[Theodore Ruxpin]

I need help...

My new AWD has about 1200 miles on it, the last 500 in the past few days. I made a few emergency stops in that time and the car seemed really squirrelly under hard braking. Then there seems to be quite a bit of body roll even under moderate cornering (25-30mph). Even my '96 850 GLT has a sportier feel to it.

The feel of my AWD is way too loose for my liking, and I'd really like to tighten her drive up. What can I do for a more sportier drive?

New tyres? New springs? New shocks? Sway bars? I am not suspension literate so any suggestions and explanations would be greatly appreciated. I've looked on IPD and they don't seem to have lowering springs applicable to AWD models.

Need the info. TIA.

 

[Carl Sims]

What air pressure are you using? If you car is abouve 35psi, you might want to try something like 30-32psi.

Also, if you car has the Pirellis, you will probably want to move to something stickier. I switched to Kumho Ecsta 712s and it improved the handling on my T5. Not enough to avoid all oncoming vehicles, but plenty enough.

 

[Iceman]

quote:

Originally posted by Theodore Ruxpin:
I need help...

My new AWD has about 1200 miles on it, the last 500 in the past few days. I made a few emergency stops in that time and the car seemed really squirrelly under hard braking. Then there seems to be quite a bit of body roll even under moderate cornering (25-30mph). Even my '96 850 GLT has a sportier feel to it.

The feel of my AWD is way too loose for my liking, and I'd really like to tighten her drive up. What can I do for a more sportier drive?

New tyres? New springs? New shocks? Sway bars? I am not suspension literate so any suggestions and explanations would be greatly appreciated. I've looked on IPD and they don't seem to have lowering springs applicable to AWD models.

Need the info. TIA.

I have just over 5000 miles on mine and have had to make a couple of really hard panic stops (damn trucks cutting me off!) and found it to stop incredibly quickly and completely under control. I believe I have the same setup as you with DSTC and the 235/45/17 P6's on Thor's.

As for body roll, its not bad in my vehicle. The extra added height doesn't help though. I've thought about changing out the springs to the T5 springs to bring it back down to normal height since there shouldn't be any clearance issues. That would help lower your center of gravity and reduce body roll. But, overall I wouldn't say it rolls much. I've flung it around sharp turns and 90 degree corners at 40 mph without too much roll and minimal if any tire squeal.

Pat

 

[Johann]

quote:

Originally posted by Iceman:
As for body roll, its not bad in my vehicle. The extra added height doesn't help though. I've thought about changing out the springs to the T5 springs to bring it back down to normal height since there shouldn't be any clearance issues. That would help lower your center of gravity and reduce body roll. But, overall I wouldn't say it rolls much. I've flung it around sharp turns and 90 degree corners at 40 mph without too much roll and minimal if any tire squeal.

Pat

The rear axle of the AWD uses a different shock / spring setup so you can't exchange with the T5.

 

[snoogans]

my T5 came with the basic suspension and standard stability traction control (no DSTC) and 17" Tethys wheels...

Since, I have upgraded to 19" wheels (improved handling) and also swapped out the springs and shocks for Koni Sports (front/rear) and IPD Lowering springs (both combined for huge, HUGE improvement in handling and SWAY!)

before the upgrades, the car was difficult in the corners. like a boat, as your probably well aware of. the new springs/shocks helped out a lot. the car should have come like this from the factory.

as for braking, i have NEVER had a problem with quick stops. you will find that braking gets better as the car ages. a combination of getting used to the touchy feeling, and actual break in.

 

[Iceman]

quote:

Originally posted by Johann:
The rear axle of the AWD uses a different shock / spring setup so you can't exchange with the T5.

Johann, good to know, thanks. I've been toying with the idea of a sport suspension but I think I'll just hold off. Its not like I auto-cross.

Pat