Need advice for a suspension fix.

[GTone]

Guys,

Had a small front end collision on my 2014 FRS and insurance replaced everything, but ride feels rougher and bouncier than before so I want to try to upgrade the suspension in an attempt to fix it. Have had a couple alignments done so that shouldn't be the problem. Car has 50K miles on it.

I'm not interested in lowering the car at all. It is my DD and I don't go to the track, but I would characterize my driving as very spirited as I fight the fast and furious traffic to work every day. But I want a ride that is more comfortable than I currently have. I was hoping to stay around $800 for a fix.

I've been reading some of the posts here and kinda have the Bilstein B6 in the back of my head as a possible good set, but not sure if they would work with my stock springs or not? I've also seen talk about replacing the back springs with the 2017 version.

So I guess the questions are:
1. Are the B6's a good set to go with for ride quality but still sporty driving?
2. Will they work with the stock springs?
3. What are the big changes in feel with the 2017 springs and is it mainly just the rear springs that people are swapping out?
4. What other spring sets are good to pair up with the B6's?

[Racecomp Engineering]

I would do a full inspection of your suspension, but yes Bilstein B6 would be a good choice and they work with stock springs.

- Andrew

[TommyW]

First thing is I'd use paragraphs when you type

[smg1138]

Originally Posted by TommyW

First thing is I'd use paragraphs when you type

Just think of it as one big ass paragraph.

[GTone]

Edited post to make it more readable.

Thanks Andrew for the feedback on the B6's. If I stuck with the stock springs, would I need to consider replacing top hats or mounts or any other hardware with it?

[jmark]

Originally Posted by GTone

Guys,

Had a small front end collision on my 2014 FRS and insurance replaced everything, but ride feels rougher and bouncier than before so I want to try to upgrade the suspension in an attempt to fix it. Have had a couple alignments done so that shouldn't be the problem. Car has 50K miles on it.

I'm not interested in lowering the car at all. It is my DD and I don't go to the track, but I would characterize my driving as very spirited as I fight the fast and furious traffic to work every day. But I want a ride that is more comfortable than I currently have. I was hoping to stay around $800 for a fix.

I've been reading some of the posts here and kinda have the Bilstein B6 in the back of my head as a possible good set, but not sure if they would work with my stock springs or not? I've also seen talk about replacing the back springs with the 2017 version.

So I guess the questions are:
1. Are the B6's a good set to go with for ride quality but still sporty driving?
2. Will they work with the stock springs?
3. What are the big changes in feel with the 2017 springs and is it mainly just the rear springs that people are swapping out?
4. What other spring sets are good to pair up with the B6's?

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...9&postcount=53

[finch1750]

If the ride is noticeably different post crash I would have it checked again as RCE suggested. Something may be off if it was all replaced with OEM parts. Did anything else change parts wise when it got replaced?

[asdf]

Originally Posted by GTone

Edited post to make it more readable.

Thanks Andrew for the feedback on the B6's. If I stuck with the stock springs, would I need to consider replacing top hats or mounts or any other hardware with it?

No need to replace top hats with the B6's. You'd want to keep the OE rubber to retain comfort as well.

But would agree with posters above before spending money and trying a new damper and have your current suspension looked over again.

[Racecomp Engineering]

Originally Posted by GTone

Edited post to make it more readable.

Thanks Andrew for the feedback on the B6's. If I stuck with the stock springs, would I need to consider replacing top hats or mounts or any other hardware with it?

You wouldn't need to, unless your old ones are busted or worn out.

- Andrew

[GTone]

Originally Posted by finch1750

If the ride is noticeably different post crash I would have it checked again as RCE suggested. Something may be off if it was all replaced with OEM parts. Did anything else change parts wise when it got replaced?

The driver side lower control arm as well as the tire was replaced but that was it as far as suspension parts. All the rest was pretty much cosmetic body work and the washer fluid tank.

So if the dealer already looked it over, where would you suggest a go-to for inspecting the suspension?

[Racecomp Engineering]

I would inspect your shocks to see if they've blown (leaking fluid). Have a look at your control arm bushings to see if they're torn or in general bad shape.

- Andrew

[GTone]

So, I looked over the suspension and I believe there is no leakage in my shocks. They are dry and clean all over. The bushings all look good and in fact on the side in question, I believe they are all new when they replaced the LCA.

I'm starting to wonder if this is all in my head. After the accident I had to drive a rental for 2 months waiting for my car to get fixed. It was a cushy ride. But I've been driving mine for 3 months now and still think it's a little rough but maybe that's just how it was before? The only thing changed on the car from stock is the tires - my Pilot Super Sports are getting a little worn. Would that be a drastic difference in ride quality compared to the stock Primacy's?

I think I was wrong in characterizing my ride as bouncy. I think stiff is a better word as every bump seems to translate directly to my body. Would the B6 and RCE Yellows be a more comfortable ride or just make it stiffer yet?

[dattran86]

I think you was used to the soft suspension in the rental.

and B6 + RCE Yellow will likely be the same or even a little stiffer compared to stock suspension.

I just went from 4 weeks with no car and driving a rental.
when i got back into my stock BRZ. IT was STIFF!