jasone36

Hello,

I have a high mileage 2002 SC430. I have recently replaced all four shocks/struts because they were worn. With the top up, the car now feels very stable and not bouncy. However, with the top down, the car feels somewhat less stable, and even 'bouncy' when I hit bumps in the road.

This may have something to do with the center of gravity being different when the top is down, but I am wondering if the other folks on this forum have noticed less stability when cruising and hitting bumps with the top down.

Thanks

momssc

Mines the same. Must be normal..

Yes

When the roof is down, you have less structural support, so more body twist. This is true of all convertibles. Though it's more noticeable on hard top convertibles because you have more support with the top up than a soft top has with it up.

TxPhantom

Try switching from rap and hip hop to some blues or rock

i've found that helps...

Poqman

This is my only complaint with the SC430. There is a section of interstate near my home that excites the bouncing and body flex that does not happen with the top up. The first time it happened, I thought something had broken and was coming apart on the car.

braheem

iTrader: (4)

You need meds, Since you're amusing I'll share.

Pnuge88

iTrader: (1)

top down? when my top is up it does this. I miss my coilovers already....

grabber2

Its normal due to aerodynamic and roll resistant when top down.....especially with stock tire & offset. My SC was more stable now after I put new rims with lower offset and wider-tires. I drive on the crappy BQE (I278) all the time and the wider tire & rim does help stable it better

grabber2

I miss your Coil-overs sale thread by 7 minutes, was gonna send you a PM but I saw someone already did.

Pnuge88

iTrader: (1)

ahh what a shame! I actually shipped it out today. cost $50 bucks to ship it to cali from florida. The coilovers sure do make a huge difference in ride and stability. Car is bouncing over every bump right now thinking im losing control with the TOP UP. wider wheels with better offsets will definitely improve and fix this bounce over bumps issue

robertrios

iTrader: (11)

so I recently added spacers. 25 F and 38 rear no problems with vibration (had some before but it was a balance issue) it looks great. Also dropped on TTE springs 1" around which were designed by Toyota for these stock struts. My car has 11k on it. My GF says that the car is more bouncy now which I attribute to the springs. However I am on 225-40-18 fronts...would moving back up to the 245-40-18 help at all up front? My rear is a 255-40-18. I dont think we need a BIG improvement but maybe just a little bit. Also worried if it will rub on 25mm spacers, a 1" drop, and a 245 but I doubt it.

Any insights?

bacardi

i use 19mm spacers on all 4 rims, with 245/40/18" rims and dropped .8 front and .6 rear an have no rubbing problems anywere.

TxPhantom