Improving handling

[jaboyd]

I have a 2012 Rspec and I'm really enjoying the car. I'd like to improve the "turn-in" so that it bites harder/more responsive at corner entry. Can this be improved by adjusting more in more "toe in" or going to a different tire? Any suggestions?

 

[Mark_888]

I would look at different tires. If you start messing with the suspension specs, you may regret it.

 

[12gage]

I would look into an alignment adjustment on the front end. You may lose a little tire life but the improvements may be worth it.

 

[jnc2000]

1/8 toe out up front and adjust for neg camber....

 

[bradyb]

1/8 toe out up front and adjust for neg camber....

looks like custom shimming on the front end may be the only option for camber adjustment.

 

[jnc2000]

Rear end has neg camber adjustment... as you start working with the front end (slight positive caster, and toe) you'll induce negative.

Yes, it'd be nice if some manufacture offered a full camber kit, but for now we've go what we've got. It's the main reason why I won't put on a set of coil overs, or buy rims yet... I won't as I will not buy rims without ordering the correct offset to account for the suspension changes.

 

[jaboyd]

Has anyone compared the Bridgestone option tire vs the std Continentals? Are the Bridgestones a substancial improvement?

I'm willing to tweak the front camber (a little bit more negative ) which I believe that stock is -0.53 degrees (plus/minus 0.5 degree). The toe-in is specified as 0.0236" (plus/minus 0.0393) for a Genesis but don't know what the Rspec settings should be.

 

[jnc2000]

Two different tires, two different purposes... comparing an all season to a dedicated summer IMO should never be done.

If you want more responsive handling tires are often the first resort. Secondly, get a set of coil overs and the upgraded front and rear sway bar (plus poly bushings) that are out there for the genny...

In my case I chose to alter the stock suspension within means to provide better feedback. I won't upgrade to the coil over options until there is a full aftermarket camber kit available... This prevents me from buying my set of HRE's / Advans because I wont buy rims without getting the offset correct accounting for the lowered suspension... so right now I have capital sitting and waiting...

I've put my two cents in here as well

 

[jaboyd]

I agree with the comments on tire comparisons as well as more intrusive mods to the suspension. I'm thinking about getting the latest Ultra High Perf all season (Bridgestone RE970 tires) in a 245 size. They are rated very well for handling, ride comfort, quietness, and have only a slightly lower wear rating (400), but higher than the Bridgestone Summer tireat 280. The Continentals are just fine for cruising but disappointing in the handling side.

As far as coil overs and bushing suspension mods, those are really far more radical than I want for my Rspec. I bought it as a sport luxury car and really won't drive it that aggressively to need these upgrades, but improved turn-in and cornering speed are what I'm looking for. I do wish it was easy to adjust the camber, but it appears that it is a manual process of custom shimmimg (at least from what I've read).

Looks like I'll try the tire swap as a first step in tweaking it's handling prowness.