Harsh Ride - What Is To Blame?

[TwoToneT6]

Hi all,
Two months into T6 ownership and I am very happy indeed.

We bought a converted t28 102ps a few months ago. It has 20 inch alloys fitted and is lowered on coilovers (by 75mm). After a summer spent exploring I have found the ride a little harsh (fine for motorway cruising but potholes are uncomfortable!) . In your experience is this likely to be due to the large alloys, coilovers or both? The coilovers are the conversion company's own so I've no idea how good they are.

Was thinking my next move would be some smaller wheels (18s?) - is this likely to improve things? If not, perhaps a swap to B14s might?

Cheers!

 

[gal2009]

Lot of factors involved. Springs, coilovers, wheels, tyres. Not an expert and i'm sure a few knowledgable guys will be along later but 75mm drop onto 20" alloys is quite a drop on unknown coilovers. Also tyre size will make a big difference. I bet it looks full on though

 

[zombie_T6]

The only company I can think of that make their own coil overs is CMC, and I suspect that you have a 275/40 or 30 profile tyre.

The coil overs if CMC are based off another make, I think it might be vmaxx so should be ok but if you have the 30 profile tyre you could change to the 40 for a bit more sidewall.

I used to have 20” on my T5 but went for 19” on the T6 with a better tyre for your exact reasons.

 

[True Romance]

Got 20" rims on my BMW with what I can only call painted on tyres there that low profile! Any snall pot hole and road defect and its very harsh. Sticking with 18" on my T6, a much more comfortable ride.

 

[RattyMcClelland]

What coilovers?

I'll throw a spanner into the works.

My 20s 275/35/20 ate far more comfortable than the oem 16s on the highline. You feel the road more but don't feel the bouncy tyres.

Plus I ride on b14s. So much more comfortable than stock.
I had cmc on my t5.1 and they were very harsh on normal roads, fine on motorways when it wasn't bobbing Like Churchill dog.

 

[Dellmassive]

Id say both are contributing factors . . . .

The larger 20" wheels may have a lower profile tyre that has less "Give" in the side-wall giving a slightly firmer ride.

The lowered suspension will be the main reason . . . a lower drop requires a stiffer spring due to the reduced spring travel space, so it needs to be stiffer to keep the van up in the air.


The Plush smooth ride is a factor of the springs ability to travel a large distance with the shock (damper) dealing with the rebound.


so the simple answer is that if you want a lower ride you will have a stiffer suspension, but better handling.

If you want pure comfort the you need stock spring-travel and fat profile tyres that will eat up lumps and bumps in the road.

.

 

[TwoToneT6]

Thanks all for the considered and informed advice! Lots to think about and glad I didn't just go and throw money at it before seeking advice!

To be clear, the handling and looks at the moment are both spot on. I think the first thing to try is a bit more height. It is all a balance I suppose.

Coilovers are these: Salop Vans - A SV COILOVERS FULLY HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE

Think they must be something else rebranded but not sure.

I will have a tinker and update this thread with any progress!

Thanks again.

 

[PATRICK KINNEY]

there not cheep either

 

[TwoToneT6]

So, quick update. After a bit of a poke around today I am pretty sure that they are VanSlam coilovers. I have read mixed reviews but seems they could be contributing to the ride.

Plan for winter is some new wheels (18s I think) that should also help with gearing and then save some pennies for B14s and anti roll bars somewhere down the line.

Appreciate all the advice given so far!

 

[BognorMotors]

In our experience the smoothest ride, whilst retaininh a decent look, on Bilsteins, is with 18’s - so I would try this first

 

[F2JON]

Thanks all for the considered and informed advice! Lots to think about and glad I didn't just go and throw money at it before seeking advice!

To be clear, the handling and looks at the moment are both spot on. I think the first thing to try is a bit more height. It is all a balance I suppose.

Coilovers are these: Salop Vans - A SV COILOVERS FULLY HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE

Think they must be something else rebranded but not sure.

I will have a tinker and update this thread with any progress!

Thanks again.

They’re van slam coilovers re- painted I know this as I was going to have them fitted when I bought my van from salop I went for b14’s instead the rides brilliant on 20” wheels.

 

[TwoToneT6]

Just to follow this up: Swapped the 20s with a 45 tire that the van came with for a set of 18s with 55 tire today and the ride is vastly improved (immediately noticeable driving out of the tire fitters). Still firm but nowhere near as jarring. Gearing also feels much more confidence inspiring.

Really happy with how it drives now and will probably stick with the VanSlams as the ride seems spot on. Cheers for all the advice T6 forum!