NC1: search for comfort on bad roads
Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2014 3:34 pm
Hello Brian,
I'm new to this forum and appreciate the opportunity to participate.
I recently purchased a 2008 GT PRHT (no sport package).
She has 37k miles and as checked out by a mechanic before the sale, is in excellent condition.
My previous long term driving experience is 20 years with a 94 corolla (300k) and some time with a 88 RX-7.
I test drove many NCs and a few RX8s in December in Raleigh NC. And although thought the RX8 rode a tad bit better, have wanted this particular NC since it came out.
While in NC I thought my new car rode better than my corolla ( obviously handled better). Even over speed bumps. Loved the car.
I drove it back to Southern Il/IN where I teach part of the year. The car was excellent from NC through the West VA mountains. However, as I approached IN through and past Louisville, I actually became quite scared.
When hitting certain expansion joints into small bridges on the interstate, at times I felt like I may lose control of the car. Either the car would be re-directed hard left or right, or the car would almost leap into the air. Then when the pavement became consistently torn up, I just started slowing down to 50mph as my nerves would be completely shot (slam slam as if no suspension at all).
I have since learned to hold the wheel more lightly, but.....
On smooth twisty roads this car is my dream, but on the typical highways and interstates in the Midwest this car has become my nightmare. The RX7 was never like this. Even my old corolla isn't this bad (original suspension). I drive at least 200 miles a week on such roads. During my usual job commute, only 4 miles, I'm just driving the old corolla.
Yes, I've done lots of reading on NC suspensions. But little talk of Comfort first. I regularly will make long trips back to the south.
I agree the NC could handle better but I would like the best ride on bad pavement with little drop in clearance.
I assume that I am both underdamped and under sprung for such roads?
FCM seams to be very expensive and a long wait.
The Ohlins sound great, but must wait for them and you mentioned they may be more than necessary.
The progress springs sound good but appear to be sprung only slightly more than stock, and if I wanted the tokicos, they appear to be out of stock indefinitely.
Your advice would be much appreciated.
Oh, tires are nearly new 205/45 17 Michelin pilot sport a/s plus. Running psi 29. I've tried down to 26 with minimal difference. She does ride a bit better when it's above freezing.
Thank you,
Andrew
I'm new to this forum and appreciate the opportunity to participate.
I recently purchased a 2008 GT PRHT (no sport package).
She has 37k miles and as checked out by a mechanic before the sale, is in excellent condition.
My previous long term driving experience is 20 years with a 94 corolla (300k) and some time with a 88 RX-7.
I test drove many NCs and a few RX8s in December in Raleigh NC. And although thought the RX8 rode a tad bit better, have wanted this particular NC since it came out.
While in NC I thought my new car rode better than my corolla ( obviously handled better). Even over speed bumps. Loved the car.
I drove it back to Southern Il/IN where I teach part of the year. The car was excellent from NC through the West VA mountains. However, as I approached IN through and past Louisville, I actually became quite scared.
When hitting certain expansion joints into small bridges on the interstate, at times I felt like I may lose control of the car. Either the car would be re-directed hard left or right, or the car would almost leap into the air. Then when the pavement became consistently torn up, I just started slowing down to 50mph as my nerves would be completely shot (slam slam as if no suspension at all).
I have since learned to hold the wheel more lightly, but.....
On smooth twisty roads this car is my dream, but on the typical highways and interstates in the Midwest this car has become my nightmare. The RX7 was never like this. Even my old corolla isn't this bad (original suspension). I drive at least 200 miles a week on such roads. During my usual job commute, only 4 miles, I'm just driving the old corolla.
Yes, I've done lots of reading on NC suspensions. But little talk of Comfort first. I regularly will make long trips back to the south.
I agree the NC could handle better but I would like the best ride on bad pavement with little drop in clearance.
I assume that I am both underdamped and under sprung for such roads?
FCM seams to be very expensive and a long wait.
The Ohlins sound great, but must wait for them and you mentioned they may be more than necessary.
The progress springs sound good but appear to be sprung only slightly more than stock, and if I wanted the tokicos, they appear to be out of stock indefinitely.
Your advice would be much appreciated.
Oh, tires are nearly new 205/45 17 Michelin pilot sport a/s plus. Running psi 29. I've tried down to 26 with minimal difference. She does ride a bit better when it's above freezing.
Thank you,
Andrew