A discussion on improving ride quality

[gramicci101]

Originally Posted by Racecomp Engineering

JRZ RS1 is just one option (you can read my review from the testing we did for them if you search our past threads).

- Andy

Did you know that our search feature won't parse three character search requests? Such as JRZ, or RS1, or even "JRZ RS1". However, I found it anyways.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11759
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21194


I did notice that you said they're only single adjustable; I assume for compression? How do they work their magic if you can't also adjust high/low speed rebound as well?

[cdrazic93]

Originally Posted by gramicci101

Did you know that our search feature won't parse three character search requests? Such as JRZ, or RS1, or even "JRZ RS1". However, I found it anyways.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11759
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21194


I did notice that you said they're only single adjustable; I assume for compression? How do they work their magic if you can't also adjust high/low speed rebound as well?

They are probably valved to encompass the adjustments available so the adjustments actually do something, rather than turning a nob. There's probably a shock dyno of it somewhere. I'd take the JRZ RS1's over Ohlins any day.

Oh wow that intro price of $2,999 for the RS1's man bring THAT back lol

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by solidONE

"ride quality" is really subjective and relative. You guys talking about "ride quality" while just putting around town? Or, do you mean "ride quality" while your trying to beat your personal best lap or the next guy? Do you want "ride quality" while going on a fairly smooth freeway freeway 80mph vs 80mph around a corner, over the curbing, followed by a dip in the middle of the turn and then running over a squirrel? lol

My litmus test?

Will ladies in the car complain that the car is bumpy? Can a lady apply makeup in the passenger seat? Can I text while driving on the highway?

Do not try at home obviously; all tests conducted by professionals on a closed course.

[SilverFRS]

So do the new Tein Flex Z pass your litmus test? Compare to Ohlins for street ride comfort (not performance)?

[Racecomp Engineering]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

My litmus test?

Will ladies in the car complain that the car is bumpy? Can a lady apply makeup in the passenger seat? Can I text while driving on the highway?

Do not try at home obviously; all tests conducted by professionals on a closed course.

I agree. If you have to apologize to a passenger that's a non-car person about your ride quality it means you have work to do!

- Andy

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by SilverFRS

So do the new Tein Flex Z pass your litmus test? Compare to Ohlins for street ride comfort (not performance)?

Actually, both dampers pass that test.

[abraxis]

Originally Posted by Racecomp Engineering

I disagree. It's really not difficult to improve ride over certain types of bumps but it often means a compromise in another area. This is why you see reviews of some lowering springs or some coilovers that say the ride feels smoother. It can be smoother over small to medium bumps, but may be quite jarring over big bumps. In some cases you may have had a negative impact on handling (or effectively no change).

On the other hand, I've been in cars that had track oriented suspension on them that adsorbed big bumps brilliantly...way better than stock, but bobble the man-boobs you didnt know you had on anything but glass smooth roads.

Everyone's expectations are different and what's better than stock for you and your roads may not be the same as for another person.

What's difficult is better ride 100% of the time AND better handling. Takes some thought and some money, but can be done. JRZ RS1 is just one option (you can read my review from the testing we did for them if you search our past threads). There are others though with different degrees of hardcore-ness. I'm still in Japan right now so my vocabulary is terrible. I'll write more when I get home.

- Andy

I think if you read my posts carefully, you don't disagree at all. Your post is exactly what I've been saying the whole time. Cheaper alternatives usually mean sidegrades and picking between compromises. $$ get's you the ability to have your cake and eat it too. Under any given circumstance or critieria, the new suspension either improves over stock ride or it doesn't. Simple What's to disagree about?

[abraxis]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

My litmus test?

Will ladies in the car complain that the car is bumpy? Can a lady apply makeup in the passenger seat? Can I text while driving on the highway?

Do not try at home obviously; all tests conducted by professionals on a closed course.

Originally Posted by Racecomp Engineering

I agree. If you have to apologize to a passenger that's a non-car person about your ride quality it means you have work to do!

- Andy

Now you sound like you're disagreeing with yourself here.


Ride quality is a not a subjective perceptions thing at all. If you feel harshness at any point, your suspension has simply failed to convert that excess energy adequately and is passing it on to you as a result.

[cdrazic93]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

My litmus test?

Will ladies in the car complain that the car is bumpy? Can a lady apply makeup in the passenger seat?

Originally Posted by Racecomp Engineering

I agree. If you have to apologize to a passenger that's a non-car person about your ride quality it means you have work to do!

- Andy

My girlfriend tried to apply makeup in my old car, she constantly wanted to stab me with her makeup pencil. And she has a broken back, so im pretty sure i need me a set of dem der JRZ whatcha-ma-callits or if I'm lucky enough some of those Penske fellers might help

[KoolBRZ]

This is why I separate ride quality from performance. Ride quality for the street, and performance for the track. You can't get good ride quality on the street without getting cross-talk from the anti-sway bars over the bumps. it's not the shocks which screw up the street ride, it's the anti-sway bars. Those same anti-sway bars which are too stiff for the street are too soft for the track. It takes some pretty sophisticated valving to compensate for both street and track use.

[abraxis]

Originally Posted by KoolBRZ

This is why I separate ride quality from performance. Ride quality for the street, and performance for the track. You can't get good ride quality on the street without getting cross-talk from the anti-sway bars over the bumps. it's not the shocks which screw up the street ride, it's the anti-sway bars. Those same anti-sway bars which are too stiff for the street are too soft for the track. It takes some pretty sophisticated valving to compensate for both street and track use.

Or do what McLaren does and get rid of sway bars. IF you believe Clarkson, a P1 rides like a Rolls Royce on a cobblestone street.


Even a Lexus has one of these.


http://www.autoevolution.com/news/tw...ned-21009.html

[EAGLE5]

Active sway bars are awesome. Had them on the 550i. They're one of the tricks needed to make a big comfy car dance. It just goes to show that there are many ways to skin the suspension squirrel. They also add weight, complexity, and reliability issues. Then again, race shocks need periodic rebuilding.

[Turdinator]

Originally Posted by gramicci101

Did you know that our search feature won't parse three character search requests? Such as JRZ, or RS1, or even "JRZ RS1". However, I found it anyways.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11759
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21194


I did notice that you said they're only single adjustable; I assume for compression? How do they work their magic if you can't also adjust high/low speed rebound as well?

Try punching this into google...

JRZ site:www.ft86club.com

[solidONE]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

My litmus test?

Will ladies in the car complain that the car is bumpy? Can a lady apply makeup in the passenger seat? Can I text while driving on the highway?

Do not try at home obviously; all tests conducted by professionals on a closed course.

That's a good way to assess ride quality, but... I've seen some chicks put on makeup in some really adverse road conditions. I'm talking while they're in the drivers seat steering with their kneecaps, watching the road, the vanity mirror, and eating breakfast simultaneously like it ain't no thing. I suppose these girls aren't the ones you'd pick to do the test with.