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Control arm - steel or aluminium
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TOPIC: Control arm - steel or aluminium

Re:Control arm - steel or aluminium 15 years, 2 months ago #5993

  • sagoston
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Thanks Joe, definitely leaning towards steel with your comments in mind. Your off in T9 at Willow could have been a lot worse with a complete break instead of a bend...

Charlie, if I'm picturing it correctly the control arm broke on the outside edge of where the drop link goes. I'll try to take a picture tomorrow morning but I haven't had the time or desire to go look at it Steel arms are cheap everywhere (< $25) while aluminium arms are around $500. I can get steel arms with all new bushings and spares for the cost of a single aluminium arm.

Is there a writeup on what it takes to make the conversion from aluminium to steel? Maybe a parts list?

Re:Control arm - steel or aluminium 15 years, 2 months ago #5994

  • cbuzzetti
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I was wondering if the break went through the drop link hole. Meaning did it break on both sides of the hole or did it break some where else?

Congrats on your win on Sat!!!!
It was well earned. The finish was very exciting. Your fastest lap was a bit faster than mine.

So far as I can tell you will need the steel arm, caster bushing and clamp as well as the ball joint. It may be possible to use your existing front bushing (Delrin or Eurothane) but I do not know this for sure yet.

I will most likely have mine boxed. I am tough on parts. I would rather not have to change one from a minor off track experience. (Not saying yours was minor Joe, I'm sure that was a big one)
2018 NASA 944Spec National Champ
2018 NASA ST5 P2 944 Nationals COTA
2017 NASA 944Spec WSC P3
2016 NASA PTD-944 WSC P2
2015 NASA GTS1 Western Champion
2014 NASA 944Spec Western Champion
2013 NASA 944Spec So-Cal Regional Champion
2013 NASA 944Spec National P3
2010 NASA GTS-1 National Champion
2010 NASA 944Spec National P3
2010 NASA So-Cal 944Spec Regional Champion
2009 NASA 944Spec National Champion

Re:Control arm - steel or aluminium 15 years, 2 months ago #5995

  • sagoston
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I'll have to go take a look to make sure where it broke. Will post again when I have...

Thanks, Saturday's race was a lot of fun. Will try to keep it on the black stuff next time so I don't have to keep closing 3-4 second gaps Qualifying just don't go well for me, I knew I had more pace than I showed. After seeing how the right side tires are getting worn on the outer shoulder, I may even get close to your quali time with a little better setup. That goes for Miller too

Can the steel arms be swapped on any late model? My car is a 1985.5

Re:Control arm - steel or aluminium 15 years, 2 months ago #5996

  • cbuzzetti
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It is my understanding that it will work on up to 86 cars.

Try to remember that I am always holding back

It is always a pleasure to have somebody to race with.
2018 NASA 944Spec National Champ
2018 NASA ST5 P2 944 Nationals COTA
2017 NASA 944Spec WSC P3
2016 NASA PTD-944 WSC P2
2015 NASA GTS1 Western Champion
2014 NASA 944Spec Western Champion
2013 NASA 944Spec So-Cal Regional Champion
2013 NASA 944Spec National P3
2010 NASA GTS-1 National Champion
2010 NASA 944Spec National P3
2010 NASA So-Cal 944Spec Regional Champion
2009 NASA 944Spec National Champion

Re:Control arm - steel or aluminium 15 years, 2 months ago #5999

Any early offset car (i.e. pre '87) can use the steel arm. Porsche released a TSB many years ago that recommended that the early offset aluminum arm not be used in competition - they don't tolerate lowering as well. The late aluminum control arms are better, but expensive new. Parts cars are a good source for them.
Eric Kuhns

National Director Emeritus

2007, & 2008 National Champion
2011, 2012 2nd
Last Edit: 15 years, 2 months ago by Sterling Doc.

Re:Control arm - steel or aluminium 15 years, 2 months ago #6004

  • sagoston
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Thanks Eric, that's enough for me to go with the steel arms.

Here's a link to my Broken Arm
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