I have a set of leaf springs that have the aluminum bushings installed in the big end of the springs. I want to use them on my dual purpose car, (street drive it and race it some) and was wondering if they will affect the street manors of the car or not???

I hear people change them for racing purposes but why??

Will they make noises when driving, turning, etc or will I not even notice them on the car??

Or should I just change them out to stock rubber ones and be done.
The car will be a low 12 to high 11 sec car when done. I would really like for mid 11,s but not sure I can do that at this time.
ANY HELP would be APPRECIATED
Thanks David

Anything to reduce "slop" or "give" in the chassis and suspension will help the car transfer weight and hook better. Solid bushings are good for that. But for dual purpose use, they may be overkill. The worst that can happen is a slightly harsher ride and/or they may get beat-up faster due to everyday street driving. That might cause some "clunks" eventually. May not be a big deal. But ideally, I believe poly front and shackle bushings would be the way to go. Cheap regular rubber could get beat-out and/or deteriorate prematurely in performance driving.

Solid spring bushings for leaf springs are kinda like solid motor mounts for engines.

Cal-tracs come with aluminum bushings, and they claim street/strip, FWIW

Calvert springs come with Aluminum bushings. I run them on the street, and I would say YES, they do change the personality of the car on the street. more noise is transferred through to the cabin, and small bumps are a little harsher. But, It helps reduce flex in the suspension system which will make the car launch much more consistantly.

I Appreciate the answers you guys have given me.
I think I will just go ahead and use them since they are
ready to bolt on now.
Thanks Again.
David

I just put cal tracs on my car and the aluminum bushing are definitely noisier.

I think I would want rubber if I were running it on the street regularly.