As I consider replacing my OEM chrome 18" wheels and Goodyear tires for summer use, I'm wondering if it is also a good time to consider an overall handling upgrade. My car is an 05 CL with the stock (non-air) suspension. I'm interested in tighter handling without getting a buckboard ride. I have no interest in lowering or running larger wheels than 18s. Max budget is $5K, though lower is better. What suggestions do you have for tires, wheels, and suspension components?

 

Well if you wanted to improve handling, then you may have to lower it (lower center of grav). If you're just set on changing the wheels then get lightweight rims for sure, OEM stuff is always very heavy. Losing unsprung weight in each corner goes a long way. There is an article about how each unsprung pound equates to a an actual pound on the car. Btw, want to give me those 18s after you've made the switch?

 

LOL What is this "give" you speak of?

 

A dream..... I've tried looking for someone who wants to trade looks for ride comfort (aka their 18s for my 17s). I love the 5 spoke 18s. I suppose the stock 17s are lighter, but not by that much lool.

 

Didn't we have a thread as to why LS owners lower their car???

Have you test drove a SPORT EDITION?
It's not stiff, bone-jarring-knocking-your-tooth filling at all
If you like it, you can change out to those suspension, which is still oem.

The other and cheaper option is to get the rear sway bar ($100 ish and bushings $20? ) from the LS SPORT EDITION.

BNR34 did that and he liked it

 

^^^
So, in theory I could take this in steps:

- Lighter wheels
- Sport Edition rear sway bar & bushings
- Sport Edition springs & shocks (do these have to be done together?)

Then I could stop when I reach the handling I want. Yes?

 

Yes.
Although lighter wheels will help, I wouldn't stress too much on that.

Also, there's no need to go to larger wheels.
Given your history that you drive your wife around, it's not a good idea
anyways due to the lower profile tires.

I know you prefer the conservative approach. I would start off with the LS SPORT rear sway bar and bushings. Get those first and work your way to the suspensions if you're still thirsting for more.

Without sounding a little confusing, I don't know why exactly they don't have the sway bars for the front.

The sport suspensions are usually paired together b/c the firmer spring rate will complement with the firmer strut.

From our CL vendor here in California, Carson Toyota. Or you can look up Sewell in Texas.

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0

 

Thanks, yeah I was on the Sewell parts site after you suggested it. I'm definitely not going to a lower profile 19" or 20" wheel / tire combo.

Hmm, I wonder what my dealer would charge to change out the rear sway bar and bushings when I go in for my next oil change in the spring...

 

^^^

be sure and post the difference if you do that - Im curious if it actually stiffens the "sway" more.

 

Try here:


What we don't know is the difference in diameter between the standard and the sport bars although we will sometime early next week.

Darrel

 

I've got an 04 Sport, and I'm looking for ways to firm mine up. I can't imagine what a UL on the cushy setting must feel like. Mine rides pretty hard over bumps with 35psi and 18s, but still floats. If I'm going to have any harshness in an LS, I'd like to flatten it out to get my butts worth. I don't see anything TRD or F-Sport for this car, and I don't want to knock it to the ground, or turn it into a track car. How can I make this an LS AMG?

 

I am also going to suggest going for a set of high performance tires. Not only will you get more grip, a stiffer sidewall that comes with a performance tire should help a bit in sharpening the cornering.

 

I would agree. I'm on the OEM CPO Dunflops, and I have had Mich Pilot Sport A/S plus on my other cars, including an older Benz with worn shocks, and it's amazing what those tires do for steering response.

What are my upgrade options for springs and suspension components? I wish TRD or F had this stuff

 

So Darrel, that's the rear sway bar plus bushings from the LS Sport package?

Never mind. Order placed.

 

Toms makes a bunch of different chassis braces, but I don't know if they make any difference or not. TRD also makes a front and rear lower brace as well.