eFifty5AMG

So, you're saying they should work on the W202s?
Can you modify the Hedgehog arms to work for your application?

Velociabstract

I'm not saying they fit a W202, Hedgehog says they fit. No, I can't modify the Hedgehog A-arms to fit. Modifying the shock towers could be a solution ….. along with welding the A-arms back together.

The decision was made to go with the coil overs until my expert contacted a race team that campaigned a SLK in 2003 approx. to find out all that was required to do it right. I don't have the details, didn't need them after hearing the price.

eFifty5AMG

I placed an order for a set of these.

Velociabstract

Have they arrived?

Les

eFifty5AMG

Hey Les, I got an update today. They just made it to customs this morning.

Velociabstract

Still waiting ………. to hear ……. how the instal went …….. and if you have lots of room in the shock tower.

Les

eFifty5AMG

Hey Les! The install went fine, I didn't get them finished until a couple days ago. Unfortunately I haven't had much time driving and am now back in Chicago for the holidays. Initial impression: they seem to be some high quality components. A little marring from shipping, but nothing outrageous. The upper control arms are noticeably stiffer over bumps. The clearance seems fine, but I haven't taken any pictures installed. No issues with the alignment. I should be back in a few weeks and with more seat time, I'll be able to provide some better feedback. Happy Holidays!


-Hayden

KJI3jflarryfe93

dude, i like your money clip

eFifty5AMG

Haha thanks brother!

KJI3jflarryfe93

maybe you should upgrade to something like this, look at pic. no.4.
then you're pimpin' your clip with Mr Benjamin Franklin's

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Scarface-Ann...MAAOSwAYtWK-a~

eFifty5AMG

Christmas is coming, feel free to send me one full of the Benjamins For more parts of course

Velociabstract

Glad it's working out. The stiffness would be from the poly bushings in the A-arms. I already have poly lower A-arm bushings. When I installed the Hedgehog upper A-arms, I experienced much more precise steering. The difference on the race track was notable and positive. I'm reticent to modify my shock towers ….. but considering doing it so I can repair and re instal the Hedgehog UCA's. I miss the positive feel in the steering.

Les

eFifty5AMG

This! You are correct. The poly is stiff, but as you said, it is definitely more precise and responsive- best it's ever felt IMO. I also installed another new Lemfoerder tie rod assembly to keep things tight. In addition, I replaced Lem lower control arm bushings & ball joints that were installed in the past month, but I don't track my car so I don't necessarily want to lose the ride quality by going full poly. I am looking forward to more seat time to really test these out. Did you go poly in the rear as well?

Velociabstract

Yes and no. My rear control arm bushings are Kmacs, all the links are adjustable and have spherical bearings. (Ground Control parts) I don't recommend them for a daily. Serious track toy, yes.

Les

eFifty5AMG

After a month of usage, there are a couple things I'd like to point out. First, and most importantly, the driver's side upper control comes in contact with the chassis upon compression. Veloc, from your pictures, it's appears that you were having the same issue. In the pictures, you should be able to see the contact point on the body & upper control arm in the upper left of the picture. I manage to heat up the area & hammer out the body about 5mm to allow for clearance. The only other issue I have is this things are NOISY. Can anyone recommend a good lubricant? Lithium grease?

Have had no issues since. I have been speaking with Ake at Hedgehog to address & correct this issue in future builds. All in all, these arms are pretty seem well built & have a nice amount of adjustability.

Velociabstract

Your shock tower is completely different than mine but I see your having the same issues. The difference being I was tracking my car so they weren't hitting, they were slamming. Mine were silent, I can't say why yours aren't unless it's all that salt and sand.
I'm considering having a shop modify the H/H A-arms in the chance that we can make them fit. I really need the camber adjustment.

Les

eFifty5AMG

Originally, they were hitting hard & I had nightmares that they would split like yours.
Luckily, I never drove the car in Chicago winters & Denver doesn't lay down salt so these arms haven't seen any. I think the creaking is coming from ends where the poly connects with the body. It's been creaking since day 1, even with no road grime.

Velociabstract

You could lube them. The poly bushings pull out of the tube with a little coaxing. Perhaps the installer over tightened the bolt?

Les

eFifty5AMG

Thanks Les. Maybe when I get back from Dallas, I'll check the torque specs myself & possibly lube them as well.

eFifty5AMG

Any idea for torque specs on the upper arms?

Side note, I decided to go with Hedgehog's poly lower control arm bushings as well.

Viperns

Anyone have a link for their website?

eFifty5AMG

http://www.hedgehog-motorsport.com

Contact Ake: supornsak@hedgehog-motorsport.com

Viperns

Thanks, I didn't realize there wasn't an actual store front.

Whats the pricing like?

eFifty5AMG

Adjustable upper control arms were $450 shipped. Here's some pricing for the bushings; shipping not included:

W202 Front LCA Poly Bushes USD 217.00
Rear LCA Poly Bushes USD 60.00
Rear Toe Poly Bushes USD 40.00
Rear Multilink Poly Bushes USD 197.00
Front Pair Rear Subframe Poly Bushes USD 67.00
Rear Pair Rear Subframe Poly Bushes USD 146.00

Viperns

Thats not too hateful, though i think i would only do it to my c43, and not my other c230's.

Whats he charge for the camber and toe adjustable links in the rear? I wonder if his are better than ground controls?