Test Pattern
BMR Suspension puts its latest S550 suspension gear to the test
By Steve Turner
Photos courtesy of BMR Suspension
We recently gave you an inside look at BMR Suspension’s comprehensive development program dedicated to improving the performance of the suspension under the 2015 and newer Mustangs. As we noted, they are continually releasing new parts for this platform after putting in hours of engineering development and testing.
While Ford engineers did a great job designing the 2015 Mustang, they had to make sure that it would balance handling and those three words that keep most drivers from complaining—noise, vibration, and harshness.
Striking this balance often opens the door to compromise, and in the case of the new Mustang’s IRS that means wheelhop. There are several areas of the rear suspension that can be enhanced to reduce this traction-robbing behavior. Prime culprits are the voided rubber bushings that isolate the differential cradle from the chassis. As such, one of the latest products from BMR addresses this issue.
“BMR Delrin Cradle Bushings (PN BK048; $129.95) solidly connect the cradle to the chassis, eliminating deflection and transferring more power to the tires. BMR designed the BK048 for street performance, drag race, and handling applications, making them the perfect wheelhop solution for any performance-based S550 Mustang,†says the company. “Each bushing is machined to strict tolerances, which ensures high quality and an exact fit. These bushings eliminates all cradle movement, reducing wheelhop and increases handling stability, while giving you a much-improved overall feel with moderate increases in NVH.â€
To make certain its new bushings and other hardware are up to snuff, the company recently took one of its in-house test vehicles to the legendary Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida. Measuring the benefits of a high-performance suspension gear on a brand-new Mustang is a tough job, but somebody has to do it. Fortunately, they captured some of the car’s laps around the course on video, and you can watch it right here…
Of course, the gear that is on the car now is just part of what BMR has in store. The company is working on a complete package for the S550 IRS, so stay tuned as we bring you more on this emerging hardware.