Argument with an Evo...
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Summerville, SC
2003 C32 AMG
Hahahah, nobody even cared about the suspension question and I even had to go back and look. I would do the coilovers, you have the control and you can set them for a reasonably good ride.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 0
From: Keesler AFB, Gulfport, MS
C32 AMG
Kidding. So are you going to auto-x your car? Why are you wanting to focus on handling at this point? What is your end goal?
I have H&R Sport springs, better rubber than stock and have to say I am very pleased with how it handles...for how I use the car at least.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
I DON'T COME HERE ANYMORE
Coils-way more flexibility in the car now and in the winter (if you're somewhere with snow fall)-and with rebound/bound-ride height adj-you'll love the variables.
I've swapped to coils on almost every car I've had and never had a complaint-from myself or the wife.
I've swapped to coils on almost every car I've had and never had a complaint-from myself or the wife.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 5
From: California
2018 E63S AMG, 2003 SLK 230 Sport, 2004 SL 600, 2006 SLK 55 AMG, 1998 E320 Wagon
Well, I don't plan to track the car on a daily basis or anything, but I do want better handling with a lower profile. Something that I can enjoy daily driving or for a track day. Aren't coil-overs a bit more difficult to maintain, though?
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
Here in Taxachusetts, yes, but not in Cali. We have lots of snow and road salt, you guys have sunshine. However, C/Os are overpriced luxury for most street cars. And the most often sold C/Os are not appropriate for any serious track duty. On a street car you are primarily dealing with 3 aspects of handling – squat, dive and role. I never drove C32, but on C55 squat and dive are not a major problem for DD car. Thus, the least expensive and easiest way to improve handling is to install a much thicker rear swaybar. I am not familiar with C32 platform, but my guess would be around 7mm thicker. Also try to avoid rubber bushings. C/Os carry only one benefit - ability to corner balance. But on a street car corner balancing is pointless. Lowering might look cool, but likely to hurt handling. Besides you can lower using springs and shocks. Bottom line, your best bet is to buy thicker bar and better tires. Try to PM Cecil aka AWDman. He’ll likely be very helpful.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: CT
C32
Here in Taxachusetts, yes, but not in Cali. We have lots of snow and road salt, you guys have sunshine. However, C/Os are overpriced luxury for most street cars. And the most often sold C/Os are not appropriate for any serious track duty. On a street car you are primarily dealing with 3 aspects of handling – squat, dive and role. I never drove C32, but on C55 squat and dive are not a major problem for DD car. Thus, the least expensive and easiest way to improve handling is to install a much thicker rear swaybar. I am not familiar with C32 platform, but my guess would be around 7mm thicker. Also try to avoid rubber bushings. C/Os carry only one benefit - ability to corner balance. But on a street car corner balancing is pointless. Lowering might look cool, but likely to hurt handling. Besides you can lower using springs and shocks. Bottom line, your best bet is to buy thicker bar and better tires. Try to PM Cecil aka AWDman. He’ll likely be very helpful.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 5
From: California
2018 E63S AMG, 2003 SLK 230 Sport, 2004 SL 600, 2006 SLK 55 AMG, 1998 E320 Wagon
Interesting...thicker swaybars/springs. Thanks for the info. I'll also get in touch w/AWDman.
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
Only add rear swaybar. The car has tremendous understeer. By adding only rear you’ll dial out some of that understeer. If you add thicker front, you’ll have to add a very thick rear. Doing so will create problem on uneven terrain. Even sharply turning onto a steep drive way will likely to lift inside wheel off the ground.
I am not sure if you need springs. Generally speaking it’s all about shocks. You would valve the shocks based on your performance goals and springs complement the built shocks. So increasing spring rate without shocks will only have marginal effect. I guess installing extra 100-150lb and 0.25-.75in shorter in the rear will be ok. But first do the bar and tires. If after that you feel you need more – tune further.
I am not sure if you need springs. Generally speaking it’s all about shocks. You would valve the shocks based on your performance goals and springs complement the built shocks. So increasing spring rate without shocks will only have marginal effect. I guess installing extra 100-150lb and 0.25-.75in shorter in the rear will be ok. But first do the bar and tires. If after that you feel you need more – tune further.
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