Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 2:43 pm Post subject: Aristo handling
Is it just me or do aristo's have incredibly woeful handling?
Mine is sitting on lowered HD springs and is running the standard mode changing shocks. They are still working and it is noticable when switching from econ to power but is a minimal change.
I have driven a standard air-bagged uzz30 soarer which is heavier and compared to the aristo is like comparing a go cart with a shopping trolly.
My question is, has anyone gone from the standard setup to coilovers and found a huge difference?
How is the compromise with handling and ride comfort?
I guess I need to address a couple of things here before we come to the conclusion that an Aristo has woeful handling. Not trying to be horrible here, just realistic sorry dude.
1. An Aristo was designed as a sporty luxury car (read: comfort)
2. An Aristo is a large 4 door sedan
Comparing the two (Aristo and Soarer) probably isn't fair as Toyota designed both cars with very different intentions. In the same way that Nissan designed the Skyline and the Cima for different reasons. Yes the Aristo has a potent motor (2JZ), and yes it is quick but Toyota never indended it to be a track car or even close to it.
To answer you question: I have a set of Tein flex in my Aristo. I can safely say its a stiff ride. Stiff enough for me to be happy with its handling compared to other cars in the same class. And I do believe if you get some that have damper adjustment you will feel a great improvement over your lowered springs. And at least with this you can set it to a ride/handling compromise that you are happy with
Hope this helps _________________
I'm very responsible, when ever something goes wrong they always say I'm responsible.
Joined: 01 May 2007 Posts: 1399 Location: Kelmscott
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 2:56 pm Post subject:
for a stock car, its handling isn't too bad - its what you would expect.
the only thing that is scary is high speeds - speeds of 140+ make the car very "light" on the road and likes it float around a bit.
however, after driving it stock, i reckon some nice coilies, some nice wide wheels / tyres, maybe a few bushes replaced and possibly sway bars it should handle quite well for a large sedan.
don't expect evo / wrx handling - but it should be reasonable. I reckon i can get it to on par with my old supra ...
Joined: 04 Aug 2007 Posts: 282 Location: Sunny Coast
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 2:59 pm Post subject:
they do become a little flighty in the higher speed region dont they?
I am happy with how mine handles for basically stock (unknown springs and blistien shocks in rear, stock front).
That said I will be upgrading to coilovers sometime this year when funds allow.
I think they are about as good as you are gonna get in its class. _________________
If boost was addictive, I would be in trouble...
...UH OH!!
Yea point taken with the cars purpose, i was well aware that it was not going to be much of a handler when i bought it, i thought it may have been a bit better than i expected is all.
A ride that is too stiff my only concern with coilovers as i want to keep the luxury cruiser appeal.
Joined: 01 May 2007 Posts: 1399 Location: Kelmscott
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 3:16 pm Post subject:
i just found the "floatiness" a little disconcerning due to recently driving 2000km journey in the aristo and having to over take many large trucks.
there are coilovers out there which should give it a nice firm stance without being rock solid back jarring ... just need to get the right spring rates ...
we have tein HRs and it is scary at high speed....in the sense that its so firm and positive on the road, it urges you to keep the foot flat....kind of scary. at low speeds over rough surfaces...forget about it...firm as....firm.
Joined: 22 Apr 2007 Posts: 4010 Location: Perth, WA
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 11:45 pm Post subject:
I would have to agree with Tom here... even on stock struts (and lowered RSR springs), she had no problems sitting at speedcut. Didn't feel floaty at all.. was just grip grip grippy
Now on the coilies.. havn't taken it out much but I would expect no less. Should stick to the road like a F1 car. _________________
1994 Black JZS147 Aristo - RIP. Went swimming
New 1992 Aristo Project
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