I have a new to me 2009 MCS vert with 18000 miles on her.
It is my wife's daily driver and she wants a better ride. It has the "Sport Button" but I can't tell if this option included the "Sport Suspension"???

Have taken off the fun flats to get a better ride and replaced them with the Conti Extreme DWS. This helped a lot and recommend this to everyone.

Want to get feedback on other options I am looking at to get a much more compliant, softer, and better ride on the crappy roads in the Bay Area.
I am thinking of the Koni FSD shocks.
Do I need to change springs at the same time and if so what kind. I have no interest in lowering the car either.
Looking for real world feedback on what these changes will actually do to the ride quality. Love the car hate the jarring.

Will a sway bar in the back help with the ride or just handling? ( I like to take her out on the weekends and open her up a little, no autox or anything else.)
If I do go with a sway bar is it necessary to have it installed at the same time and get an alignment?
Also anyone know of a good mini shop for install in the South Bay/San Jose area?
Thanks for a great site everyone.
RC

 

Switch to 16 inch rims which will help for sure. I have heard from others on this site the Koni yellow shocks make it ride smoother.

 

I already have the 16" rims. I think the convertibles of that year all came with the 16 inchers.
Really like this car just trying to upgrade the ride, and then it just may be perfect!!!
RC

 

From what I've read here, the Koni FSD shocks should somewhat improve both handling and ride compared to OE shocks. New springs aren't necessary, but I'd have the alignment checked after replacing the shocks.

I don't think a rear sway bar switch (to 19 mm?) would soften the ride. If a new sway bar is installed to improve handling, I'd have the alignment checked as well.

Another means of improving ride comfort is to go up one sidewall size, but you would lose a bit of handling sharpness in the process. With the OE shocks you might also get rubbing at the bottom of the fender well when the suspension bottoms out. Maybe the Konis would prevent that.

 

Just go with Koni FSDs. The rear swaybar will help handling, but is not an improvement in ride.

I run Koni Yellow on my 2005 and the ride is improved over stock, but the FSDs will ride even better. Yellows have better handling though.

Do the free camber mod for a nice increase in handling while you're at it.

- drew

 

The FSD's should work for you, they are the popular choice for ride comfort. They do not "work" with aftermarket lowering springs, it is expressly advised against... so no, do not change out the springs. Keep the stock set. With the non-RF tires and the 16" wheels, that is going to be as compliant and comfortable as you're likely to get. It's a popular setup. Good luck!

 

Will the stock 17's see an increase in compliance as well?

I drive an R57...is there a different FSD for these or is the R56 the same part # ??

Thanks