Finally got it installed.
Well, hello Bullittheads. As promised, I am reviewing the 2 chassis mounted watts links.
As many of you know I have had 4 S197s over the years with all sorts of suspension mods. Here is a quick comparison between the adjustable panhard bar, Fays 2 watts and BMR watts.
The adjustable panhard bar just allows you to locate the axle where it should be after lowering and as such just returns the axle to its normal position. As the car is lowered, and the panhard bar is attached to the driver's side of the axle and the passengers side of the frame as the car is lowered or goes over a bump, the axle shifts to the drivers side. That's why no matter what shocks/struts/springs/control arms you put on your s197, the axle will still shift around. Exaggerated when going through a curve or hitting a bump as the axle shifts. Not good.
The 2 watts links in question replace the panhard bar with a device which attaches to the frame on the left and right rigidly. So, the first benefit is a stiffer rear chassis.
In the center of brackets is a propeller. The center of which attaches to this bracket with a large bolt and bushing. On the Fays its a bearing type, not greaseable, metal to metal. On the BMR its a poly bushing like some lower control arms have which has a bushing and grease fitting which is in a poor position to grease. you need to partially disassemble the unit to grease.
FAYS2: Note the "O" rings to "keep the dirt out"
Both have brackets which attach to the axle tubes. Clamps which allow rods to go from this tube bracket to one side of the propeller. Think of a scissors which as it opens and closes has both ends moving proportionally together. It FORCES the axle to stay centered no matter the up/down movement. When you install either watts you immediately notice that the car stays where it should through a curve or bump giving you MAJOR CONFIDENCE. Like many good things in life, its hard to go back to a panhard bar once you have tasted the watts.
BMR: Note the poly bushings and grease fittings as well as the 2 step axle mounts.
The BMR has twice as many parts as the Fays, and it is immediately apparent that it is a superior product. The parts fit excellent and allow for installation which is precise. The Fays is VERY difficult to get just right as there is are only 2 adjustments: the tube bracket and the rod. On the BMR, you mount the brackets to the farthest on the tubes and then you can move the additional rod brackets vertically up and down. When installing just use a level to make the bracket on the BMR vertical. Kelly suggested I download the bubble app for my phone and it worked great and free.
The problem with the Fays is since there is movement back/forth, up/down, in/out, every time you get is situated on one side, it effects the other. On the BMR, the movement is broken down in to separate parts and easy to adjust. For me it was once and done.
The BMR also comes with a poly bushing which is greaseable on one end keeping noise down, though the Fays is noiseless if perfectly set up. However the Fays will eventually, no matter what anyone says, make squeaking noise. Jim Fays says use white grease. Just take it apart (several hours work) move the heim joints 90 degrees and fill with white grease. Great: lasts about 2 weeks of driving and then "squeak".
The BMR also uses grade 8 bolts for every thing except the bolts which go through the frame. I am guessing that is because the metal on the frame is not stronger than the grade 5 bolts?
The BMR system looks as though it should cost twice the price of the Fays 2. I am sure they will raise the price up soon. I paid $550. Also, I put 500 miles on it in a few days and it is quiet, just as firm as the Fays. Only issue is that with my car lowered, on major bumps it thumps (like the Fays) and I am guessing it is caused by the exhaust.
Overall I would say it is worth it. No increase in NVH, better handling than giant anti sway bars and quieter. Support from Kelly at BMR was just great.
