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We started installing all of the rear SPL suspension components. This photo shows all of the factory arms (SPC rear camber arms were previously installed), in comparison to the new SPL arms. You will notice that the SPL arms are very heavy duty and excellent quality. They allow for easy adjustment, and the spherical bearing ends eliminate any unwanted movement that the standard rubber bushings allow.

The spring bucket is being replaced by an adjustable bar on my car since I have "true" rear coilovers, and do not have a separate spring. SPL offers a replacement rear spring bucket that is fully adjustable for anyone running coilovers with separate springs or lowering springs.

These 2 images show the OEM suspension components.



The next 2 images show all SPL arms installed.



Next I will be replacing all of the bushings on the rear knuckle (4 on each side). This will complete the rear suspension upgrade, and I will do this once I receive my replacement wheel bearings and hubs.

Last night we stayed late at the shop and continued to install the SPL suspension parts on our track car. When you lower the car, the compression rod bushing sometimes tears, resulting in a loud clunking sound. These aluminum bushing replacements from SPL will add additional noise (especially on street driving), but should add to the overall rigidity and responsiveness of the front suspension when on the track.

This is not a difficult part to install, but it does require that the sub bracing be removed for access to the compression rod.

With the new shop opening soon, we have started preparing our track car to compete again. We now sell SPL Parts, so we decided to upgrade all of the suspension arms and bushings to demonstrate their products. The image shows most of the SPL catalog of parts; upper control arms, lower control arm bushings, front compression rod bushings, rear monoball knuckle bushings, and rear camber / traction / toe arms.

The spherical bearings are very good for the race track, but are very noisy and rough on the street. The car is only used for racing now, so I am looking forward to the more rigid ride quality! The upper control arms allow for very easy caster and camber adjustment, and will allow much more adjustment for alignment settings compared to the factory arms.

Here is the stock front suspension -


The lower arm with the new SPL spherical bearings pressed into place.


SPL upper control arm and lower arm reinstalled.

This Saturday I will be racing at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA. This is the first time I have raced the G35 in over a year, so there were many things to check on the car. The biggest change was the new tires, and I am definitely looking forward to trying them out!