Trying to decide on a suspension setup for my SC Targa

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by PeteKz

Yes, I have driven Harry D's car and it handles very well and does not beat you. I was somewhat surprised it has Bilsteins, as the ride was softer than I have felt in other cars w Bilsteins. I've only driven it short distances (a few miles on one occasion, and on the AX track), so I can't vouch for long distance comfort.

Thanks Pete. As I recall, you drove my car with the Continental ExtremeContact Sports.

I should mention that a significant contributor to ride quality, is tire selection.

When I was wanting maximum performance, I was using Hoosier SM's (turns out for my size, they were the Spec Miata size and I was able to get take-offs extremely inexpensively). They were sticky, cornered exceptionally well but the NVH was off the charts. Also, everyday driving with them was out of the question.

I got tired of messing with the Hoosiers but wanted a sticky tire I could drive on the streets. I ended up with Toyo R1R's (treadwear 200). Performed almost as well as the Hoosiers and I drove them regularly on the streets (even when raining).

My wife and I did a 5 day club trip with the Toyo's. For her, the NVH was too much and she told me that unless I did something, she would never go on another drive with me.

When the Toyo's wore out, I switched to Continental ExtremeContact Sports. I gave up a bit of grip at the track, but my wife likes the NVH for tours etc.

It's all about what you want. For me, the Continentals seem to be the best all round tire.

[Cherry Bomb]

Hear! Hear!
Extreme Contact Plus 02 is by far the best multi task tire I've experienced. Major improvement from previous iterations.

[PeteKz]

Harry, yes, I took a pic of your tires so I could order them when I wear out my Michelins. The Michelins I have are road tires, "3 seasons+" and as you observed, do pretty well at the AX track, but not as sticky as yours. But they are quiet and comfortable and versatile.

OP: Main point is that tires are an important part of the NVH profile, so choose ones that are comfortable for your purpose.

[david05111]

I haven't had a chance to sit down and respond to the comments in this thread in earnest yet, but I have been keeping up with it.

My car has Continentals on it as well, but they're the Extreme Content DWSs. They're not as good of a tire, but they seem to be ok for the moment.

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by david05111

I haven't had a chance to sit down and respond to the comments in this thread in earnest yet, but I have been keeping up with it.

My car has Continentals on it as well, but they're the Extreme Content DWSs. They're not as good of a tire, but they seem to be ok for the moment.

Hi.

FWIW, I have always put the DSW's on my Mercedes C300 (departed) and will on my E350 when the Run Flat Pirellis wear out (hopefully soon). While not as sporty as the Sports, they are great on the street.

My C300 came with AS ProContacts. They were horrible in the wet. The DWS took care of this issues and the NVH barely changed.

[shoooo32]

300tw is the sweet spot for spirited driven road cars (I don't have a brand preference - beggars can't be choosy shopping for 245/45/16). Suspension is a system and tire choice plays into that recipe.

I oftentimes come across cars at road rallies that are basically stock but have race compound tires. The owner "loves the grip" but is clearly overdriving the car. When it eventually snaps, there's no saving it and he's a passenger. These guys are the reason I bring a tow strap and a tarp on rallies.

[Mark Salvetti]

FYI, Pelican has Koni's on sale for 20% off now.

Mark