Stiff Front Suspension

[Driver 8]

Went to the local dealer this weekend and drove the only GT they had - a base automatic. If I buy one it will have to be a manual with the PP for the other goodies. I liked much about the car but I was let down by the suspension - mostly the front from what I could tell. Just driving normally the front seemed to crash hard over moderate potholes and manhole covers with a an inch or two of drop. It seemed like there was no suspension travel. Just a hard/harsh jolt. I was surprised since it had the softer base suspension. I suspect this can be fixed by the aftermarket with higher quality adjustable dampers. Am I on the right track? I'd hate to buy one and find that I can't dial out the jolt. Don't want to start a vendor war but I like what I've read about the Steeda adjustables.

So for you suspension gurus, what do you recommend to smooth out the ride while maintaining good control?

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[SWETRID]

One possibility is that the air pressure in the tires is high. The car is shipped and stored with higher air pressure then is recommended to keep tires from flat spotting.

 

[VinnAY]

One possibility is that the air pressure in the tires is high. The car is shipped and stored with higher air pressure then is recommended to keep tires from flat spotting.

That would be my guess to the OPs question.

 

[Genxer]

That sounds right to me too. Wait until you test drive a PP! I got mine home and took out around 10 lbs of air out of each tire.

 

[Rebellion]

What's the optimal cold psi for the neros? I'm running 32psi, and they seem fine...the suspension could actually be a lot stiffer, dampening seems "acceptable" unlike the rear.

 

[Dominant1]

The factory has been known to put as much as 55psi in the tires to compensate for the loss of air from the car just sitting for months before it selling. Every time i ever bought a new car the first thing i did when i got home was set the tire pressures to 32 psi. In every case the tires were over inflated!

 

[NightmareMoon]

The factory has been known to put as much as 55psi in the tires to compensate for the loss of air from the car just sitting for months before it selling. Every time i ever bought a new car the first thing i did when i got home was set the tire pressures to 32 psi. In every case the tires were over inflated!

Yup. Step 1 is verify and lower tire pressures. I can't believe they let people test drive cars with 40+ psi in the tires, it gives a lot of people a false idea that the suspension is too hard.

 

[EricSMG]

I run my PP at 30psi cold all around. The front impact harshness is actually fairly low all things considered. The rear is much worse, though.

You really need to drive a GTPP before you buy just to be sure.

 

[Driver 8]

Interesting! Didn't even think of that. I might try another drive with lower pressure. I'll even bring my own gauge! For giggles, what do you guys think of the steeda pro action with stock PP springs?

 

[Dominant1]

I have the pro actions but with steeda sport linears. I have them set to full soft and the car rides and handles perfect!

 

[JamesinLittleSilver]

If it is premium you can check the tire pressure in the gauges in the electronic section. Just scroll through .... I just added new tires...at 36lb it made ride harsh....dropped to 32 and made a huge difference to the positive.

 

[Genxer]

If it is premium you can check the tire pressure in the gauges in the electronic section. Just scroll through .... I just added new tires...at 36lb it made ride harsh....dropped to 32 and made a huge difference to the positive.

My base PP has tire pressure readings as well. I keep them at 32 PSI, just as called for in the door jamb. I watch pressure closely, as it will drop in a week by 1 lb. The rears seem to lose air quicker. It makes so much difference in the ride quality. The manual does say that if you are going above 100 mph that pressure should be increased, but I don't remember if it said by how much.

 

[Digital_Synapse]

The manual does say that if you are going above 100 mph that pressure should be increased, but I don't remember if it said by how much.

Can anybody chime in on this?

 

[Dominant1]

Ive had my car up to 145 mph it was smooth as glass and itwas asking for more...my car is stock with just a catback. Currently Its at my tuner for a n/a build to add another 120 rwhp.

 

[trustyrusty436]

The base GT has a jittery pogo stick like ride, I have one and you can check your tire pressure on the base as well. I have the Pro Action Adjustable at 1/2 turn off full soft, rides and handles nice.;)

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