LexusJoey

I love the LS except that it doesn't have the handling of the German cars (E Series & 5 Series).

I don't want a "sports car", but I want to be able to turn a little better without the feeling of being in a sailboat. Even my old 2000 Acura TL seems to "whip" corners better.

Having said that.......
I don't want coil overs. (expensive & like a said, don't want a "sports car")

Considering Tanabe NF210. All the searches I did on springs focused on how much it lowers the car. I do know that lowering the car results in better handling. NF210=5% more spring rate, lower car = lower center of gravity.
Question is how much better handling will this spring set get?

I originally considered thicker anti-sway bars, but from what I can find (actually "Can't find") there ARE no aftermarket anti-sway bars for our LS's.
sub frame / frame bars is also not an option as it only stiffens the car. I do understand the result will also be better handling, but the return vs $ is more than springs.

So..... Is the Tanabe NF210 the right choice? Would the DF210 be better or would that also made the ride more harsh?
Where is a reliable source to buy these springs cheap?

Thanks !!!!

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

I agree with you. I love the soft suspension and definitely don't want to stiffen the suspension too much.

Here's some more suspension upgrades from our vendor:

http://www.l-tunedparts.com/model/st...=7&model_id=94

Some members have upgrade the suspension components to the OEM SPORT package: thicker rear sway bar, thicker oem rear sway bar bushings

I'll probably be going this route soon.

LexusJoey

Wait.... the OEM upgrade of $220 sport package has thicker sways !!?!?!?!
Where do I find those? (Besides buying another LS)

Does anyone know why there isn't aftermarket sway bars?

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

I believe TOM's or TRD have the aftermarket sways for around $500. I don't have info on this since I wasn't interested.

cheaper than buying the whole car

here you go, #12 (with sport package), don't forget the bushings (#13-with sport package) when you order:

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0

LexusJoey

Huh... Odd looking thing ain't it? It's half a bar.

Looks like springs would be the best alternative solution.



Anyway, back to the point.
I want springs to improve handling without the cost of the ride.
Does anyone know how the much springs will improve handling? I don't want them to lower the car but of course it will make the car look better

sojah

iTrader: (1)

i know you don't want to do coilovers but i hear that the tein comfort spot (cs) models can keep the stock ride height and ever so slightly improve the ride if you so choose.

stock_sc

iTrader: (2)

why not get a youzealand kit? its supposed to maintain your ride quality along with a drop.

sojah

iTrader: (1)

he was trying to improve the cornering ability slightly or reduce under-steer and body roll. but i know someone selling an ss kit at this time and has one ready to mail out to you pm me if interested in the ss kit...

LexusJoey

Sojah,
Exactly, right to the point.
I did look at those ss kits. I know lowering will gain some handling, but at the price of the ss kits, I might as well buy springs and gain lowering AND additional stiffness.
Thanks for the offer though !

LexusJoey

bump.

Anyone?
Personal experience with Tanabe NF210 (or even DF210) cornering with stock shocks?

caddyowner

Some owners of standard (non performance edition) Cadillac DTS cars have the same complaint. Apparently, replacing the rubber sway bar end links with harder polyurethane ends makes a big differene. Is than a possibility on the LS?

LexusJoey

I've had experience with aftermarket suspension parts in my heyday. Although polyurethane grommets/links will grant an increase in cornering, unless you keep them lubed, they will squeak every time you go over a bump or when you turn.

TJW98LS

iTrader: (1)

I bought OEM Sport Struts and Tanabe NF210. Ive yet to get them installed, I hope this helps. I also have 15MM spacers on the way to help for stability.

LexusJoey

Why do you need spacers? I wouldn't expect the tires to rub.
You just want stability and a bigger stance?

When do you plan to install them? Maybe I can wait for your input.

snakehead

iTrader: (1)

I have a 2004 LS 430 with sport suspension, I switched to the Df210's and 2 new sport shocks up front.
The verdict = It handles better ,its maybe a little more than an inch lower and the ride seem a touch softer than the sport suspension springs. Over all totally happy , You get the best of both worlds.