2001 xkr - how to improve suspension....
Discussion
Tell him to start by making sure it has new dampers and that the V bushes between subframe and bodyshell are fresh and new. I'd also consider downsizing the wheels a tad for better compliance and to reduce unsprung mass.
I would avoid polybushing. They just tend to ruin cars like this. Instead, ensure that fresh OE bushes are installed. I wouldn't bother lowering ride height or stiffening springs until he gets the car to "as new" mechanical condition and sees what he's working with. He's polishing a turd until he rebushes it and refreshes the dampers, but proper rubber bushes are what's needed here - just new ones, not 13 year old ones.
I would avoid polybushing. They just tend to ruin cars like this. Instead, ensure that fresh OE bushes are installed. I wouldn't bother lowering ride height or stiffening springs until he gets the car to "as new" mechanical condition and sees what he's working with. He's polishing a turd until he rebushes it and refreshes the dampers, but proper rubber bushes are what's needed here - just new ones, not 13 year old ones.
jamieduff1981 said:
Tell him to start by making sure it has new dampers and that the V bushes between subframe and bodyshell are fresh and new. I'd also consider downsizing the wheels a tad for better compliance and to reduce unsprung mass.
I would avoid polybushing. They just tend to ruin cars like this. Instead, ensure that fresh OE bushes are installed. I wouldn't bother lowering ride height or stiffening springs until he gets the car to "as new" mechanical condition and sees what he's working with. He's polishing a turd until he rebushes it and refreshes the dampers, but proper rubber bushes are what's needed here - just new ones, not 13 year old ones.
Could you explain what you mean by "they tend to ruin cars like this"?I would avoid polybushing. They just tend to ruin cars like this. Instead, ensure that fresh OE bushes are installed. I wouldn't bother lowering ride height or stiffening springs until he gets the car to "as new" mechanical condition and sees what he's working with. He's polishing a turd until he rebushes it and refreshes the dampers, but proper rubber bushes are what's needed here - just new ones, not 13 year old ones.
Just had a chat with him...... This is not a wear thing.... He always thought the brakes and handling were weak points but it didn't stop him buying it from new... We've changed the brakes to ebc yellow stuff and ebc discs and he is happier... Next stop might be brembo brake kit given he has 20 inch wheels so clearance not a problem.
He cares not re the ride... Benchmarks are rs and amg cars not Bentleys for him... He'd rather a better handling car that doesn't roll in corners.... Thanks for any advice
He cares not re the ride... Benchmarks are rs and amg cars not Bentleys for him... He'd rather a better handling car that doesn't roll in corners.... Thanks for any advice
70proof said:
BTW this is a keeper and not a daily driver, so he will spend money on it, within reason though. Also accepts modern cars are really good now, so improvement wanted is more confidence in bends not a lap time rocket..
Then I suggest he gets a full set of Powerflex bushes fitted. They give a lot more confidence in bends. designXKR said:
jamieduff1981 said:
Tell him to start by making sure it has new dampers and that the V bushes between subframe and bodyshell are fresh and new. I'd also consider downsizing the wheels a tad for better compliance and to reduce unsprung mass.
I would avoid polybushing. They just tend to ruin cars like this. Instead, ensure that fresh OE bushes are installed. I wouldn't bother lowering ride height or stiffening springs until he gets the car to "as new" mechanical condition and sees what he's working with. He's polishing a turd until he rebushes it and refreshes the dampers, but proper rubber bushes are what's needed here - just new ones, not 13 year old ones.
Could you explain what you mean by "they tend to ruin cars like this"?I would avoid polybushing. They just tend to ruin cars like this. Instead, ensure that fresh OE bushes are installed. I wouldn't bother lowering ride height or stiffening springs until he gets the car to "as new" mechanical condition and sees what he's working with. He's polishing a turd until he rebushes it and refreshes the dampers, but proper rubber bushes are what's needed here - just new ones, not 13 year old ones.
There are certain applications within a car where polybushes can help a lot such as anti-roll bars without any penalty. For applications such as wishbones though, my personal choice is to use OE bushes.
I agree that fitting a new Jaguar bush will show significant improvement in the short term. As we all know these bushes last on average 6-7 years which obviously means that during that time they are slowly degrading. Powerflex bushes come with a lifetime warranty and do not need replacing.
We have fitted Powerflex bushes to many XKs and have yet to hear anyone complain about increased road noise or a harsher ride. I am sure that one of the customers we have fitted the bushes would be happy to take someone on a "test drive" so they can see for themselves.
S
We have fitted Powerflex bushes to many XKs and have yet to hear anyone complain about increased road noise or a harsher ride. I am sure that one of the customers we have fitted the bushes would be happy to take someone on a "test drive" so they can see for themselves.
S
70proof said:
Thanks. What about lowered springs, I know this will mean a geo setup too.
Is, with bushes, you get say x% better, how much more do you get with springs.
It is a popular option to have lowering springs fitted at the same time as the bushes. So far only one customer has asked for the original springs to be refitted but that was only because he moved house to one that was located on an unmade road and he kept catching the body kit he had on the car.Is, with bushes, you get say x% better, how much more do you get with springs.
designXKR said:
I agree that fitting a new Jaguar bush will show significant improvement in the short term. As we all know these bushes last on average 6-7 years which obviously means that during that time they are slowly degrading. Powerflex bushes come with a lifetime warranty and do not need replacing.
We have fitted Powerflex bushes to many XKs and have yet to hear anyone complain about increased road noise or a harsher ride. I am sure that one of the customers we have fitted the bushes would be happy to take someone on a "test drive" so they can see for themselves.
S
Good to hear - thanks We have fitted Powerflex bushes to many XKs and have yet to hear anyone complain about increased road noise or a harsher ride. I am sure that one of the customers we have fitted the bushes would be happy to take someone on a "test drive" so they can see for themselves.
S
I found it interesting to read design xkr's comments on the powerflex poly bushes. When I needed bushes replaced I opted for powerplex poly bushes mainly so I wouldn't need to replace them again during my ownership (I must add that these was not fitted by design xkr but a local independent in south Yorkshire). I have noticed a couple of things since the bushes have been changed.
The first that I have had 4 wheel alignments completed more than once to get eliminate uneven tyre wear that wasn't present prior to the bushes being changed.
The second is that coupled with the 20" wheels and Sheffield roads I do find that the ride I harsher than it was and the cabin has now developed some annoying squeaks. The latter may have happened anyway at 90k miles. If it wasn't for the Brembos I'd have probably downsized the wheels by now.
On a smooth road I would say there is very little body roll when cornering hard and whilst I don't feel the same degree of confidence on the limit as in other cars I have owned it isn't bad. I would say firming things up any more would actually make it slower point top point on a typical british road.
The first that I have had 4 wheel alignments completed more than once to get eliminate uneven tyre wear that wasn't present prior to the bushes being changed.
The second is that coupled with the 20" wheels and Sheffield roads I do find that the ride I harsher than it was and the cabin has now developed some annoying squeaks. The latter may have happened anyway at 90k miles. If it wasn't for the Brembos I'd have probably downsized the wheels by now.
On a smooth road I would say there is very little body roll when cornering hard and whilst I don't feel the same degree of confidence on the limit as in other cars I have owned it isn't bad. I would say firming things up any more would actually make it slower point top point on a typical british road.
edward1 said:
I found it interesting to read design xkr's comments on the powerflex poly bushes. When I needed bushes replaced I opted for powerplex poly bushes mainly so I wouldn't need to replace them again during my ownership (I must add that these was not fitted by design xkr but a local independent in south Yorkshire). I have noticed a couple of things since the bushes have been changed.
The first that I have had 4 wheel alignments completed more than once to get eliminate uneven tyre wear that wasn't present prior to the bushes being changed.
The second is that coupled with the 20" wheels and Sheffield roads I do find that the ride I harsher than it was and the cabin has now developed some annoying squeaks. The latter may have happened anyway at 90k miles. If it wasn't for the Brembos I'd have probably downsized the wheels by now.
On a smooth road I would say there is very little body roll when cornering hard and whilst I don't feel the same degree of confidence on the limit as in other cars I have owned it isn't bad. I would say firming things up any more would actually make it slower point top point on a typical british road.
That is interesting. The Powerflex bushes are a like for like replacement for the Jaguar bushes and do not alter the suspension geometry. However, it is standard practice for us to have a 4 wheel alignment check on any car that we change bushes on or do any other suspension work.The first that I have had 4 wheel alignments completed more than once to get eliminate uneven tyre wear that wasn't present prior to the bushes being changed.
The second is that coupled with the 20" wheels and Sheffield roads I do find that the ride I harsher than it was and the cabin has now developed some annoying squeaks. The latter may have happened anyway at 90k miles. If it wasn't for the Brembos I'd have probably downsized the wheels by now.
On a smooth road I would say there is very little body roll when cornering hard and whilst I don't feel the same degree of confidence on the limit as in other cars I have owned it isn't bad. I would say firming things up any more would actually make it slower point top point on a typical british road.
Unfortunately where I had the bushes changed did not have facility to do the alignment so it was left to me to get it done. I would say that not all places offering 4 wheel alignment are the same and I suspect there is a certain amount of skill that maybe some of the places had bought the kit but lacked the skill. Thankfully this seems to be sorted now.
As I pointed out designxkr did not fit my bushes and I am sure that I may have had a better initial experience had they done so!
It would be an interesting comparison to drive back to back a car with fresh oem bushes and one with poly's. As has been said earlier in the thread the only comparison most of us get is going from something that was due for replacement to the new bush.
As I pointed out designxkr did not fit my bushes and I am sure that I may have had a better initial experience had they done so!
It would be an interesting comparison to drive back to back a car with fresh oem bushes and one with poly's. As has been said earlier in the thread the only comparison most of us get is going from something that was due for replacement to the new bush.
http://britishparts.co.uk/products/7961-xkr-suspen...
anyone with any experience of this kit.....
designxkr, could you PM me a price for lowered springs and full bush kit fitted please. thanks.
anyone with any experience of this kit.....
designxkr, could you PM me a price for lowered springs and full bush kit fitted please. thanks.
70proof said:
http://britishparts.co.uk/products/7961-xkr-suspen...
anyone with any experience of this kit.....
designxkr, could you PM me a price for lowered springs and full bush kit fitted please. thanks.
email sent.anyone with any experience of this kit.....
designxkr, could you PM me a price for lowered springs and full bush kit fitted please. thanks.
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