VX II V6 suspension recomendations

[csimmo]

Howdy. Looking to replace my standard FE1 springs and shocks, however after something different to most people here. My car has been set up for highway driving. Comfort. Has a nice sound system, shit loads of sound proofing, lights under the chairs, above rear handles, front wheel wells etc. Its a comfy, quiet ride. I have 17/8 rims on it, and I want to close the gaps down a little, but no further really then FE2 height. But I don't want it to be soggy either. It does need to feel tight.

Reading around the place and there are so many conflicting reports on suspension. Everyone has something bad to say about everyone else!!
The least complained about set up is FE2 or equvelent springs with pedders sports ryder struts on the front and comfort shocks on the back.
Anyone got any tips?
I am really after first hand reports here, not rumors.

[goose202]

The problem with recommendations is that everyone has different priorities. What might be a nice acceptable ride quality to me might be unbearable to you.
In my experience, mismatching springs and shocks front and rear makes a vehicle handle strangely.

FWIW, I've got a VS V6 with stock springs, KYB Excel shocks and 16" wheels, and to be honest it really doesn't ride much smoother at all than my VX with "superlow" level Pedders springs, Monroe GT Sport shocks and 17"s. The VS deals with the bigger bumps better, it doesn't crash into them as hard. The VX drives much sharper but I don't know how much of that is the ride height, tyres or shocks.

[csimmo]

Thanks for the advice. It’s a hard decision. It’s a little lower on my priority list as I have to do a top end rebuild. Got a leak in the air intake gasket, well I think I do, (bit of oil in the water) but will get the heads rebuilt and replace the noisy lifters at the same time.
But this is to build up a plan, so got time for research, and the best is to hear from people with experience.
I think I will go a sport. My parents have Audi’s. Mums A4 I find is a bit too stiff, but certainly closer to what I am looking for. I like how tight the BA/BF XR6 feels, so aiming for a similar feel. I know, blasphemy, but they are a nice car.

[goose202]

My folks have a BA XR6. That rides smoother then either of my Commodores. I haven't really had a chance recently to see how sharp it feels in the corners compared to the Commodores though.

That's actually a good example of my point - my folks nearly traded the BA because my mother hates how rough it rides. Just recently dad had the shocks and springs replaced with the stock Falcon setup and apparently it's a lot more comfortable now, but also a lot more boaty.

[csimmo]

Haha, it’s a pain in the butt that have to sacrifice somewhere! But since it’s for highway driving, a bit firmer will be a better ride quality, well at least thats what I understand. The Audi is awesome on the highway, but rough around town. But it’s the reason I won’t drop it low either. Plus I have a 30 degree driveway.