Control arm and tie rod options

[Burg Boxster]

The simplest question needs answered first...

What is your goal?

If you are just replacing CAs and tie rods b/c of age/wear, suggest OE or OEM as they have likely served you well (but do not know your facts like MY, miles, use, etc.). Otherwise, as you are finding out, when you add aftermkt component "A" you usually also have to add component "B", then "C"... and thus how one ends up sufficiently down a serious rabbit hole.

For a vehicle seeing mostly/exclusively street use, adjustable control arms are serious over-kill other than Cars-n-Coffee bragging rights. Ride "feedback" (aka comfort) changes extensively w/ solid thrust bushings - great for track use and extra visits to the chiropractor and dentist on street. If function is following form, you could likely accomplish looks/stance goal w/ a smaller budget taking a different approach.

So, as with most things, the best piece of advice is to begin with the end in mind. What is your goal? Develop a comprehensive plan around it (within your budget as needed in steps). Just because a part is "the best" doesn't mean it's necessarily the best for you.

Good luck

[rastta]

Originally Posted by Burg Boxster

The simplest question needs answered first...

What is your goal?

If you are just replacing CAs and tie rods b/c of age/wear, suggest OE or OEM as they have likely served you well (but do not know your facts like MY, miles, use, etc.). Otherwise, as you are finding out, when you add aftermkt component "A" you usually also have to add component "B", then "C"... and thus how one ends up sufficiently down a serious rabbit hole.

For a vehicle seeing mostly/exclusively street use, adjustable control arms are serious over-kill other than Cars-n-Coffee bragging rights. Ride "feedback" (aka comfort) changes extensively w/ solid thrust bushings - great for track use and extra visits to the chiropractor and dentist on street. If function is following form, you could likely accomplish looks/stance goal w/ a smaller budget taking a different approach.

So, as with most things, the best piece of advice is to begin with the end in mind. What is your goal? Develop a comprehensive plan around it (within your budget as needed in steps). Just because a part is "the best" doesn't mean it's necessarily the best for you.

Good luck

Sorry - just assumed that people knew the car. It's a Boxster Race Car with a 3.6 swap and it's far from street legal. It's built to PCA GT3 specifications.

As for my goal - balance between cost and maintenance over the long haul.

[Burg Boxster]

Originally Posted by rastta

Sorry - just assumed that people knew the car. It's a Boxster Race Car with a 3.6 swap and it's far from street legal. It's built to PCA GT3 specifications.

As for my goal - balance between cost and maintenance over the long haul.

Excellent - did not know and was just trying to keep a member from dumping lots of cash unnecessarily on spendy components they wouldn't benefit from.

That said, I went with Tarret components on my 997S and have been very happy. Quality is superb. More importantly to your goals and knowing the intense Club Race schedule w/ pretty much every weekend filled... Limited down time will serve you better so you're not held captive to someone else like shop higher priorities or UPS mis-directing a pkg, etc.

Good luck