new owner. hates steering response!

[jaydee]

I must say yes to "kick on bumps"- it certainly doesn't feel solidly placed on the road considering the weight of the beast. Mine are non-sealing contis but I suspect it has to do with the design of the suspension- I feel the car shifting on turns with bumps. - it just doesnt stay put and hug the road.

[chasb]

I changed to 245/45/zr20 GoodYear F1 super car tires (same as on the Z06 corvettes.)

Car grips like my slot cars.

I'll use the stock rims and contis in the snow if I take the car out at all.

[jaydee]

Originally Posted by Northern Rider

Rich, the steering is rack and pinion, lifted right out of the mercedes e-class sedans. It is very tight and precise.

The problem you describe is being caused by the crappy OEM conti tires. The sidewalls roll over causing the front end to move and the rear IRS suspension to "hop".

Put some decent tires on and you'll find you have bought a very sweet handling car (in the meantime put your tire pressures up to 34 lbs all round).

If you need more proof, follow this link: Driving Fast with a 300C

NR- Are you saying the non-sealing Contis are similar to the self sealing Contis in this regard? I run my stock non-sealing Contis on my 300C AWD at 30 PSI.. Should I be raising this to 34 as you have suggested?

Jaydee

[Northern Rider]

Originally Posted by jaydee

NR- Are you saying the non-sealing Contis are similar to the self sealing Contis in this regard? I run my stock non-sealing Contis on my 300C AWD at 30 PSI.. Should I be raising this to 34 as you have suggested?

Jaydee

Yep, same jellyfish sidewalls. The tires give up way before the suspension does.
Many report feathering on the edge of the tire and fast wear out. Tire pressures help. On the track i was running over 40 lbs in them but that's too stiff for the road.

When set up properly, this car handles very well, as do the SRT-8's with the same components, just different shocks, spring rates and sway bars.

I got some BFG T/A KDW 255/55/18's. Handling and braking have improved by a factor of 3 and the car tracks straight down the road. Tires are comfortable, as well. cost $126.00 each at Tire Rack.

Here's a pic:

[Tsottile]

Tires make a BIG difference in handeling, I think if you were to change tires and have the proper tire pressure I think you would change your mind.

[MrHappy]

I LOVE the look of that tread pattern Northern but somehow I'm thinking those are gonna like the snows of Ohio very much! Still looking for that one set that will work in all seasons but not suck as bad as the Conti's!

[II kings 9:20]

That does it, I just ordered some BFG KDWS through NTB and they go on wed, shipping the non seal Contis back to Tire Rack, they are still at the installer. I'll let y'all know what I thinks wed evening.

[Northern Rider]

Originally Posted by MrHappy

I LOVE the look of that tread pattern Northern but somehow I'm thinking those are gonna like the snows of Ohio very much! Still looking for that one set that will work in all seasons but not suck as bad as the Conti's!

You're right - those are strictly summer tires - no go on the ice and snow. I have Pirelli Scorpions for that.

BFG make a tire called the KDWS (DryWetSnow) that has had great reviews by 300C owners as an all season tire.

[SSC]

To NR;
Thanks for the info on the tires. I put a set on. It made an incredible difference. The "floating" sensation is gone and the car handles much better. The ride is firmer. The change in the ride characteristics is very noticeable.

As soon as the R&D is done and decent kits are available with springs, bars, struts, shocks and camber, I will buy them.

I also think the tires make the car look much better.

Regards, SSC

[simiritch]

Coincidentaly, i just scheduled an appointment with the dealer to test drive my '06 300C to see if i am crazy about this floating sensation. He says it is the Continentals. now i read all of this and am excited that I may actualy love my new car yet!