Odd Inquiry: Softer CSRT8 Suspension?

[JohnnyB]

Hi,
I'm new here, my wife's current car is an '00 Lincoln LS, which she loves. However I've been frustrated w/ it's *lack* of reliability (lots of little, and IMO inexcusable stuff breaking..... should've never bought a FoMoCo product). So we are in the market for a slightly used car to replace the LS. Of course the 300C is at the top of my list, but I'd also consider an Infinity G35 sedan. Now we're just beginning our search and so far all we've test driven is a CSRT8. I LOVE the power, handling and style of that car, BUT the wife's two biggest complaints are lack of wood trim (can be fixed, I know) and the relatively harsh ride compared to the LS. The ride doesn't bother me too much, but then again I'm used to riding in my WS6 TA and Dak R/T both of which are pretty stiff compared to the LS. I'd have to concur however that on a long trip (which the LS replacement would be used for) that a harsh ride would get old fast. So my question is, is there a relatively easy way to soften the CSRT8's ride (shocks, tires, springs etc) without ruining the handling too much? Or should we be considering a 300C (I assume the ride is less harsh than an SRT8)?

TIA

[NotYet]

JohnnyB, welcome to the forum.

I am no suspension expert by any stretch of the imagination. I can tell you though that the ride in the C is waaaaaaaaaaaay more soft than the SRT. Almost too soft. But if the softness is what you're lookin' for, the C may be a better option. If its going to be your wife's daily driver and your occasional fun, then yea, the C might be the best way to go for you.

I'm actually in the process of stiffening up my C's suspension. I don't have a clue as to what you could do to soften the SRT ride, but I'm sure someone will be along shortly to help you out.

G'luck and again, welcome aboard!

[LAIDBACKC]

I wonder if you could put C springs on an srt... i have no idea.... but like he said... the C is waaaaaaaaaaay softer than the srt-8.... or you could always doooooo air suspension

[GoofyTimL]

You should look into a 300C Heritage Edition. It has many of the SRT8 styling cues... highly bolstered seats, rear deck spoiler, HIDs, etc., but a slightly softer suspension that she will love. Doesn't have the wood trim interior, but as you said... that can be overlayed.

[Markmysite]

I've driven both, and at times I wish I had the 300c because of the softer ride. The SRT8 is all about performace, and it does kick some tail. However, as a daily driver I can't recommend it for ride quality. If you want to rule the road you want an SRT... if you want a car that's still very fast (ok so you lose 1 second in 0-60) and rides more like a Caddy... you want the 300C. It won't handle the twisties as well... but that's only an issue if you plan on track racing.

[Steve Levin]

Unless you really want the handling -- and it sounds like that's more secondary -- I'd echo everyone else that the C is going to be the car for you. You would be better up firming up a C's ride slightly (if you think it's too soft) than trying to soften the SRT's ride.

Steve

[1fastsedan]

My first question would be what your "fun" goals are with your SRT8? You can soften up the SRT8's ride by dumping the Goodyear tires for something with a softer ride, but you MAY give up track performance depending on your choice. There are a few tires that members have tried with good performance and improved ride quality, the Toyo Proxes 4 comes to mind immediately.

The second thing you can do is coil-overs. The dampening on the stock SRT suspension is pretty stiff. If you go with an adjustable dampening coil-over, such as the KW V2 or soon-to-be-released TEINs, you will be able to soften the ride for daily driving and then sitffen it up for any performance driving.

You might be able to put "C" components on the SRT8, but I believe you will raise its stance in the process which will make your stock 20" wheels look bad by increasing the wheel well gap.

[JohnnyB]

Thanks for the replies, I'm just glad 'yall didn't laugh me off the forum!

Looks like we really need to test drive a 5.7L 300C. My biggest concern on ride is due to the fact that our LS (non-sport w/ wider-than-stock Falken Ziex 235-16s) is about the perfect compromise between handling and softness. It's pretty competent in the corners and is very easy to toss around and feels "light on it's feet, yet feels silky on the highway. Any less competence in the handling department and I'm not going to like a 300C, although the extra kick in the pants the 5.7L has over the little 3.9L LS V8 will probably be enough "compensation" to win me over. And I'm sure there are ways to improve the C's handing a tad. But it'll still be tough to stop drooling over that "point-and-squirt" power of the 6.1L SRT. Gotta keep telling myself, "It's the wife's car..............."

[Ali"i 300C]

We had an LS. I bought a C...the wife took it over and gave me the LS. She liked it so much that after 6 months she suggested I buy another C. I uped it to a CSRT. We couldn't be happier. The C is very similar to the LS in ride...she likes it...

[JohnnyB]

Good feedback from another LS owner, thanks!

Well we finally got to test a 300C and I can agree the ride and handling is very similar to the LS. But the THRUST is oh-so much greater! There is no comparison 0-60, compared to the LS it feels like the hand of GOD is pushing you forward in the C. We fell in love and are now anxiously waiting delivery of our new '07 300C!!

Thanks and looking forward to joining the 300 community here.

'07 300C Black w/ Dark/Light Graphite Interior any day now.......