Keisler Sphericals
#1
Keisler Sphericals
Is anyone running sphericals from Keisler Automation? I'm interested in going to sphericals and they are one of the few options that make kits and install them. The prices they list for the sphericals are pretty cheap ($120 for 22 bearings), hence the reason I ask. A single bearing from Aurora is around $30-40+. The quality of the bearing is only one part of the setup, but with stuff like bearings you usually get what you pay for. My other other option is Kingpin Machine, which is local, but I don't if they have any experience with Miatas. Mostly seem to do Honda stuff.
Also a general question about sphericals. Is removing all the compliance in the suspension a potential problem for the car itself? The stock rubber absorbs some load and vibration that with sphericals is sent to the sub frame and unibody. Only asking because I have seen the point raised on some sites, but no actual evidence. Potentially increased fatigue due to every little bump and vibration being transmitted through the entire car? Seems unlikely, but figured I would ask.
And yes I know the downsides to sphericals, yes I have seen the bushing MegaThread, and no its not a street car/daily. I'm fully aware of what going sphericals involves and the downsides, but I'm okay with that because racecar...
Also a general question about sphericals. Is removing all the compliance in the suspension a potential problem for the car itself? The stock rubber absorbs some load and vibration that with sphericals is sent to the sub frame and unibody. Only asking because I have seen the point raised on some sites, but no actual evidence. Potentially increased fatigue due to every little bump and vibration being transmitted through the entire car? Seems unlikely, but figured I would ask.
And yes I know the downsides to sphericals, yes I have seen the bushing MegaThread, and no its not a street car/daily. I'm fully aware of what going sphericals involves and the downsides, but I'm okay with that because racecar...
#3
Keisler uses bearings from Midwest Control Products. Chinese made, but still Teflon lined and he never seems to have any problems out of them. He used to offer an upgrade to Auroras but the price increase was so drastic that no one ever went with that option. Not a single person. Seems to sell a lot of the kits with the MCP stuff with no complaints though.
I've seen the Kingpin stuff on Hondas, His stuff is art but geez, is it pricey. I remember he had a post on the sandbox breaking down how little of a profit he made from that stuff. I'm all for supporting companies made in America but is it really worth buying high dollar heims when you could replace the cheap Chinese one multiple times and still come out ahead?
I've seen the Kingpin stuff on Hondas, His stuff is art but geez, is it pricey. I remember he had a post on the sandbox breaking down how little of a profit he made from that stuff. I'm all for supporting companies made in America but is it really worth buying high dollar heims when you could replace the cheap Chinese one multiple times and still come out ahead?
#4
Keisler uses bearings from Midwest Control Products. Chinese made, but still Teflon lined and he never seems to have any problems out of them. He used to offer an upgrade to Auroras but the price increase was so drastic that no one ever went with that option. Not a single person. Seems to sell a lot of the kits with the MCP stuff with no complaints though.
I've seen the Kingpin stuff on Hondas, His stuff is art but geez, is it pricey. I remember he had a post on the sandbox breaking down how little of a profit he made from that stuff. I'm all for supporting companies made in America but is it really worth buying high dollar heims when you could replace the cheap Chinese one multiple times and still come out ahead?
I've seen the Kingpin stuff on Hondas, His stuff is art but geez, is it pricey. I remember he had a post on the sandbox breaking down how little of a profit he made from that stuff. I'm all for supporting companies made in America but is it really worth buying high dollar heims when you could replace the cheap Chinese one multiple times and still come out ahead?
#8
We are using Andrew's sphericals on one of our race cars. I have just received 2 additional sets of lower control arms and have 2 more on the way. I believe his spherical setup is the best out there for Miata's. The set that we are running on our GP3 WRL car has held up wonderfully. In fact, that car is the current overall points leader in the country for all classes.
The bearing is a com-10 bearing so it is replaceable with an Aurora or whatever brand or spec you want in there.
No doubt that a spherical equipped car is light years ahead of a non-equipped car in terms of steering precision and alignment.
Shakydog racing
The bearing is a com-10 bearing so it is replaceable with an Aurora or whatever brand or spec you want in there.
No doubt that a spherical equipped car is light years ahead of a non-equipped car in terms of steering precision and alignment.
Shakydog racing
#11
Andrew installed my bearings in-house and everything's been cherry save for some sleeves loosening up.
My car sees regular track use but is on the street more than anything, though a 4th car; definitely not a DD. I also run drop spindles and long xidas. Soft setup and it's totally bearable on the road. A little creaky on humid mornings but the precision and solidity are worth it. The car never does anything unexpected - it's extremely planted and precise/predictable.
My car sees regular track use but is on the street more than anything, though a 4th car; definitely not a DD. I also run drop spindles and long xidas. Soft setup and it's totally bearable on the road. A little creaky on humid mornings but the precision and solidity are worth it. The car never does anything unexpected - it's extremely planted and precise/predictable.
#12
Andrew installed my bearings in-house and everything's been cherry save for some sleeves loosening up.
My car sees regular track use but is on the street more than anything, though a 4th car; definitely not a DD. I also run drop spindles and long xidas. Soft setup and it's totally bearable on the road. A little creaky on humid mornings but the precision and solidity are worth it. The car never does anything unexpected - it's extremely planted and precise/predictable.
My car sees regular track use but is on the street more than anything, though a 4th car; definitely not a DD. I also run drop spindles and long xidas. Soft setup and it's totally bearable on the road. A little creaky on humid mornings but the precision and solidity are worth it. The car never does anything unexpected - it's extremely planted and precise/predictable.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post