New shocks and springs?

[AMH-75]

So I think the time has come to tackle one of the few remaining niggles I have with my Zed and that’s the ride quality. It’s not on RFTs which helps and it’s not a sports spec but she can still crash around on B roads.

I would really appreciate some advice on a possible new suspension set up. Just a little lower than stock would be great but nothing too much, I don’t want to start having issues with clearance, and I would like a progressive ride. By that I mean compliant when I want it to be (relaxed) but firm if I am cracking on and going through corners. Is there a best of both worlds option out there (an adaptive set up) for an E85 that anyone can recommend?

 

[Ewazix]

Since you are on se ride height and non-RFT's your set-up should be as comfortable and compliant as you will get. My guess is that your shocks, bushes or top mounts are worn causing the crashing. Or the you have a busted spring which is VERY common, or someone has fitted poly bushes that are not working well with the rest of the suspension

I'm sure someone will be along with the latest experiences with aftermarket suspension kit, but my crashy ride and darty handling issues were all sorted by replacing busted springs and worn bushes with OEM spec kit and getting a good 4 wheel geo' done. Simples

 

[True-Blue]

You haven’t said how many miles your car has done, but it’s an E85 so it’s getting on a bit however you look at it!

Your shocks will be doing very little by now, so replacing with standard or Bilstein B4’s will make a world of difference.

You could probably get away with Eibach Pro springs, have a nicely lower stance and still have a smother ride as they are progressive springs.

Trying to convert to adaptive suspension will be prohibitively expensive... compared to the likely value of your car.

An E85 is a go-cart though, it’s never going to cosset you

 

[saj77]

Another vote for B4s and Eibach springs.

I have fitted Eibach pro kit and Blistein B4’s with Meyle HD front mounts, Febi Blistein rear mounts (as I’d read Meyle HD rears can have a knocking sound).

Big difference in ride, looks and comfort - I was replacing 88k miles old parts.

 

[AMH-75]

Thanks for the feedback. The car has only done 60k. I did not mean to imply that I think the car is worse than it’s supposed to be. I have been in other E85s and it’s comparable. I had the car serviced recently at an Indy and asked them to check the suspension for wear and everything was in tip top condition as far as they could see. The E85 was set hard from the factory so the ride on B roads is to be expected (especially our roads). I was really just asking if folks had experience of swapping to non OEM to get a slightly more comfortable ride (it’s never going to waft you along like a limo, nor do I want it to). But I have heard of others giving other solutions a try and getting good results. It’s a progressive set up I am after. I agree re full adaptive. I suspect that would be hard to justify.