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Subject chassis + suspension..
     
Posted by WhiteZed on June 29, 2006 at 8:47 PM
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In Reply To how has the z32 suspension technology aged? >> posted by stockplayerz (nyc) on June 29, 2006 at 10:00 AM
     
Message I know it's not the most scientific measurement, but I've commented before on how the 16 year old Z32 chassis feels when compared with more modern cars.

it's hard to do a fair comparison because as the technology ages, so does the car itself! Bushing rot, metal fatigue.

I've got a 1990TT with brand new factory shocks, and some new bushings/linkages/tc rods. With the exception of loose squeaky panels, it's not bad - BUT when I manhandle the car, i can feel the chassis flex. Steering is a bit sloppy as well, but that could be due to age.

So you compare this wide, low sports car next to the other car in my garage, a 2005 Evolution MR with factory bilstein inverted monotube suspension. The evo is quite a bit taller than the Z, an inch or so higher off the ground, and the factory wheels/tires aren't quite as wide. However, when flogging both cars on some local twisties, there is hands-down NO comparison. When I drive the Z, I feel like a butcher. When I drive the evolution, I'm a SURGEON. Steering is razor sharp. Body roll is surprisngly little for a boxy sedan.

I've driven a friend's stage 4 TT with approx 2-3k of suspension work done at a local road course (Streets of Willow, lots of turns, tight course - favors lighter cars). I would run one timed session in his car, and one timed session in the evolution. My car is stock. I was averaging about 3 seconds per lap slower in the Z than my car.

Granted the mitsubishi weighs quite a bit less, and has the benefit of a lot of engineering _outside_ of the suspension itself that lends to its incredible handling.

However, at the end of the day, If I had to pick a car to take a 200 mile roadtrip, it'd be the Z. Quiet. Comfortable. A big GT - which is what the car really is, and that's really the reason why I bought it.

     
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