Sports Pack suspension

[propaganda]

I have a newly acquired MY09 V8 Vantage with sports pack. My previous cars were an R8 with Magnetic ride & a MY08 Gallardo. I instantly noticed the firmer suspension in the V8 compered to my previous cars, very like the R8 with magnetic ride set to ON, you really can feel the road surface with the Sports Pack suspension - this is in itself not a great problem, steering feel is very nice and comparable with the Gallardo. However I do notice a couple of things which I am not so keen on:

1) The car seems to bounce a lot more that I like on any slightly uneven surface, does not seem to give an even ride under power, a litttle unsettled. Never really noticed this on the previous cars.

2) Under a full power acceleration from relatively slow speed I notice that the car shimmies (sp?) initially before settling down, neither the Gallardo nor the R8 did this.

3) The car drifts slightly left on a flat straight road with hands off the wheel.

I must admit I am surprised by the suspension issue given the endorsements given by other forum members. I also was obviously not paying enough attention on the test drive!

So the questions are: Is the geometry at fault, is the suspension just too stiff for my liking, and if so is there any way the damp it a little more? Adjustable damping as in the R8 would be a better option - Prodrive adjustable suspension?

Edited by propaganda on Monday 5th April 16:22

[bogie]

ive driving a R8 and have a standard V8 Vantage, ive not upgrade the suspension as I havnt found it lacking on road as yet, for my style of road driving

I guess some people prefer different set-ups, thats really all there is too it ...

I think you really need to drive both back to back then make your mind up whats best for you

[propaganda]

Thanks Bogie, It isn't really a question of deciding anything as I have the V8 and am not intending to change, I am really asking whether what I am describing is common or not. It may be a case of "they all do that Sir".

[rick-derby-]

Firstly tyre pressures, critical for correct handling, the setup between standard and sports suspension are not the same and with in tolerance rather than spot on does make a big differance, only takes one of the four corners to be out to compromise the ride, taking into account the standard camber on the roads, if in a safe enviroment if you try on the opposite side of the road does it now wander to the right, if you prefer a more spirited drive than I would recommend a slightly different geometry setup, If you have somebody locally who has the equipment for full suspension geometry, not four wheel alignment as a common misconception and a great sales tool with limited technical improvement, Than let me have the settings as they are now and i will gladly review them and if needed give the specs I would use, just one point when being checked the rear as well as the front require turn or slide plates to get accurate readings,so worth while watching to make sure this is done as deflection from the tyres will give inacurate readings, When set perfectly the ride should make you feel confident and sure footed yes it is stiffer and on poor roads can feel twitchy under steady driving, but under a spirited drive the change in unsprung weight and the setup it should respond well with limited body roll and a postive feel through the steering, improved grip in the corners, from what you describe I would not consider as normal and would definatly suspect a geometry issue,either initial setup or external factor such as heavy pothole impact etc,