Suspension & Shocks

[fatboyfat7]

Lads Im just back driving the FTO again now but after being out of it for so long I cant believe how bumpy the ride is. I know I have stiff suspension but is it just a matter of buying new shocks and then fitting them or do the type of coilovers you have fitted dictate the shock you need to buy? Without going down the road of changing coilovers, what can I do to soften it up as much as possible? Im just worried cause Im putting 17's on but there's no way I could handle it any worse than is...

[kevinod]

Once the shocks are for the FTO they should be fine. It's the springs/coilovers that have more of an effect on ride quality than the shocks though - the shocks are only to dampen the up and down movement, it's the springs which carry the weight of the car.

Coilovers would generally be a harder ride than springs, and the wheels can have an effect too of course - larger wheels mean less rubber between the metal wheel and the tarmac so you'll have a harder ride with the larger wheels (assuming you keep your rolling ratio of course).

Without removing the coilovers, I'm not sure there is much you can do, unless they are adjustable coilovers that let you adjust the height / stiffness of the ride. You could have slightly thicker tyres - e.g. instead of 235/40/17s go for 235/45/17s but that will throw your speedo out a little.

[fatboyfat7]

Thanks Kev,
I think I'll take it to a mechanic and ask him to check the coilovers and see if they are adjustable. I remember when I bought the car it was advertised as adjustable but I'm not too sure. Rory, do you remeber noticing if they were adjustable at all when you were working on the car? TBH theres very little resistance there. I'll replace the shocks anyway because I haven't done that yet.

[Sebastian]

Why do you invest in the car if it's up for sale?

[fatboyfat7]

Well that For Sale ad Seb was posted awhile back. I removed in from Adverts recently and hadn't posted it anywhere else except here. If the right offer came along, sure I'd sell it, but at the moment it hasn't. I think the price is very fair and I won't go lower. Yes im definately open to the idea of selling her but In the meantime though, shocks are cheap enough. And just because I'm selling it doesn't mean it should be neglected. I'll try see if the mechanic can soften the ride if its adjustable, that too will be cheap. I already have the Enkeis, and if powder coated white and fitted to the car, it will add something the attractiveness of the car, from a comestic point as well as a selling point.

[colm_mcm]

From what I remember, you have a fancy enough setup on your car Chris, I'm sure there are people out there who would swap you a set of Apexs and standard shocks for your coilovers (?)
Is there any adjustment on them?

[Muad_dib77]

Chris.. I have a set of spanking new Adjustable KYB shock (rears haven't even been fitted yet) with Apex Lowering Springs.
Let me know what you have maybe we can come to an agreement.

[steelroe]

Chris,

You have a set of HKS coilovers that are adjusted to their softest position from memory. THe ride from coilovers on the FTO is extremely rough. Have another FTO here at the moment with the same prob. Fitting it with New KYB's and springs for a customer.

[fatboyfat7]

From what I remember, you have a fancy enough setup on your car Chris, I'm sure there are people out there who would swap you a set of Apexs and standard shocks for your coilovers (?)
Is there any adjustment on them?

Wouldn't know what it would look like tbh. Is there anything else that could affect th ride, pillow mount etc? Before I jump into any swap deals lads I'd prefer to have it looked at, just to make sure theres nothing off... thanks for the replies.

[Muad_dib77]

One thing that would defo affect the ride with hard shocks/springs...

..drop links..

I had mine replaced not too long before I haded the car in for painting and I remember experiencing a significat change in the ride quality.. so defo check them before you do anything else..

They're not all that dear either.. Camskill sellls them...and I think Rory might even sell them as well..