Stiffened Suspension up... looking for suggestions!

[coolone]

Ok, so I replaced my Front LCA's mainly just cause the clock hit 87k and they looked original, no ride problem. Along with it I changed the Tie rod ends(looked bad). Upgraded to the GMPP handling sway bars front & rear, HT Motorsports rear trailing arms, rear STB on Don Rome brackets (front to go in soon) and Energy suspension poly's all around except the rear sway bar which I didn't install because the offset in the frame @mount, I just installed the stock bracket back and rubber bushings on the rear sway bar.

Amazing upgrade! Body roll has disappeared and I have yet to get it to lean... MAINLY because the tires will lose grip way too easy now, lmao... Both the rear and front have let go at various trials, not too fast even but there are lots of hills/curves by me making good sample runs. Lose grip at even 30mph in a mild curve which leads me to the rubber. (Tires sucked before I did upgrade, in rain especially where I never had problems on my other GP on decent rubber).

I have the crap tires that came with the car and am looking at the Goodrich G-Force KDW's... anyone have experience with these on the GP/GTP? I'm open to suggestions, all seasons and or winter/summer combo tire changes.

Also, I have not upgraded my strut/springs yet and wonder if that'll help too. There isn't excessive bounch or other indicators that they're needing replacement, but maybe worn enough to allow traction problem???

Vogtland/AGX or just coilovers is a complex thought/decision so looking for input!

Any info. & suggestions are appreciated!
TIA



*** Edit *** I did have to FLIP the front sway bar due to it hitting and rubbing on the exhaust downpipe and the rear looks to have the sag... just did that yesterday and ride is same.

 

[dpzelenak]

how much were the ht motorsports trailing arms, there site says to call for pricing. but im to lazy for that

 

[coolone]

how much were the ht motorsports trailing arms, there site says to call for pricing. but im to lazy for that

Very reasonable, I'd have to look but think the PAIR were $110 shipped, awesome, greasable bushings...

Pics:
HT Tailing arm installed
Difference - stock -vs- new
Original TA

 

[dpzelenak]

thats not bad, i was looking at umi bars and there like 130 plus like 15 for shipping
i may have to look for into these,
thanks man

 

[matt5112]

i like my vogtland and bilstein hd combo.

I also run a front dorman sway and rear adco with poly bushings and moog sway links. ZZP STB's, front and rear. GMPP trailing arms.

Still plenty of body roll though, so I'm not sure how you're not feeling it.

I'm under the impression its mostly from the poor seats failing to hold me in place.

 

[coolone]

thats not bad, i was looking at umi bars and there like 130 plus like 15 for shipping
i may have to look for into these,
thanks man

No problem... I spoke to Richard there, very helpful and they have products available that're not listed on the website, ie., like coilovers and such. TA's came with everything needed (bolts/nuts) as well. I'm very happy with them and will probable do repeat business.

 

[Sandman]

I got my UMI bars for $115 shipped new...

Anyways, struts/springs are always a worthwhile upgrade. I love my Eibach/Koni setup.

 

[matt5112]

Sandman, did you get those used off another member or purchase them back when they were available?

Just curious because I was under the impression even the "custom fab'd for your car" koni struts were discontinued.

I must admit, I think the Bilstein HD valving is just a tad too low for the springs I'm running.

But to be fair, the bit of road I'm using as a reference has every vehicle bouncing to some degree.

Also note you wont go any lower with bilstein's and vogtlands, you'll be roughly at stock ride height.

If you wanted to work a little but have an ideal setup I'd suggest buying used bilsteins off of an 05+ GXP and having them rebuilt and revalved to the springs you plan on running.

 

[coolone]

i like my vogtland and bilstein hd combo.

I also run a front dorman sway and rear adco with poly bushings and moog sway links. ZZP STB's, front and rear. GMPP trailing arms.

Still plenty of body roll though, so I'm not sure how you're not feeling it.

I replaced a lot in front end too, rear STB without front being installed yet made for nice compensation to understeer, might even leave it that way (stiffen rear to reduce front roll on turn). In addition, as I've mentioned I can only go so far cause the rubber is losing grip.

I'm under the impression its mostly from the poor seats failing to hold me in place.

lol...

Sandman, did you get those used off another member or purchase them back when they were available?

Just curious because I was under the impression even the "custom fab'd for your car" koni struts were discontinued.

I must admit, I think the Bilstein HD valving is just a tad too low for the springs I'm running.

But to be fair, the bit of road I'm using as a reference has every vehicle bouncing to some degree.

Also note you wont go any lower with bilstein's and vogtlands, you'll be roughly at stock ride height.

If you wanted to work a little but have an ideal setup I'd suggest buying used bilsteins off of an 05+ GXP and having them rebuilt and revalved to the springs you plan on running.

I like the Vogtlands cause I've read the drop is not too low and not too hard. I know nothing of re-valving the struts but am willing to learn. Can you provide more info., links?...

 

[Sandman]

Sandman, did you get those used off another member or purchase them back when they were available?

Just curious because I was under the impression even the "custom fab'd for your car" koni struts were discontinued..

They're the custom built ones in stock housings but I got them used off another member a while back.

 

[Odi]

SLP Swaybars (fking massive... esp the front), new LCA's, Tie rod ends, moog end links, BMR Trailing arms, AGX + SSC combo and Speedbuilt STB's. Body roll is still there, albeit not nearly as bad as when it was stock. Id def go for custom valved bilsteins and higher rate springs now, but i doubt ill be doing any more upgrades.

edit: go after some good rubber. get summer tires if you really want it to handle. id say best wheel/tire combo for a daily would be lightweight i.e enkei rpf1 17x8's (or 17x9's) w/ 245/50/17 (or 255/45/17) summer tires.

 

[matt5112]

Odi, tire width won't help unless you're overheating the tire.

In that case, you might want a better tire period.

 

[matt5112]

I like the Vogtlands cause I've read the drop is not too low and not too hard. I know nothing of re-valving the struts but am willing to learn. Can you provide more info., links?...

ClubGP Message Forum troubleshooting

Good place to start.

But basically the struts have to respond to movement, the rate at which they do so is called the shock rate.

Ideally it should be set for the springs you use as well as the vehicle mass.

They're the custom built ones in stock housings but I got them used off another member a while back.

Figured as much.

 

[AmericanSoldier]

FWITW UMI rear trailing arms felt great even though i have baad suspension probs to deal with. if you see the stock crap and compare its no surprise

 

[coolone]

FWITW UMI rear trailing arms felt great even though i have baad suspension probs to deal with. if you see the stock crap and compare its no surprise

Defintely STOCK suspension is all crap... could twist the stock trailing arm a bit and the rear sway could be compressed by hand (leaning on it)... lol. Glad I replaced them!

 

[matt5112]

GMPP trailing arms don't impress me either.

I deflected the bushings quite a bit just changing the rear struts.

 

[Wotgtp]

ES bushings with the gmpp kit and vogtland/gr2 made a huge difference in the cornering of the car.