Softer Ride

[PVLFD]

Originally Posted by asdf

Unfortunately, this car is not likely going to be quite as cushy no matter what you do-- higher end suspension setups will help to make the ride more manageable and handle better, but it is not likely that you will get a 'luxury car' kind of feel if that's what you're seeking.

There are a ton of aftermarket spring options out there if you want to lower the car, but since you're looking for some comfort, you won't find it there, especially pairing up with your OEM dampers... You may be surprised how much of a difference a softer tire will make.

If you're set on trying to change the suspension: If you have local meets, you can try to see if anybody that has a different suspension setup can give you a ride-along or let you test drive (maybe if you offer a 6pack or lunch or something). Or maybe you can stop by a local dealership to test drive a new stock 86/BRZ to see if finding a less worn set of OEM springs/shocks will do the trick. I will say, I very much doubt any aftermarket springs paired with your OEM dampers will net the result you seem to be looking for.

Good luck in your search!

Thank you for suggestions!
I read on this forum that changing from 45 to 50 tire will help, I guess I will try that next summer.

[Yoniyama]

The ride of the 2013 model is notoriously choppy. Some of the reasons for the very choppy ride are: inadequate wheel travel and stiff rear dampers.

For your budget (of $300 to $400), Chuhatsu lift springs may be your best bet for ride improvement.

The ride quality can be improved further (without breaking the bank) by replacing the rear dampers with the current OEM item (don't get the extra stiff after-market ones).

Softer anti-roll bars, for about $500, will also improve the ride quality. But you may not want softer anti-roll bars AND taller springs at the same time.

Light-weight 16" wheels will reduce unsprung weight, and hence better handling, faster acceleration, and better ride. But that would set you back at least US$1,000 for a new set of something reasonably light (eg Enkei RPF-1).

2-piece front brake rotors also reduce unsprung weight. They cost about US$700 a pair.

Aluminium suspension control arms reduce unsprung weight as well, but they are very expensive on a kg/$ basis.

[venturaII]

Originally Posted by PVLFD

I bought the car used last year so not sure. I had an Infiniti G35 before and the ride was much softer even though it's a sporty car as well.
With this one I can feel every small pothole.

You went from a Luxury GT Cruiser to a bona-fide sportscar. You need to recalibrate your sensitivity.

Living in Toronto, it's probably safe to assume you have snow tires. Are they 16" snows on steel wheels, and if so, do you find the ride much more comfortable than when the summer 17s are on? If that's the case, then you could have the same ride quality with better grip if you went with an inexpensive 16" wheel and tire set for the summer.

[TommyW]

Going from an Infinity to an FRS is going to be a big change comfort wise. I don't think you'll be able to do much to get the FRS to be much more compliant without changing it's main attribute which is the handling. 3-400 bucks especially won't do much.

[wparsons]

Threads like this always amaze me... not sure what people expected when buying a small sports car known for excellent road feel and feedback.

2017 springs/shocks might help a bit, but it's still not going to be as cushy as a luxury car. You could get custom valved/sprung higher end coilovers, but you're looking at $3k+ for that.

[Leonardo]

I'll add this...


via Imgflip Meme Generator


But in all seriousness, getting a more comfortable ride than stock is not going to be easy and cheap. Billstein b6 shocks are an upgrade over the stock shocks. It looks like the 2017's springs are the softest available. I'd find someone with a 17 that has upgraded to coils and see if they will sell you there shocks and springs.


Good luck!


oh yeah.. and HAPPY FRIDAY!

[Icecreamtruk]

You bought the wrong car, this aint no luxury car. You will destroy everything the car was build for, in search of something that was never a consideration. While you may say that a G35 is a sports car (2 doors + powerful engine), comparing it to the 86 is like comparing a mustang to a miata, you may call them both "sporty" but only one of them handles "sporty".

So for that budget, I dont think you can do anything but replace your dampers and hope that new dampers might soften things up a bit (altho ultimately, a softer ride calls for softer springs and more travel).

[JazzleSAURUS]

I think everyone has this covered, but I'd look for some used suspension off a 15+, and go with 16" wheels, OR maybe a tire a little wider with a little softer sidewall, like a Hankook V12 225/45-17. It should increase grip, and with wider sidewalls will make it a bit more compliant. I went with a 225/45-17 S-04 because the sidewalls are so stiff I could increase grip without sacrificing sidewall rigidity/precision.

You went from a luxury car that had some sport in it, to a sports car with nearly no luxury. It's different. Just like you shouldn't be surprised when a honda CRV can't tow like a 2500hd, you shouldn't be surprised when your 86 isn't comfortable like an infiniti.

[Racecomp Engineering]

A better ride is possible. Start with different shocks...2013 shocks are a bit stiff and you're getting closer to needing to replace them anyway. If you're budget is $300-$400 then the best you can do is some lightly used 2016 or 2017 OEM shocks.

The 2016 and later cars aren't "soft" but they are much better and IMO more than acceptable. My mom doesn't complain about the ride quality as a point of reference.

- Andrew

[asdf]

I don't know this user, was just browsing the member classifieds but there is a FS listing for 2017 springs and dampers w/ under 1k miles. Shipping from California may be a little pricey though.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122432

[venturaII]

Originally Posted by asdf

I don't know this user, was just browsing the member classifieds but there is a FS listing for 2017 springs and dampers w/ under 1k miles. Shipping from California may be a little pricey though.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122432

That's about as cheap a bolt on setup as you'll find, at that mileage.

[uras300]

I can confirm ride improvement as I've swapped OEM 2017 suspension on my 2014 BRZ. The highway speed bumps/imperfections on road are no longer choppy and more compliant. Tendency to over-steer has lessened. It feels more refined and well balanced compared to more tail-happy but bouncy 2014 suspension.

[Ultramaroon]

I'll say it one more time in a slightly different way because, had I not experienced it for myself, I would easily overlook it in a thread such as this.

Tire sidewall stiffness has DRAMATIC effect on ride feel. The stock sidewalls are super stiff.

super stiff stock sidewalls

[FRS-86]

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123508