My SS's ride is too jumpy...

[CLEAN]

My G8GT is very smooth and stable, but the SS jumps around and bounces way too much. Is pedders a viable option? I don't want a harder suspension, I just want a smoother ride, and no bounce. I've got a base suspended C6 that doesn't jump around as much as this Camaro does. Opinions please....

[BackinBlackSS/RS]

Hmm, I say firm but very comfortable. I likey.

[g-townmach]

Sounds like some better dampers and bushings is what you need. If you have the money, go with some coilovers. Everyone seems to like Pedders and they're made with fair quality. I'm still waiting for some other options to come out (Afco, QA1, LG). If i were you i would also replace as many bushings as you can. The stock rubber ones deflect badly. Urethane bushings are always a wise investment.

[Info@PeddersUSA.com]

Originally Posted by CLEAN

My G8GT is very smooth and stable, but the SS jumps around and bounces way too much. Is pedders a viable option? I don't want a harder suspension, I just want a smoother ride, and no bounce. I've got a base suspended C6 that doesn't jump around as much as this Camaro does. Opinions please....

We have tested quite a few Camaros, including OE SSs and I have to say, I have not experienced exactly what you are chatting about. AND I have driven several of them in a particularly harsh way to get full suspension travel. Your spring rates are not that far off from your G8 to Camaro. The damper difference, however is significant. Your G8 is a low end oil based strut, whereas you Camaro is a higher ended gas strut, with decent values. But one big thing you have a disadvantage on with the Camaro is the shorter wheel base. This adds all kinds of challenges for sure. So if you feel your bouncing is related to tires leaving the ground or excess looseness, you will have to evaluate which one it is. Each of them will have potentially a different approach.

mike
dms

[g-townmach]

Yeah the OP needs to give us a situation on when the "bouncing" comes. B/c if this is wheel-hop thats a whole different story than a floaty-feeling ride.

[CLEAN]

Strangely, its over a series of minor bumps, not big pot holes or anything. I'll be driving along a stretch of highway in the Camaro that i went over the previous day in the G8, and it feels like a washboard. I understand the Camaro is FIRMER, and I feel that, but that's not the issue. It's almost an unbalanced feeling like the shocks aren't matched right to the spring rates.

I don't want to lower it, nor will I track it, it will pretty much be a cruiser. I'm looking to feel more stable over the bumps, not necessarily soften the ride. Frankly, I'd be happy if it rode like the G8, so long as I don't give up the handling too much. Was looking at the adjustable coilovers, and it seems to address some ride issues, but dam $2000, not really what I was looking for in a new car. Was hoping for a shock swap, but there doesn't seem to be much aftermarket for this car in that department so far.

[Info@PeddersUSA.com]

Originally Posted by CLEAN

Strangely, its over a series of minor bumps, not big pot holes or anything. I'll be driving along a stretch of highway in the Camaro that i went over the previous day in the G8, and it feels like a washboard. I understand the Camaro is FIRMER, and I feel that, but that's not the issue. It's almost an unbalanced feeling like the shocks aren't matched right to the spring rates.

I don't want to lower it, nor will I track it, it will pretty much be a cruiser. I'm looking to feel more stable over the bumps, not necessarily soften the ride. Frankly, I'd be happy if it rode like the G8, so long as I don't give up the handling too much. Was looking at the adjustable coilovers, and it seems to address some ride issues, but dam $2000, not really what I was looking for in a new car. Was hoping for a shock swap, but there doesn't seem to be much aftermarket for this car in that department so far.

OUr Pedders Xas re not $2k and will give you full suspension travel.

160086 Camaro eXtreme Xa Multi Adjustable Coilover Kit By Pedders with 8kg/mm Front and 10kg/mm Rear Coil Rates $1,449.99

mike
dms

[CLEAN]

+ labor

[CBH]

Bouncy is exactly how I would describe my stock ride as well. I don't even think it's too stiff - bouncy is the only thing that comes to mind. I'm not that technical about suspension, and have no experience changing components or settings, but it feels like too much rebound is making it bounce back after compression from the bump.

I have not driven a G8, but my old car (Infiniti G35) was a great balance of handling and comfort.

The Camaro just feels a little weird. I can't say it doesn't handle well, but it certainly does not instill any confidence.

CLEAN and I can't be the only two with this opinion........

I want to lower mine for the visual improvement, but I'm scared it'll ride worse than it does now.

[g-townmach]

I think alot of this is subjective. "Ride quality" i think has alot of opinion tied into it. I think my stock camaro is smooth as silk. But I'm coming from a lowered mach1 with a live axle, a lowered cobra, and a slammed lightning w/o any spring isolators. So yeah, to me, the ride is REAL good. I do however understand what you guys are talking about... and I notice a jumping over dips and bumps, but I'll take this ride over my previous ones any day.

[V1c1ous]

The stiff ride is payoff for extreme handling ability. It does jump a bit, but take her into a corner and feel her dig. My only issue with this set up is a little bump steer on occation, but a far as body roll,witch is what you get with the softer set ups is not a problem on these new SSs. I personaly like the feel of the stiff set up, though it is a challenge on rough roads. But remember its not a sports car, its a muscle car.

[CLEAN]

Originally Posted by CBH

Bouncy is exactly how I would describe my stock ride as well. I don't even think it's too stiff - bouncy is the only thing that comes to mind. I'm not that technical about suspension, and have no experience changing components or settings, but it feels like too much rebound is making it bounce back after compression from the bump.

I have not driven a G8, but my old car (Infiniti G35) was a great balance of handling and comfort.

The Camaro just feels a little weird. I can't say it doesn't handle well, but it certainly does not instill any confidence.

.

That's it exactly, it's not too hard, it's just not planted. I have a C6 w/ the base suspension, and it handles better than the Camaro, but it doesn't jump as much as this one, which is suprising given its shorter wheelbase and lighter weight. Something is up w/ this car, it may just be "the way it is" but this is my 5th Fbody, and none of them have ridden like this. I'll be looking at shocks first when more aftermarkets become available, would rather not do a full coilover if I don't have to. Thanks for the info guys.