16 GT Prem feels "floaty" at high speeds

[Roadway 5.0]

You might try a different power assist setting for the steering. I haven't messed with mine but my dad mentioned one of the settings (on a base GT PP) made the car feel funky at highway speeds.

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I’ll second this. Sport steering mode, to me, feels sloppy above 60mph. I prefer normal, or the occassional comfort mode, at 60mph+. The steering stays tight and predictable.

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[2015Etrac]

I had the same issue with my 16' GT Premium. I upgraded the suspension and handling with GT350R springs, Koni Shocks, GT350r strut tower brace, and BMR CB005. The car drives MUCH better now. I also just added a GT350 Track Pack spoiler, which I'm sure helps by adding some down force at higher speeds.

 

[Eritas]

I run 40psi on the street with my base GT. It feels more responsive than 30psi and gets better gas mileage.

 

[stealdesk]

Fellas,
I have a 16 Prem. I took a 200 mile drive yesterday, and while I have felt this the whole time I had it, it aggravated me yesterday. The car feels floaty at high speeds. Driving on the interstate at 75, it just feels like the front end is loose. the opposite of riding on rails. I had the alignment checked.

What can i do to tighten up the car without making it to hard\stiff?
Thanks

In my case the car felt unstable at high speed sometimes. When I was installing Airlift struts I found the left lower ball joint was real bad. My car did not even have 10,000 miles on it :shrug:.

 

[pike1346]

Do you have any hood lift?

Yes, the hod moves a lot, but it has to be the suspension, like most say here. Gonna have to get sways, struts and springs.

 

[pike1346]

Do you have any hood lift?

I’ll second this. Sport steering mode, to me, feels sloppy above 60mph. I prefer normal, or the occassional comfort mode, at 60mph+. The steering stays tight and predictable.

I will try this. Thanks for the reply

 

[pike1346]

In my case the car felt unstable at high speed sometimes. When I was installing Airlift struts I found the left lower ball joint was real bad. My car did not even have 10,000 miles on it :shrug:.

Damn. I hope something else has not failed on my car. I just bought the 6yr\125,000 mile warranty because I feel this car needs it....I just need to find a better dealership to bring it to also.

 

[SidewaysMike]

I run 40psi on the street with my base GT. It feels more responsive than 30psi and gets better gas mileage.

+1 Definitely likes higher pressures, I keep mine at 34-35 psi

 

[Coyote Red]

BMR

My pony is getting tires, already did the rears. I did BMR CB 005 & 006 and that really helped. Coilovers are next then a rear sway bar upgrade.

 

[zach]

My 17 GTPP gets floaty at 125ish with properly inflated tires. I think so much air gets under the car with stock ride height and the lack of notable down force with the spoiler delete, in my case, causes all kinds of aero issues at high speed.

Got some 25mm spacers and some Steeda suspension bits on the way. Hopefully that'll do the trick.

 

[Eritas]

My 17 GTPP gets floaty at 125ish with properly inflated tires. I think so much air gets under the car with stock ride height and the lack of notable down force with the spoiler delete, in my case, causes all kinds of aero issues at high speed.

Got some 25mm spacers and some Steeda suspension bits on the way. Hopefully that'll do the trick.

Wheel spacers do help increase downforce.

 

[zach]

How very cheeky and astute of you! Let's do a Barney-style breakdown for you, Eritas.

Wheel spacers = wider track = more stability.

Progressive rate lowering coils = lower ride height = less air under car = more air over car = improved aerodynamics.

Matched shocks/struts = better contact with road surface and body control = again, more stability.

So, in today's lesson we learn that no one actually believes wheel spacers increase downforce, but do increase stability. In conclusion, increased stability AND improved aerodynamics due to wider track, lower ride height, etc. SHOULD improve "floaty" characteristics of the S550 at high speeds.

Thanks for your condescension, though, boss.

 

[CGADAMS]

I felt the same before I did the upgrades listed in my sig. these alone made a world of difference. however I felt it wasn't as floaty as my previous mustang at over 130 (damn foxbody lol) but I knew I wanted more. up next will be sway bars and caster camber plates. I do feel though that the PP struts aren't enough and will be upgrading eventually as well but I don't push the car hard enough often to justify them just yet lol.

 

[Eritas]

How very cheeky and astute of you! Let's do a Barney-style breakdown for you, Eritas.

Wheel spacers = wider track = more stability.

Progressive rate lowering coils = lower ride height = less air under car = more air over car = improved aerodynamics.

Matched shocks/struts = better contact with road surface and body control = again, more stability.

So, in today's lesson we learn that no one actually believes wheel spacers increase downforce, but do increase stability. In conclusion, increased stability AND improved aerodynamics due to wider track, lower ride height, etc. SHOULD improve "floaty" characteristics of the S550 at high speeds.

Thanks for your condescension, though, boss.

No problem Phil,

If you mentioned lowering springs, I would have agreed with that. But you didn't. A wider track width will reduce body roll (and raises the roll center) and increase lateral grip when cornering but it will do probably nothing for your high speed "floatiness at 125mph).

My stock GT doesn't feel floaty at 125mph so what do I know.

 

[Steeda Tech JohnC]

My 17 GTPP gets floaty at 125ish with properly inflated tires. I think so much air gets under the car with stock ride height and the lack of notable down force with the spoiler delete, in my case, causes all kinds of aero issues at high speed.

Got some 25mm spacers and some Steeda suspension bits on the way. Hopefully that'll do the trick.

Happy to hear we are able to help you with suspension, let me know if there is anything else you need for the car

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