GSV8

I have spent a bunch of time searching this site and have learned a lot but....
Could I get some input from the seasoned vets...
Other than the aforementioned upgrades to suspension I have urethane bushings for the stock bars. My car still feels uneasy at highway speeds and leans quite a bit in the curves. Should I stick with would I have and add sways and if so - TRD or Daizen? Should I go to Coilovers like other said they wish they would after going with individual components? I am looking for an 8 in the handling department.

Thanks all~
Gerard

mikevanle

iTrader: (1)

There is a brakes and suspension subsection. They have a very good informative sticky on the shocks/springs vs. coilovers.

GSV8

Ok - I added a poll to get some opinions.
Your answer and additional thoughts are appreciated.

GSV8

bump ^^bump

mikevanle

iTrader: (1)

Well I was gonna start a new thread, but I'll add to yours so more people can answer.

I don't see much market for GS400 shocks. The only ones I see are the KYB GR-2 crap. It's nonadjustable, and people say it's the same stiffness as stock. I also hear there's the Bilstein, but I don't see it anywhere. Also are the Bilstein even adjustable?

What aftermarket shocks are there available for the GS400? I'm just looking something to combo with the aftermarket springs. Coilovers too expensive for my ***. I don't feel like dumping massive money into a "stock" car.

blue99GS4

I have been toying with the idea myself. I think I might go with Eibach/Bilstein sp. I think Bilstein is firmer KYB and that's ok with me.

mikevanle

iTrader: (1)

Are the Bilstein adjustable?

DarKnight

iTrader: (3)

Adjustable as far as what, height or damper?

mikevanle

iTrader: (1)

Damper I guess. On the Supra, Bilstein = Koni

Koni have 4 adjustable stiffness settings, and they also have this "perch" which you can adjust the height with. There's 2 perch settings.

But for the most part, the springs is what does the height adjustment.

I was just wondering how much more stiffness these shocks provide over stock. I want to determine whether it's even worth getting aftermarket shocks, or just adding springs on top of the stock shocks.

GSV8

Hey Mike,
Thanks for jumping back in on this thread. From what I have read, installing aftermarket springs that are stiffer than stock springs with stock shocks/struts, is not advisable. The shock/strut will work too hard and will fail to do their job much earlier than they should than if properly mated to the correct spring. Which is why coilovers are recommended b/c the 2 components are designed in harmony. I really like this car and want to mike it ride awesome. Yes you will spend more for the coilovers but I am starting to see the reason to bite the bullet. You said you don't want to spend the money on a "stock" car. The way I see it the stock GS400 with 17s handles ok, but with a well tuned suspension would handle with some prominent cars. I love the engine in the 400, now just want to make it handle. The other advantage to the coilovers is the adjustability. I want about an inch tops for drop. This is to minimize tire wear and ultimately tire noise, which evolves in time. My Lsportlines dropped in a little too much for my liking in the rear compared to the front. I was hoping to have some of the experienced suspension folks to see this thread and add their 25 cents worth.
As you can guess I am leaning towards biting it and going to coilovers. From what I have experienced and have read, the Eibach springs and bilstein HDs may be a nice compromise between ride quality and handling. So if you were looking for close to stock than go with KYB and some Ltuned springs.