I want a soft ride

[seven]

Run 15s with a 60 series tires... you can do with with a few wheels (search my name for info on 15s - I run them as winter wheels). 16s will also work

Call ground control and ask them to spec you a coilover kit

[Mikepage]

[Jaylyons1]

Originally Posted by JoeBoxer

Not softer than stock but ride is excellent and the drop is pretty decent. I like them but actually would like something a little stiffer.

That's good to hear. I was thinking about picking up a set since they had one of the more mild drop's. I figured that wouldn't be too bad on the factory equipment.

[Mikepage]

Originally Posted by Jaylyons1

Check into the Tein H Tech springs. I don't know personally, but I do hear they are a bit softer than stock. It's not going to be super easy to make this car too soft though.

Not true check here :

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8739

Tein H-Tech *NOTE* 0.9"/2.9k 0.7"/4.8k SKSA0-G1B00 $TBD
OEM Scion FR-S M/T 0.0"/2.3k 0.0"/3.8k F:SU003-04144 $83.90

[JoeBoxer]

The H Techs are stiffer than stock but ride quality is still excellent, i plan on going with something more adjustable later on but they are doing the job nicely for under $200.

[mashal]

Buy some really soft pillows and put them on the seat then sit on top.
Very soft ride .

[mike2100]

We bought my FR-S and my wife's Impreza Sport this past June and have put 7000 on my car and 9000 on hers. Her car is super comfy. I comment on it every time we take it on a road trip or even just to the store. Every time I want a break from the stiff FRS we take her car. I'm sorry but from my personal experience you will not get anywhere near the comfort of that car. 16s won't help. Her car has 17s too and the sidewall is only a hair taller. The comfort is in the springs and matched dampers, the skinny sway bars, and those soft, plush seats. You may as well get an Impreza sport! Or if you want fast the new Forester goes on sale in a few months and the turbo version will have 250 hp.

[Jaylyons1]

Originally Posted by Mikepage

Not true check here :

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8739

Tein H-Tech *NOTE* 0.9"/2.9k 0.7"/4.8k SKSA0-G1B00 $TBD
OEM Scion FR-S M/T 0.0"/2.3k 0.0"/3.8k F:SU003-04144 $83.90

Like I said, this was what I hear. The people that actually purchased them said they felt softer. I still plan on getting a set myself since the numbers seem to say otherwise.

[JoeBoxer]

Originally Posted by Jaylyons1

Like I said, this was what I hear. The people that actually purchased them said they felt softer. I still plan on getting a set myself since the numbers seem to say otherwise.

The stock dampers are overdamped for the factory spring rate so the stiffer springs actually make them feel a little better as long as you don't go too far. I actually want to try out the Swift springs or the Tein Street Basis coilovers, both should still ride really well.

[Kimsey47]

We have the weather channel on at work and I must say... I HAVE FOUND the solution! Introducing the "Forever Comfy": https://www.getforevercomfy.com/

Truck drivers love it, old guys in office chairs love it, and middle aged women chilling at home love it. I even believe I heard the quote "my bottom has never felt so good!"

[Justin.b]

Originally Posted by mike2100

We bought my FR-S and my wife's Impreza Sport this past June and have put 7000 on my car and 9000 on hers. Her car is super comfy. I comment on it every time we take it on a road trip or even just to the store. Every time I want a break from the stiff FRS we take her car. I'm sorry but from my personal experience you will not get anywhere near the comfort of that car. 16s won't help. Her car has 17s too and the sidewall is only a hair taller. The comfort is in the springs and matched dampers, the skinny sway bars, and those soft, plush seats. You may as well get an Impreza sport! Or if you want fast the new Forester goes on sale in a few months and the turbo version will have 250 hp.

There's a definite tradeoff. The Impreza feels like it's going to dig its outer corner into the street when you turn in at anything more than semi-blind grandma speeds.

If you're willing to give up responsiveness you can make any car into a marshmallow. Of course, the bigger and heavier the better if that is your goal.

The ride on the FR-S stock is awesome. It is nothing even close to punishing, which is amazing when you consider that the car is very communicative and responsive.

In short, the FR-S was built for a driving enthusiast who wants to know what each corner is doing. If this is not important to you and the you find the ride punishing, another vehicle is definitely a better choice.

I would guess that a Z4 probably rides better (considering it's purchased by/for people who want to be comfortable). You can probably find a decent one for the same price of an FR-S/BRZ.

-Justin

[Mikepage]

Maybe the new mazda miata also is a good alternative.

[gchin]

Try tirerack and look for wheels for snow tires. That may show you some options for downsizing the wheels & tires. You can use the size from the snow tires as a starting point for choosing your touring tires. Check if your TPMS needs to be re-installed.