-11

I came across this and it seems like a good price. But I don't know anything about the shocks and struts. I had been looking at the FRPP springs and they have the progressive rate springs for just 75 bucks.

http://shop.classicdesignconcepts.co...11-convertible

I'm not looking to slam the car just improve the handling and lower it just enough.

I've been over this whole thing with the springs until my head hurts. I like the BMR's because they have progressive in the front and linear in the back and the spring rates are about as close to stock as I can get.
But then I like the Hotchkis for the same reason, then there's the Steeda ultralights..grrrrr.