What are the weak points of the stock supsension?

[Fleck 5]

I have a stock 300C and I like to take corners on the fast side. It is my understanding that the suspension for these cars is a good Mercedes suspension but the car does not reflect this. I am curious as to what areas of the suspension could be improved without major money to make the car handle the way it is capable of.

Here are my observations:
The steering has some slop in it. Could this be fixed by something as simple as replacing the bushings in the steering with urethane bushing? The car seems to handle decent but the steering gives you the impression that the handling is sloppy.

The stock Continental tires suck. The tires squeel easily on turns. Does replacing the tires with better tires in the same tire size on the factory 18" rim make much of a difference? Does replacing the tires with wider, better tires on the factory 18" rims make a big difference? Does putting larger rims with better tires make a huge difference because of the reduction of the amount of side wall on the tires (say 22" rims).

Is there anything else that will keep some of the slop out of the steering and handling of the car without incurring a large expense?

[joey]

For the money, I found that 20" wheels improved the handling the best.
Tires are 255/45, which are a little taller than the stock 18", but provide a little more dampening. 245/45's are a closer match to the 18", and maybe handle a little better then the 255/45's. But I wanted more tire.
I don't drive in hilly terain, or unusually rough roads.

I then put on sway bars - $340 plus $300 install - $640.
I noticed a very small improvement, but not $640 worth.
Probably not worth the money.

I recently added the KW Variant 2 suspension kit.
$1,420 + $400 = $1,820.
These made a big difference on the twisty roads and hard turns.
But ride is still shock ridden and bumpy. Dampners don't seem to
make much difference in this area, but I still have more experimenting to do.
The KW's also lowered the car about 1.5 inches, which helps with handling, and the car looks much better too.

[II kings 9:20]

IMO the whole suspension needs re worked. "Too many bumps and bounces", an old thread from Joey. Tires make a huge difference.

[jjs]

Originally Posted by Fleck 5

The stock Continental tires suck. The tires squeel easily on turns. Does replacing the tires with better tires in the same tire size on the factory 18" rim make much of a difference? Does replacing the tires with wider, better tires on the factory 18" rims make a big difference? Does putting larger rims with better tires make a huge difference because of the reduction of the amount of side wall on the tires (say 22" rims).

Is there anything else that will keep some of the slop out of the steering and handling of the car without incurring a large expense?

First partial solution...

TIRES...TIRES...TIRES!!!!

Thanks II Kings!! And some Goodyear feedback..

[Fleck 5]

I noticed that over inflating the continentals makes a huge difference. I bumped them up from 31 to 35 PSI and what a difference. They aren't nearly as crappy.

[magnumfreak]

Find someone getting rid of an srt-8 suspension. Give hennessy a call, they have them all the time. I have heard of people getting them for less than 300.

[Fleck 5]

Originally Posted by magnumfreak

Find someone getting rid of an srt-8 suspension. Give hennessy a call, they have them all the time. I have heard of people getting them for less than 300.

What is different in the SRT-8 Suspension? Is it just different struts and springs or is the set up different?

[JimTurner]

Originally Posted by Fleck 5

What is different in the SRT-8 Suspension? Is it just different struts and springs or is the set up different?

The SRT8 suspension has higher spring rates aka stiffer.

Has less of a tendency to lean in a corner.

I put the Hotchkis kit on (350 + my labor + 90 for 4 wheel alignment @ dealer). I also inflated the Conti's to 35psi. Much less squeal in the corners, and she corners pretty flat with the sways.

I would expect that stiffer springs (KW2's or an SRT8 system) would help as well.

I've driven an SRT8 and it seems to feel like a small (and fast )tank compared to the stock 300C. I would describe the 300C as a luxury sedan with a "Go-Motor". With minor mods, I now classify my 300C as a luxury SPORTS sedan, and the SRT8 as a Hi-Performance Luxury Sports Sedan.

My $0.02 + tax, title, license and dealer prep.

jimt

[magnumfreak]

Just got through installing the srt-8 suspension on my car today. One of the best mods I have ever done. Car dropped just a little bit (perfect in my book) and handles like it should have from the factory.

[Fleck 5]

Originally Posted by magnumfreak

Just got through installing the srt-8 suspension on my car today. One of the best mods I have ever done. Car dropped just a little bit (perfect in my book) and handles like it should have from the factory.

Are the springs the only difference between the C and the SRT? How much did it cost you for the springs and installation? What tires do you have?