We all know that the run-flat tires gave the sc430 a harsh ride....but
even after you change the tires, are you 02-04 owners happy with
the ride comfort of your cars ? How about on really bad roads ?
Have any of you considered selling your 02-04 models and getting
an 05-08 just because of the hard ride ?

 

the run flats were a problem. we make changes on are cars to what we like. but the 430sc is the best car I ever own. there is no difference from the ride on the 02 on up. I like the ride on my car its solid and the ride is the way I like it. not harsh at all. I did a lot of changes.

 

Going to Michelin pilot summer tires really helped improve the ride. However, going over a bump is still aweful..

 

I wouldn't say that it is the smoothest ride I have ever driven but it really isn't bad either. I agree with Bacardi, you have to make some changes but once you do it is worth it.

 

this car is not a Lincoln and never was made to be. this is a Sporty car lexus made and was not made to be the smoothest riding car, but you can get it to be a very nice riding car. just a little work. with the changes I have made I found this to be great car to drive. again my opinion.

 

The changes you mentioned were done by Lexus in the 2005-10 models...
softer shocks, better springs, even a different front sway bar. I'm wondering
how much it would cost to change these things on a 02-04? It might be
more economical to look for a later model than go to that much trouble...
especially if you're not doing the labor yourself.

 

my friend has a 2007 with run-flats and his car dose not ride better then mine.
as far as the front sway bar it still a 26mm no change.
my rear sway cost me 70 + bushing
my front cost me 125 bushing about 20
total install cost 200
my springs were 229 + install
my bilsteins were about 750 + install
i'll put my ride to the 05 on up any day of the week

 

2002 with Continentals (not run flats). Haven't done anything except KYB front shocks. Rides fine IMHO. Certainly not stiff or noisy

 

I also use the Continental on my car.
I made the changes to my car and what I like and how I want it to handle.

 

430keeper
you could not get an 05 on up to run like my car and i'm 71 you make changes to get what you want.

 

thanks for the good info Bacardi11....would you say your car now rides more sporty,
like a BMW M3, or more luxury-like...say a mercedes SL ? Who does the work on your
car ? The labor cost of the things you've done to your car would break most of us.

 

430
a friend of mine has a shop in N.J. he charges me 65 per hr thats the shop rate. you don't do this work at a dealer.
like a luxury Mercedes SL

 

Bacardi...would you say your current setup rides better then stock?

 

10x better then stock

 

? if I lower my car an inch to half an inch would I need to purchase a camber kit? or can I just stick to factory still.