How does Datasystem controller improve handling
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: newyork
How does Datasystem controller improve handling
Hi fellow members, I just got the Ultra package 04 LS, I want to buy the datasystem controller but i will like to know if it actually does improve handling. Does it stiffen the suspension when lowered ?
or does it work by just lowering the center of gravity?
or does it work by just lowering the center of gravity?
....so basicaly it's not filling up the bags all the way providing a lower stance.
A stock LS430 UL sit way high, if you lower it moderately, the handling does improve quite a bit since when you deflate the airbags, it lower the cushion effect and it firm up.
But if you lower it all the way down like airtime mention, it would have no cushion at all or it just sit on the bump stop, so it handle and ride like crap.
I don't have the Datasystem controller, but I lowered my car about 1"~2" by adjusting the height sensor's rod, the car go from driving like a 1980 Buick boat to a 2005 regular sports sedan
But if you lower it all the way down like airtime mention, it would have no cushion at all or it just sit on the bump stop, so it handle and ride like crap.
I don't have the Datasystem controller, but I lowered my car about 1"~2" by adjusting the height sensor's rod, the car go from driving like a 1980 Buick boat to a 2005 regular sports sedan
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Most folks do it for show.
You bought the UL, right?
This means that handling isn't really your top priority?
If you want to really improve handling, wait for the airbags to blow up and replace them with coilovers or just a stock Sport setup (cheaper).
This sounds very strange to me. If you let some air out, your airbag will become softer, just like an airmattress. If you let all air out, you will lower the car onto bump stops, in which case it will not have springs at all, hence bouncy lowrider ride.
The two handling advantages of lowering are:
1) Lowering CG, which helps in the turns
2) Decreasing the air gap under the car, which reduces lift at speeds.
You bought the UL, right?
This means that handling isn't really your top priority?
If you want to really improve handling, wait for the airbags to blow up and replace them with coilovers or just a stock Sport setup (cheaper).
The two handling advantages of lowering are:
1) Lowering CG, which helps in the turns
2) Decreasing the air gap under the car, which reduces lift at speeds.
Trending Topics
Normally, when you think airbags, you think an air ballon, the more air you put in, the firmer it gets because the air pressure goes up inside a semi fixed volume.
But I think the air spring's pressure stay constant, the more air you put in, the bigger it gets. And when you deflate it, it get smaller so the car sit lower. I think of it as a cushion, the bigger the cushion, the softer it gets.
I could be all wrong, but I know for a fact the lower the UL sit, the firmer it rides, and everyone say that.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 15
From: Washington
For a point of reference, when I set my Datasystem on 5, the firmness rides the same as factory and it does feel a bit sportier on turns. When it drops below to 6+, it gets bouncy and stiff.
I get so used to riding at a constant 3 to 5 setting that when I put it back to "normal" factory height, it's a strange feeling. I can physically tell driving that the car is high and the driving dynamics does differ.
I get so used to riding at a constant 3 to 5 setting that when I put it back to "normal" factory height, it's a strange feeling. I can physically tell driving that the car is high and the driving dynamics does differ.
Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: OH
You have to experiment to find that sweet spot between the stock height and "too bouncy" low. Since you can save 5 different settings, I have mine like this:
1: slammed all the way front and rear. Useless for driving (as in, don't try it, it will rub)
2: between slammed and stock, front adjusted one or two lower than rear, since trhe rear tends to "sag" a bit. Definitely does improve handling while moderately increasing ride harshness. Not bouncy, but firm. Usually put dampers into "sport" for this.
3: Close to stock, with the front and rear leveled out. Used for "comfort" when cruising the highway.
4: higher than stock for when I have a carload of adults and we hit the highway. Railroad tracks barely perceptible at 35mph
5: All the way up like a donk. Looks silly, but it's useful. I actually had to drive through a field to get to a campground, and rolling pretty quick, I barely felt a thing. Off-road handling is greatly improved, haha. Also easier to get a jack under the car this way. I can almost do an oil change without a jack at this height
Hold up, let me dig up some pics to show the levels.
1: slammed all the way front and rear. Useless for driving (as in, don't try it, it will rub)
2: between slammed and stock, front adjusted one or two lower than rear, since trhe rear tends to "sag" a bit. Definitely does improve handling while moderately increasing ride harshness. Not bouncy, but firm. Usually put dampers into "sport" for this.
3: Close to stock, with the front and rear leveled out. Used for "comfort" when cruising the highway.
4: higher than stock for when I have a carload of adults and we hit the highway. Railroad tracks barely perceptible at 35mph
5: All the way up like a donk. Looks silly, but it's useful. I actually had to drive through a field to get to a campground, and rolling pretty quick, I barely felt a thing. Off-road handling is greatly improved, haha. Also easier to get a jack under the car this way. I can almost do an oil change without a jack at this height
Hold up, let me dig up some pics to show the levels.
Last edited by denroll; Dec 1, 2008 at 10:19 PM.
