Camber Plate Installation

[benjpi]

I've got a set of Cusco camber plates from a BG Mazda chassis (94 Protege). I've been told the attachment 4-bolt pattern is the same, but I may need new shock tower nuts. So, I plan to try the install with new Tokico's (due tomorrow) and used MSP springs (on floor in box).

Now, I had these installed on the BG. When I did, I used the old thrust bearings (plastic jobs) between the spring perch and the spherical bearing on the cusco plates. When I took them off, one of the thrust bearings had self-destructed. The little "washer" that separated the spherical bearing from the spring perch didn't spread across the full top area of the thrust bearing. Since the bearing was plastic, it just kind of dissolved.

Can someone tell me if those bearings really need to be in there? I mean, the camber plate HAS the ability to support rotation, so why does the thrust bearing need to stay? I left them in on the BG because the hole in the spring seat was designed for the thrust bearing to fit into. (the hold in the spring seat was about 5mm larger than the shaft diameter, and the thrust bearing filled that gap).

I'd like to get the setup WITH the camber plates installed before my next Autocross (2/3). Modifying the camber & setting the BG with zero toe made it handle GREAT, and I'd like to do the same to the LX. Any advice appreciated!

Ben

 

[Jas00x]

It sounds like the bearing doesn't really do anything, but I wouldn't know for sure. As long as there is no slop in the suspension (up-down, or side-side), It sounds like it may be OK. Just curious, why not just get the AWR plates that are designed for our cars. I got a set and found them to be really good fit. Though I think they are for coilovers (2.5" springs) only... But to get decent amount of camber, I think you need the smaller diameter springs anyways

 

[benjpi]

Well, I already have the BG plates. I could sell them & get the AWR plates, but the net would be more money out of pocket. If I could make the BG plates work then I'd have more money for tires. Really, the whole AWR setup (coil overs with Koni inserts) is what I want. But finances dictate other directions.

On the BG, I got about 2-degrees of negative, and the car was just a hair past neutral (slight oversteer). That was also setup with zero toe. There was still plenty of spring clearance. Not sure if this chassis is the same, but I'll find out soon enough!

Thanks,

Ben

 

[benjpi]

No go, they won't fit. At least with stock diameter springs they won't. I did get the Tokico HP's installed, plus a set of MSP springs. During the install, I looked at the mounts and the area around the spring at the top. There is no room up there for camber adjustment without going to coilovers.

I guess I'll have to try camber bolts to at least pick up a little negative camber.

Ben