I just took off my runflats and I miss the sidewalls.

[Bruck]

So I took off my runflats to run pilot super sports (I was told they would be as wonderful as my last set of PS2s - which I ran on an s4 with coilovers)

At this point I'm not sure I dislike the pilot ss's but I think the lack of the stiff sidewall has really made the car less confidence inspiring in cornering.

I'm wondering of I can do any minor mods to get the car back to the original feel. I'd rather not do a full suspension because the road height is nearly perfect. Maybe bars can make this difference up?



-- Yes it said sidewalks before --

[Rodzilla]

Try the front sway bar and maybe Koni Yellows. If you hare happy with your ride height, but want better springs you can buy the BMW performance springs or H&R OE.

[GaryS]

Originally Posted by Bruck

So I took off my runflats to run pilot super sports (I was told they would be as wonderful as my last set of PS2s - which I ran on an s4 with coilovers)

At this point I'm not sure I dislike the pilot ss's but I think the lack of the stiff sidewall has really made the car less confidence inspiring in cornering.

I'm wondering of I can do any minor mods to get the car back to the original feel. I'd rather not do a full suspension because the road height is nearly perfect. Maybe bars can make this difference up?

For adding more steering feel, this thing is unbeatable bang for buck

You can also try tire pressures at the upper range like 40. Maybe you'll get used to it and can gradually decrease the pressure.

[Bruck]

Originally Posted by Rodzilla

Try the front sway bar and maybe Koni Yellows. If you hare happy with your ride height, but want better springs you can buy the BMW performance springs or H&R OE.

When you say Front Sway are you suggesting the 26.5mm or the 28mm?

[Rodzilla]

I have the Eibach 28mm bar and I've benn very happy with it.

[bmw1racer]

You miss the sidewalks??

[Bruck]

Originally Posted by bmw1racer

You miss the sidewalks??

Haha! (Damn Autocorrect iphone)

[ND40oz]

Originally Posted by GaryS

You can also try tire pressures at the upper range like 40. Maybe you'll get used to it and can gradually decrease the pressure.

Yeah, what are your tire pressures set at?

[Adam135]

I thought the Michelin PSS were supposed to be better in every way from the RFTs?

[jsmonet]

Originally Posted by Adam135

I thought the Michelin PSS were supposed to be better in every way from the RFTs?

runflats are runflats because the sidewalls are so heavily reinforced--making them *super* stiff. the problem switching to non-runflats is that nothing will have as stiff a sidewall, leading to a feeling of mushiness in comparison.

[Bruck]

Originally Posted by ND40oz

Yeah, what are your tire pressures set at?

This is a great question - I can only assume they are set to the door sticker pressures which I believe are 38-ish?

[jsmonet]

when I was autox'ing my sti, i ran my tires at ~48psi (size: 225/45/17) before the sidewalls stopped rolling over on my s03's.

[Eyeman]

Yep, inflate them harder. Next time try to find the stiffest sidewalled nonRFT that you can find.

[bootay]

I have gone to PSS from RFT on 2 cars, and I agree that this had the immediate effect of increasing comfort (far less harsh on bumps), better traction, less road noise, and generally just all-around better. However, you do feel a little less immediate turn-in response as the sidewall gives a tiny bit. So I understand the post.

Adding the M3 front kit, adding a bigger front sway, etc. will help with the feel (for different reasons) without any negative effects. And these are quite inexpensive and easy to install (you could do all of these for well under $1000).

I went with the BMW PS setup (got a great deal on it very lightly used) along with M3 bits, and it's been FANTASTIC - much more comfortable and quiet than stock, and much more performance too. And only a TINY drop in height. Very highly recommended.

[Bdh821]

I ran a set of PSS when they first came out.. I was coming from Dunlop Direzza Star Specs and had mixed feelings about the tires. The PSS' had a noticably softer sidewall from even the Direzza's but the trade off I noticed was wayyyyy less road noise.. Dirazza's are pretty annoying from road noise. With that said after 1 season of autox with no negative camber the PSS' were dead and went back to Direzza's. Direzza's are a great tire if you can get over the road noise they emit.

[IZAGLO]

I did not want to give up the stiff sidewall turn in feeling from the RFT;s so i went with a tire with sidewalls as stiff with MUCH stickier rubber for superior handling and grip and chose Yokohama ADO8.s.. They have far surpased my expectations and actually are wearing really well....although i am fairly easy on my car so...but in the hot weather the tires feel like they have teeth. The cheapest way to improve your issues is as stated try to inflate the tires more and see if that helps if not sell the PSS and get the ADO8's....You will not loose hardly any money selling the PSS as they will go quick...Plus the tread pattern is very cool on the Yoko's...Good luck..

[Lucky1]

Originally Posted by bootay

Adding the M3 front kit, adding a bigger front sway, etc. will help with the feel (for different reasons)

What does the M3 front kit include and where can you purchase it?

[flinchy]

Originally Posted by Lucky1

What does the M3 front kit include and where can you purchase it?

Front lower control arm, front upper tension rod, most places seem to have it for $500-$600, i think turner is $599 USD or so

[bootay]

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

It's $515 there, no negative impact to installing these, takes 1 hour, will need a new alignment afterwards.

[andrey_gta]

Great thread, will certainly take all this info into account when i go non-RFT.

Where can we get sidewall stiffness ratings???

Originally Posted by GaryS

For adding more steering feel, this thing is unbeatable bang for buck

How did these bushings help you over stock bushings?

Did you need an alignment afterwards??

[flinchy]

Originally Posted by bootay

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

It's $515 there, no negative impact to installing these, takes 1 hour, will need a new alignment afterwards.

Thanks! Will compare shipping

Their 'rsb' addon seems fishy though... $240 for 2/4 bushing when turnee has them for $240 for all 4? Haha

[GaryS]

Originally Posted by andrey_gta

How did these bushings help you over stock bushings?

Did you need an alignment afterwards??

An alignment is not required.

It's been 2.5 years , but I remember steering effort is slightly more, steering precision is better, and there's more road feel through the steering wheel.