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Please don't flame me. C43,change to C280 springs?
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 87
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From: NJ
C55
Please don't flame me. C43,change to C280 springs?
I have a C43 that I drive daily in NYC and the metro area. Those that live here know the roads blow.
Here's the question:
I'd like to soften the ride and lower the car... I know tough combination.
Would it work if I were to swap the stock C43 springs for C280 springs?
And at the same time change my #4 pads to #2's or 1's.
I figure this would help transform this car from the kidney smasher it is now to a bit more complient pothole cruiser. In fact I think it would probably handle better since the road crews here in the East love to place manhole covers right at the apex of most curves... :-(
If this does soften the ride , I would then probably go to 18's to firm it back up a tiny bit...but hopefully not back the AMG firm.
Any opinions would be helpful, I did a search and came up empty on this.
Do I have to buy factory springs from the bend over dealer??
Here's the question:
I'd like to soften the ride and lower the car... I know tough combination.
Would it work if I were to swap the stock C43 springs for C280 springs?
And at the same time change my #4 pads to #2's or 1's.
I figure this would help transform this car from the kidney smasher it is now to a bit more complient pothole cruiser. In fact I think it would probably handle better since the road crews here in the East love to place manhole covers right at the apex of most curves... :-(
If this does soften the ride , I would then probably go to 18's to firm it back up a tiny bit...but hopefully not back the AMG firm.
Any opinions would be helpful, I did a search and came up empty on this.
Do I have to buy factory springs from the bend over dealer??
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From: Hell
EFF YOU JACKIE
I don't think changing the springs is going to be the answer you are looking for, unless you are willing to give up the performance that comes with the stock setup. You are probably better off getting a tire with a higher sidewall and playing frogger with the potholes. This way you still maintain some of the rigidity in your ride, but soften the blow a little.
I know this worked when I threw winters on my car. Changed it even more into a "cruiser".
I know this worked when I threw winters on my car. Changed it even more into a "cruiser".
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 87
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From: NJ
C55
I am
willing to give up some of the handling performance because if I think I can gain some of it back by moving to 18's.
I owned a C320 (2001) 2 years ago and all I did was put some AMG 17's with Toyo's and that cars handling came alive. I AutoX'd it a few times and found it to be fun...infact dare I saw tossable and almost as much fun as my M3 Convert (different).
My point is that I'd rather firm the ride from soft to 'compliant' via a plus one tire upgrage...in this case it 17s to 18's.
My biggest concern about going to the 280 springs is that the 4.3 motor might be tooooo heavy for those springs.
Maybe I shodl just sel it and buy a C55....just kidding don't get me started :-) Muusssttt resist...
I owned a C320 (2001) 2 years ago and all I did was put some AMG 17's with Toyo's and that cars handling came alive. I AutoX'd it a few times and found it to be fun...infact dare I saw tossable and almost as much fun as my M3 Convert (different).
My point is that I'd rather firm the ride from soft to 'compliant' via a plus one tire upgrage...in this case it 17s to 18's.
My biggest concern about going to the 280 springs is that the 4.3 motor might be tooooo heavy for those springs.
Maybe I shodl just sel it and buy a C55....just kidding don't get me started :-) Muusssttt resist...
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,030
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From: Hell
EFF YOU JACKIE
Originally Posted by MERCGUY
willing to give up some of the handling performance because if I think I can gain some of it back by moving to 18's.
I owned a C320 (2001) 2 years ago and all I did was put some AMG 17's with Toyo's and that cars handling came alive. I AutoX'd it a few times and found it to be fun...infact dare I saw tossable and almost as much fun as my M3 Convert (different).
My point is that I'd rather firm the ride from soft to 'compliant' via a plus one tire upgrage...in this case it 17s to 18's.
My biggest concern about going to the 280 springs is that the 4.3 motor might be tooooo heavy for those springs.
Maybe I shodl just sel it and buy a C55....just kidding don't get me started :-) Muusssttt resist...
I owned a C320 (2001) 2 years ago and all I did was put some AMG 17's with Toyo's and that cars handling came alive. I AutoX'd it a few times and found it to be fun...infact dare I saw tossable and almost as much fun as my M3 Convert (different).
My point is that I'd rather firm the ride from soft to 'compliant' via a plus one tire upgrage...in this case it 17s to 18's.
My biggest concern about going to the 280 springs is that the 4.3 motor might be tooooo heavy for those springs.
Maybe I shodl just sel it and buy a C55....just kidding don't get me started :-) Muusssttt resist...
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Get some forged wheels. Not only will you reduce unsprung mass considerably over the AMG monoblock IIs, if you have them, but also, you will increase the strength of your wheels.
This way, your suspension won't experience as great of forces upon hitting a pothole, your wheels won't cup (dent) from impacting potholes, your ride will look newer and more updated and your summertime handling will improve.
In the winter, run them with higher profile tires, like everyone else said. And in the summer, run them with low profile max performance tires.
Hope this helps. If that doesn't work, you can always go with the RENNtech suspension, which was designed to soften the ride considerably while increasing the handling ability. They have custom valving on the dampers and custom spring rates on the progressive springs.
This way, your suspension won't experience as great of forces upon hitting a pothole, your wheels won't cup (dent) from impacting potholes, your ride will look newer and more updated and your summertime handling will improve.
In the winter, run them with higher profile tires, like everyone else said. And in the summer, run them with low profile max performance tires.
Hope this helps. If that doesn't work, you can always go with the RENNtech suspension, which was designed to soften the ride considerably while increasing the handling ability. They have custom valving on the dampers and custom spring rates on the progressive springs.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 87
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From: NJ
C55
Cool, good idea on Renntech. I will look into them as a spring alternative.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Originally Posted by rguy
Get some forged wheels. Not only will you reduce unsprung mass considerably over the AMG monoblock IIs, if you have them, but also, you will increase the strength of your wheels.
This way, your suspension won't experience as great of forces upon hitting a pothole, your wheels won't cup (dent) from impacting potholes, your ride will look newer and more updated and your summertime handling will improve.
In the winter, run them with higher profile tires, like everyone else said. And in the summer, run them with low profile max performance tires.
Hope this helps. If that doesn't work, you can always go with the RENNtech suspension, which was designed to soften the ride considerably while increasing the handling ability. They have custom valving on the dampers and custom spring rates on the progressive springs.
This way, your suspension won't experience as great of forces upon hitting a pothole, your wheels won't cup (dent) from impacting potholes, your ride will look newer and more updated and your summertime handling will improve.
In the winter, run them with higher profile tires, like everyone else said. And in the summer, run them with low profile max performance tires.
Hope this helps. If that doesn't work, you can always go with the RENNtech suspension, which was designed to soften the ride considerably while increasing the handling ability. They have custom valving on the dampers and custom spring rates on the progressive springs.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 87
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From: NJ
C55
Ditto on what Steve said
Originally Posted by steve s
cause there's only like...10 of us there? 
I wonder how many C43's there are on the road. I have never seen another in my area except for the one in my garage 
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: San Diego
2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
Why stop with the 280 springs? Why not swap that nasty, gas-guzzling, AMG motor out for the frugal 280 'powerplant' while you're at it?
Also, since we're on the subject, you might also want to consider removing and selling those valuable AMG wheels (before they get scratched or bent), replacing them with the durable, steel 280 stockers. Also, rip out all AMG-specific interior components (they are sooooo sporty and uncomfortable!). Last, but not least, spray a little "eau-de-frumpy-fart" on your "new" 280 mushmobile seats, and your quest for mediocrity will be complete.
This is not a flame. Just a suggestion that you finish your quest, however misguided. You may also want to consider selling or trading your C43. I hear that Buick has some great promo deals right now.
P.S. "Welcome to the C32/55 forum!" :p
Also, since we're on the subject, you might also want to consider removing and selling those valuable AMG wheels (before they get scratched or bent), replacing them with the durable, steel 280 stockers. Also, rip out all AMG-specific interior components (they are sooooo sporty and uncomfortable!). Last, but not least, spray a little "eau-de-frumpy-fart" on your "new" 280 mushmobile seats, and your quest for mediocrity will be complete.
This is not a flame. Just a suggestion that you finish your quest, however misguided. You may also want to consider selling or trading your C43. I hear that Buick has some great promo deals right now.
P.S. "Welcome to the C32/55 forum!" :p
Last edited by Vomit; Sep 22, 2004 at 01:14 AM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 87
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From: NJ
C55
Hey Vomit: Bit me! This is not a flame, but you can still bite me.
You must have been bored to ramble in such a useless manner. I asked a question, if you read the entire thread (dumbass) I later stated that I was going to seek some alternative routes to dialing out some of the harshness in the suspension.
Oh btw, if you were only kidding then your a pretty funny guy.
Oh btw, if you were only kidding then your a pretty funny guy.
Originally Posted by Vomit
Why stop with the 280 springs? Why not swap that nasty, gas-guzzling, AMG motor out for the frugal 280 'powerplant' while you're at it?
Also, since we're on the subject, you might also want to consider removing and selling those valuable AMG wheels (before they get scratched or bent), replacing them with the durable, steel 280 stockers. Also, rip out all AMG-specific interior components (they are sooooo sporty and uncomfortable!). Last, but not least, spray a little "eau-de-frumpy-fart" on your "new" 280 mushmobile seats, and your quest for mediocrity will be complete.
This is not a flame. Just a suggestion that you finish your quest, however misguided. You may also want to consider selling or trading your C43. I hear that Buick has some great promo deals right now.
P.S. "Welcome to the C32/55 forum!" :p
Also, since we're on the subject, you might also want to consider removing and selling those valuable AMG wheels (before they get scratched or bent), replacing them with the durable, steel 280 stockers. Also, rip out all AMG-specific interior components (they are sooooo sporty and uncomfortable!). Last, but not least, spray a little "eau-de-frumpy-fart" on your "new" 280 mushmobile seats, and your quest for mediocrity will be complete.
This is not a flame. Just a suggestion that you finish your quest, however misguided. You may also want to consider selling or trading your C43. I hear that Buick has some great promo deals right now.
P.S. "Welcome to the C32/55 forum!" :p
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Joined: Feb 2002
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C32 AMG
Not that I want to back up Vomit. 
But dude - he is right!
What's point of having performance car in NYC?
You want to soften the ride and make the car lower. Sorry but this is somewhat an impossible task.
Damn I hate to agree with Vomit, :v but Buick might be a brand to consider.
Look, do not take it as a flame. But 99.99% of guys on this board seek the opposite.
But dude - he is right!
What's point of having performance car in NYC?
You want to soften the ride and make the car lower. Sorry but this is somewhat an impossible task.
Damn I hate to agree with Vomit, :v but Buick might be a brand to consider.
Look, do not take it as a flame. But 99.99% of guys on this board seek the opposite.
