G
Guest
·What do you guys think of these end links that I am considering carrying?:
http://www.gearheadsgarage.com/ForSale/Parts/endlinks.html
I contacted the manufacturer and asked him to compare his product to some of the other options on the market and here's what he had to say:
"The ISC ones are functionally similar to mine, but twice the
price. Those look like steel-race rod ends, which need regular
lubrication. One possible problem is if their spacers are
aluminum (can't tell from the photo but they're awfully white to
be steel) they won't last long. (I tried aluminum spacers first
because they would be much cheaper, but was not happy with the
results.)"
"The Miatamania ones have several issues: these are usually the
ones folks over at M.net are complaining about. I've taken
these off cars and replaced them with mine and the customers are
much happier."
"FM's are very pretty and they use a Teflon-lined joint, but
there's a problem with their mounting method and dust boots
don't work unless they are positively sealed/clamped to the
joint. I've tested different types of boots (including some
like FM's) and what I found they do best is let dirt & grit in
and keep it there. My original design links (Version 1.0) had
an O.E. style positive seal, but the cost of the parts meant a
pair of links retailed for $140. The market won't support that."
"Racing Beat's are nice pieces, but they have the same binding
problem that stock NA links have."
"The Mazda Motorsports ones are, I believe, the ones made by AWR.
From what I've seen, those are cheaper rod ends and a poor spacer
design that doesn't allow full articulation (meaning you can't
use all the holes in your adjustable bar). On a race car where
you'll be replacing them regularly, it's not so much of an issue. But street guys want something that will last them a while."
"Links are not a one-size-fits-all item. I currently have 4
models to cover all NA/NB cars, and am about to release a 5th
for NCs. My links are all Teflon-lined rod ends and all but
one model are LH/RH threads for on-car adjustment."
http://www.gearheadsgarage.com/ForSale/Parts/endlinks.html

I contacted the manufacturer and asked him to compare his product to some of the other options on the market and here's what he had to say:

"The ISC ones are functionally similar to mine, but twice the
price. Those look like steel-race rod ends, which need regular
lubrication. One possible problem is if their spacers are
aluminum (can't tell from the photo but they're awfully white to
be steel) they won't last long. (I tried aluminum spacers first
because they would be much cheaper, but was not happy with the
results.)"

"The Miatamania ones have several issues: these are usually the
ones folks over at M.net are complaining about. I've taken
these off cars and replaced them with mine and the customers are
much happier."

"FM's are very pretty and they use a Teflon-lined joint, but
there's a problem with their mounting method and dust boots
don't work unless they are positively sealed/clamped to the
joint. I've tested different types of boots (including some
like FM's) and what I found they do best is let dirt & grit in
and keep it there. My original design links (Version 1.0) had
an O.E. style positive seal, but the cost of the parts meant a
pair of links retailed for $140. The market won't support that."

"Racing Beat's are nice pieces, but they have the same binding
problem that stock NA links have."

"The Mazda Motorsports ones are, I believe, the ones made by AWR.
From what I've seen, those are cheaper rod ends and a poor spacer
design that doesn't allow full articulation (meaning you can't
use all the holes in your adjustable bar). On a race car where
you'll be replacing them regularly, it's not so much of an issue. But street guys want something that will last them a while."
"Links are not a one-size-fits-all item. I currently have 4
models to cover all NA/NB cars, and am about to release a 5th
for NCs. My links are all Teflon-lined rod ends and all but
one model are LH/RH threads for on-car adjustment."