V Suspension

[rs88]

Hey Guys/Gals, I know this "suspension / ride" has been discussed endlessly in this forum.. but I want to ask your opinion about my car..

03 V35 .. standard suspension, running Achilles ATR Sport (2 months old tyres) 20" 245/30 Front and 275/40 rears. I was out on a country road (coarse chip?) doing 90km/h and the V was so skittish across the road. I don't know if its because of the low profile rubber.. and steering was constantly fighting/jumping and unable to maintain a steady course. My question is, I expect harsh ride from low profile tyres.. but is it the tyres? What can I do to get more control from the car? If it is the tyres, then I have to live with it. Thanks!

[Deep Dish V35]

initially i'd say its the 20's. but you also have wheel alignment, tyre pressures and worn bushes/shocks/springs to consider.

low profile tryes (40% or less) will tend to wander as it drives over inconsistent surfaces, resulting in lots of steering correction as you go along.

if you put 17's or 18's back on (pumped to 32psi) and went down the same road, it should drive alot straighter. if that makes no difference, id be checking mechanical components

the worst ride ive ever experienced was on 285-25-20's which had lots of centre wear from underinflation. the back of the car handled alot like a car with solid rear axle and a broken watts linkage ( scary feeling!)

Edited July 15, 2012 by Deep Dish V35

[n15m0]

Dude, firstly who recommended those tire profiles for you? There is 73mm difference in overall diameter between the front and back tires. Secondly those profiles are also way off for a V.

[..350GT8..]

Dude, firstly who recommended those tire profiles for you? There is 73mm difference in overall diameter between the front and back tires. Secondly those profiles are also way off for a V.

i agree.. if i was going to run those sizes... would be 245/40 and 275/35

[n15m0]

And even then those would be recommended profiles for 19s not 20s...

[rs88]

My bad! Typo. Its 245/30 Front and 275/30 rears, 20". The car had the 20" on it when i bought it. Wheel alignment was done when I changed tyres about 2 months ago and I'm running nitrogens in the tyres. Saves from topping up every single week! Deep Dish, good point about low profile tyres. I still have my original 17", might put it back on to test mechanical components. Thanks guys

[t5iv]

30% profile seems really skinny mate. Would think that 45 is more appropriate.

[sonicii]

30 is the correct profile for 20in rims with those width tyres.. the stock 18s run 225/45 and 245/45. 245/30 and 275/30 will give the closest overall diameter on a 20in rim.