Looking for steering upgrade advice.

[Guest gliding_serpent]

I was wondering what you guys think about steering upgrades for a 2002Tii. I want original ratio, so nothing fancy. I am mainly wondering if I should go OEM vs poly for the steering coupler. Any real world experiences? Searches talk about increased low speed driving effort (but that poster also increased the steering ratio). Any "while you are in there tips? Pro/cons? Sadly no local cars to try. I don't want my steering wheel vibrating my hands off.

For context, I will be mostly streeting my car well into the Canadian frost belt. I might do the odd track time in the BMW driving courses. Currently I will be repainting my front and rear subframes. I have all new, yet to be installed Bilstein HD shocks paired with IE stage 1 springs. I also have the IE adjustable sway bars. I went with poly front and rear bushings.

This list has been my guide... and based on condition, I may pick up more from this list.

http://www.iemotorsport.com/bmw/2002-suspension-steering/streetperformancesuspension.html

[qdessa]

I used a new OEM coupler. I had urethane from IE in all bushings but replace the control arm bushings with rubber after one year. I also have stage1, IE bars and bilstein sports revolved for the IE spring rate. Also there are 15" dirrezas on it . The car is stiff, stiff enough to make drinking coffee tough when the cup is full. Swapping in the rubber took a little bit of harshness out, but the car still handles extremely well. I'Ve had it at three track days and come home every time with a huge grin!