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I hate to be negative bet I have owned 3 nonsports then last year I bought a sport not really knowing that it was a sport. I did not know there was such a thing. I do not corner at 50 mph so that part is not important to me. The ride is what I liked in my other cars? To me there
is a big difference going down a average road with some bumps. I personally do not like the sports suspension. JMO
Last edited by lexman52; 07-23-16 at 07:54 AM.
Reason: spelling
I live in rural America not the city. Could not give me my ol premium with 17's I used to drive before I got the Eurosport suspension with Michelin 18 inch summerish tires versus typical compliant touring tires. I don't need an LS which handles turns at 50 just handles turns confidently and inspiring where i laugh to myself "what an all around fantastic car" with the RWD, V8 luxuriouse cabin, quiet demeanor and swank looks. Again I live in the country, not sure what a city experience would be.
Anyone have problem with their springs and shocks as stated above making "tac" sound when you make full turn such as a "U" turn? If so how do you elimate the noise ( fix it)?
I have JIC Magic FLT-A2's with the Sport Rear Sway, been this way for 5 years now and I love it. The car corners so well, it's flat and it's comfortable. I also run 20's with 255's and 285's which helps on cornering. I know this setup will fit 265's and 295's but that setup is almost double how much I'm paying now.
My Wife has an 05 LS430 Sport Package and that is cushier than my setup but she's also on stock 18's.
Just bought an '04 w/ Sports Suspension. Downsized to 17's (w/ Michelin Premiers) while I figure the best tire for the 18's to get handling and quiet. There's very little noise difference. Suspension reaction to bumps (and rough roads) is a little harsher. It feels like a different car. Tight handling in corners. Much more stable at freeway speeds (75+). Very little body roll on freeway off ramps. Some people like the soft ride. More power to them. I'm having too much fun with a car that handles a lot better and is more fun to drive.
Just bought an '04 w/ Sports Suspension. Downsized to 17's (w/ Michelin Premiers) while I figure the best tire for the 18's to get handling and quiet. There's very little noise difference. Suspension reaction to bumps (and rough roads) is a little harsher. It feels like a different car. Tight handling in corners. Much more stable at freeway speeds (75+). Very little body roll on freeway off ramps. Some people like the soft ride. More power to them. I'm having too much fun with a car that handles a lot better and is more fun to drive.
So what is your opinion on 17's and sport suspension?
I'm not sure mine has sport suspension but it sure rides like it. My options were to change my Goodyears to Michelins on the current 18's or just downsize to 17's and Michelins. .
tradosauru - if it's Sports Suspension, there are small badges on the front fenders. Have an '01 (regular suspension) w/ 17's and new Michelin Premier A/S. Just bought the '04 w/ SS. I put the wheels/tires from the '01. Very little difference except that the car now handles MUCH better.
The sports suspension has been a real eye opener. Had no idea that a 430 could actually corner and handle so much better. Off ramps are fun. Corners are so much better. It feels "nailed down" to the freeway (instead of floating). 85 is very comfortable.
Off topic here but 6 speed transmission response to manual upshift is sometimes a little slow. No problems at 5k but if slower, it doesn't shift immediately. Car has 102k so am going to do a drain/fill and see if that helps. Downshift (6>5>4) is fine but slightly notchy after that. I haven't had the car that long so need to figure best rpm.
Oversteer and everyone else: I have the 18's which are going back on the car when I figure out the right tire. Currently have worn out 6 year old Primacy's. Slightly harsher, def noisy ride (probably age) but car handles noticeably better w/ the bigger wheel. The Michelin Premier is ok on my 17's but feels soft. I don't want a rock hard road racing tire but can probably do better than the Premiers. Lots of comments in here about Pirellis. Local Goodyear dealer is recommending their high perf tire which has a "comfort layer". Super quiet on freeway but doesn't impact handling. Comments/suggests appreciated!
In a quarter million miles on 2 ls's the Comfortreds are nice but not my favorites but real nice. That was 150 k ago could of improved. They started out good, flat spotted once in a while, I think I tore one up on freeway and got MXv4's V rated I preferred that was a while ago also.. It is not a budget tire but they ryun 160 dollar rebates once in a while around here. Tire rebates should start to come out now for winter..
ordering the part from mylparts, showing ABSORBER SET, RR. So does that come in pair or I need to order 2 item each, 2 for the front and 2 for the rear.
After finding a puddle of oil under the rear drivers side of the car I think it's time to dig into the suspension.
Rear Sport Shocks 48530 80141 are 200.00 each where the 48530 80241 are only 70.00 each. Both listed as rear sport shocks. Does anyone know the Difference?
The fronts are listed here as 48510 80131 and 48510 80307 with big difference in price as well.
Thanks for the great write up Oversteer...I have a 2003 ls430 that does not have air or sport suspension. I'd like to do exactly what you did with the sport springs and swaybar and struts. (they are still reasonably priced at the site you mentioned, just not as cheap as you got them, i'll call on Monday)...anyhow, I just want to confirm that the sport struts will fit the ls430 w/o factory sport suspension?? I believe your car was like mine w/o sport suspension, but I'm not 100% clear after re-reading your post. Thanks so much
07-23-16, 07:51 AM
