General 20v turbo, Hard ride.

[adpack82]

HI, just bought myself a 20v turbo last weekend. I'm new to this so please be nice.

I have one problem with the car, the ride seems really hard. The roads near me are quite bad and the car sits on 18" azev's with 35 profile tyres, Will changing the wheels make it any softer and how can i tell if it has been lowered, It has white springs if that helps. Are they standard.

Any help will be much appreciated. thanks.

 

[Hellcat]

If it's on 18" wheels and sitting more or less at the same height it means you've lost a whole inch of suspension/tyrewall. Going back to the original coupe wheels will soften the ride a bit, but remember it's a performance car and needs the harsh ride to keep the traction with the road!

 

[custard]

also sounds like lowered springs.perhaps novitec as they use whilte springs.
both factors give a firmer ride

 

[Liam]

35 profile tyres on big rims makes the car look good but ride crap, if your roads are bad around your way then I'd be careful about damaging the 18's cos the tyre profile provides protection to the alloy.

Liam

 

[adpack82]

Thanks. Might consider some smaller wheels and original springs. What are the biggest wheels and tyres i can fit with standard springs without hitting the arches over bumps?

 

[coupedave]

If you go on to google and do a search for tyre profiles you'll be able to compare what size tyres you need to maintain the correct rolling radius.
My coupe is running standard size 205/50/16's on the front and 225/45/16's on the rear along with eibach springs and standard dampers.
The original springs are black, I've got my old ones sat in the garage you could have for a few quid plus postage, done 100k miles but just need a clean and paint and they're ok.
I only changed them as I wanted it a bit lower.
The ride on mine is great, would really recommend eibach springs, just need to get a strutbrace now to finish things off.

 

[pinin__prestatyn]

Novitech springs. Coupled with 18" alloys, you're gonna get an uncomfy, crashy ride. You could upgrade the shocks to something like Koni, or go the whole hog and fit Coilovers The ride on my coupe is awful with 17's and Eibach springs, however I don't care as it's just a toy not for commuting.

 

[mburns120]

My Koni springs are red, so that eliminates them, but it does sound like you have an aftermarket set of springs at least on there. If you go for uprated and lowered suspension with bigger wheels and lower profile tyres, then you WILL sacrifice ride quality.

All depends on what you want really - I am of the same mindset as Pinin, I want my car to handle better (running Koni adjustable shocks and springs on 18" Wolfrace Urbans), so I kinda put up with the firmer ride, but if you want a more refined ride, then a standard setup on the standard wheels might be the best option for you - my original setup (standard all round) was far more comfortable than what it is now!

 

[pinin__prestatyn]

I'm 99% sure you are running Novitech springs. I can't think of any other lowering springs that are coloured white.

 

[jug]

i'd leave the springs but get rid of the 18s, you'll be able to sell them for good money and then buy some 16s and have cash left over. the ride difference between a 35 profile tyre and a 50 profile tyre is massive. it will be like driving on sponge when you change. plus the 4 spoke turbo alloys are great, i'd love some on my bravo more than any other alloys. 18s are a bit silly on any car, well maybe not a BMW X5 but you get the idea.

 

[coupedave]

I noticed in your profile you've got Azevs on your coupe, like has been said, maybe leave the springs and put standard size alloys on.
I've got a nice set of refurbed standard alloys with excellent tyres on if you fancy a swap! Plus my old springs!

 

[pinin__prestatyn]

What's all this remove the wheels lark! don't be soft.

 

[symonh2000]

My 16VT is running 18 inch rims with 35 profile tyres, and the ride is appalling. If I was buying wheels now I would choose 17's for this reason. I also have to swerve round pot holes a lot. It does nhandle and turn into corners nicely though.