How to improve handling?

[scc]

I'm becoming more and more dissatisfied with the handling of my v6 sport.
Cornering feels 'rolley', and the steering feels very light.

I've put new gsd3's on and it hasn't made much of a difference to the handling, though it feels more 'confident' as well as reduced road noise.

How can I get the car to have a distint 'nose heavy' feel to it, with the steering feeling 'tight' and controlled?

Cheers,
scc

[Kenneth]

suspension and tower brace should achieve most of that. At the expense of some ride comfort.

Obviously the general rule that says the more you want, the more you have to spend. I use coilovers and the handling of my Leggy is very good.

[bradc]

I have also found that wider tyres tend to make the steering heavier, which may be something to consider after you try Kenneths suggestions. You will probably need to buy new mags to do that though.

[Kieran]

SCC - The absolute best thing you can do to your V6 is to change the shocks and springs. It's one of the TOP recommendations for the V6. I know where you're coming from, as Hordak (my old V6 Sport) was just the same untill I sorted him out. Changing Springs and shocks is probably number 2 (after brakes) in my recommendations for tweaking the V6, as to be fair, the standard setup is pretty compromised.

Need more convincing? Check these threads out:

http://www.clubvr4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4758

http://www.clubvr4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11201

http://www.clubvr4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12788

[ghanda]

Where do these names come from Kieran?!

[scc]

Cheers Kieran! I'm convinced.

So it seems that Eibach springs and Bilstein shocks is the best combo.
What are the part numbers for these?

There's just that question of cash

Cheers,
scc

[Rikki]

i had Koni Adjustable shocks fitted to my GLS with Ventura Springs (i think). both came from motorsportworld.co.uk. I am considering fitting the same set-up on my new V6 Sport but i am looking for other options. Bilstein better than Koni you think?

[ritch_w]

i had Koni Adjustable shocks fitted to my GLS with Ventura Springs (i think). both came from motorsportworld.co.uk. I am considering fitting the same set-up on my new V6 Sport but i am looking for other options. Bilstein better than Koni you think?

dont know about bilstien being better than Koni - but the Eibachs will be way better (if not more expensive) than the venturas - the eibachs are progress (like the standard springs) unlike the venturas, the eibachs will give a better ride about town than the standard springs and stiffen up progressivly as load them up with speed.

Eibachs made a hell of a difference to my v6 sport.

hope to see your motor at the next mini meet (whenever that is)

[Rikki]

i will attempt to make it - need to tell me where it is though

[ritch_w]

i will attempt to make it - need to tell me where it is though

we havent had one for a while - need to get one organised...

[Rikki]

we havent had one for a while - need to get one organised...

there is very few Galant owners around the Glasgow area, thats one of my reasons for picking it, grabs the attention. Does Ayr not have a cruise scene? I am heading up to Falkirk tonight, see what the show is like.

[scc]

Right! I've got my Eibach springs, and my bilstein shocks....but I can't find an article on how to change them?

Any ideas?

Cheers,
scc

[Wodjno]

Go to 33 A9 for the front suspension. Just jack the car up, and support it. 3 (2)Bolts on the top of the suspension tuuret under bonnet. And 3 bolts on the lower part of the suspension.. (1,3 & 4)! Thats it. ! Bolts in all. Fitting is reverse of removal

Go to 34 13 for rear suspension. This 1 is even easier.. 3 Bolts only. Again raise the car and support it. 2 bolts on the top of the turret (2) and 1 on the lower part(3)
Just 1 thing to be wary of ! The nut that secures the Drop link (1) to the front suspension can be tight. Make sure you have a good fitting spanner on the back nut when undoing it. Also it is a good idea to prep the thread first with a wire brush and some WD40 to ensure that it comes of with minimal force. Or as i found out the rear nut easily rounds off !!

Not the most comprehensive write up, but ! Hey ! HO ! It's still a write up ANd I Iz At Work ! Init !

[The Vee]

As Wodj says - very easy to remove suspension legs from car, but you will need a decent pair of spring compressors to release springs and shocks once away from the car. Caution required even when assembly is out of car, spring is still under considerable compression. So take care when compressors fitted and undoing top nut. You'll also need suitable spanner/allen key to stop piston turning when doing this. Keep bump stop, spacers and bushes in correct order when removing/replacing.

[Wodjno]

Would it be possible to fit the Spring compressors while the car is still on the ground to help with the amount they have to be compressed. Or would this make it difficult to getthe nut off, the drop linkwould it put load on it ??

[The Vee]

No, not enough room and you wouldn't be able to get your spanner on the adjusters anyway. Now, many many years ago with a Ford Corsair, two people sat on the front wing, I crawled underneath and tied wire round the coils, and then removed the strut. There was enough compression to then change the spring!!!! But that was then and would be impossible on one of these and certainly not recommended. Never see the risks at that age

[mart0398]

SCC - What sort Bilstein dampers did you go with, b12, sprintline, OE?

I have read through the links posted above and i think they are saying to use Bilstein OE dampers with Eibach Pro-Kit springs. Is this right?

I have just looked on motorsportworld for dampers for my 02 v6 and only Koni ones come up, at £78.50 for fronts and £69.79 rears. The Eibach 30/30mm spring kit is £170. Thats knockin on for £470 total.

Anyone know of anywhere cheaper?

[Wodjno]

Thats what i was saying to do with the spring compressors.. You wouldn't need a spanner, just put them on and finger tighten them up. Then once you jack the car up they would be held at that point.. Sure it would be possible

[Wodjno]

!DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH ! DOH

[The Vee]

Koni Adjustable/Eibach is the combo I have and got them from Motorsportworld. They were as competetive as anybody to be fair.