Gene Young

I am considering whether to buy an Custom pkg with an LS 430 or to pop for the Ultra. THe only real thing about the Ultra that interests me is the adjustable suspension. I am interested in whether the difference in sport vs normal setting is noticeable. Does the sport setting really give a more solid feel when cornering? Does it reduce body lean noticeably when cornering?

I probably would groan and pop for the extra $5k if I knew that this feature really worked.

vipermann1

Gene,
I have tested both a Custom and UL.
I currently have a BMW 740il.

I did notice the regular suspension in the 2002 LS430 was too soft, it seems to nose dive too much for me. Felt like a toyota. And leans too much in turns.

But the UL air suspension is much better. Absorbs more noise, vibration, and offers a more composed ride like in a Mercedes. In sport mode and firm setting feels like a bimmer. Well worth the money.

I ordered a UL.

Lvangundy

All I know is this, if you plan to keep the car for as long as possible, and keep it in good condition, you may have to replace the shocks someday in the future. --VERY EXPENSIVE

I know for the first gen LS's that had the air-ride the rear shocks are about $800 each!

Gene Young

Viperman1, thanks for the insight. Your response is just the type of feedback that I was seeking. By the way, I used to have a BMW 750iL. Great car but after 50k miles the upkeep codt got to be silly.

Gene Young

Ivangundy. You raise a very good point. If I go UL I will surely gag when shock replacement time comes. I'll have to start a replacement fund.

BkInBlk

I had to replace the fronts on our '93 - $2,500. We sold it before the rears needed to be replaced, but they're a lot cheaper - only $1,600!

Something to keep in mind.

Manaray

A nice thing about the air suspension is that you can get a controller in Japan that will allow you to control the height of your car...about $600 or so for the unit.

I have driven the UL and non-UL LS430...definitely recommend the UL version...the ride is 100x better.

1sickls430

I havent driven the normal ls430 i have the Ul package.But can someone please tell me the difference in both of these.I have 245/45 18 Y rated tires on mine so they do make some noise and the ride is pretty smooth and there is a difference when in the sport mode.i would just like to know how the normal ls430 is in terms of handling smoothness quietness etc..