djnelsen

I'm sure it has a lot to do with going from a 205/16 to a 225/17, so it's tough to say what change the difference in diameter made as far as traction goes. Not a controlled experiment.

But I also definitely noticed quite a difference in steering response and overall handling, not just traction. Night and day. Again, perhaps some of that is due to the increased width, but I doubt that accounts for ALL of the difference I'm feeling.

PhilW

bouncy may not be the correct word. it was a term used by my friend who mentioned it while we were riding along some less than optimal nj highways. i knew that the ride would be firmer with the new suspension. maybe i'm just over-reacting to the comment. it's definitely stiffer. i want to upgrade to 17" wheels and just wondered what would they do for the ride.

Phil type 951

the ride was bouncy also! I had those springs on my car for about 2 seconds! I didnt like them @ all! i put on linear hyperco springs and i love them! try stiffer springs man

Kris Hansen

the increase in grip is probably due to better tire, wider tire. Your car rides and heldles like a dream though, so I don't know what PhilW has going on, maybe the Neuspeed springs are no good?

djnelsen

As for the increased firmness, you got what you asked for. =)

My suggestion if to go find a nice twisty road. You'll love how it handles. Hopefully it will offset the negatives of a firmer ride.

Lazyg

Are your shocks used by chance?

RKA

but honestly, I doubt that. I think Kris is right...you need to adjust to the world of aftermarket suspensions. In looking for a "tighter" ride, you'll find that your car will follow the vertical pitches in the road more carefully, however that in and of iteself is not bouncy. So the question is, is the above what you are experiencing, or is the car indeed bouncing?

Now, you need to understand that the 16" tires you're using are softening up the feel of the suspension. Going to 17's will remove that softness, and the car will track the vertical pitches in the road even more. That may make you more unhappy. I doubt it though...I think the sponginess of the 16's could be causing what you describe as bounce, and by taking that away by switching to 17's, you might find you're a bit happier.

Is that confusing enough for you? Sorry, but it's hard to tell exactly what you're not happy with based on what you've said so far.

Boba Fett

I was thinking the same thing. My Neuspeed sport spring/Bilstein shock setup rides great.

Liam in Montreal

bouncing is usually because of the shocks

PhilW

the ride is definitely tighter and follows the vertical pitches of the road better. I'm a little less than enthusiastic about the neuspeed springs. both given the headache i endured with purchase and installation, i'll leave will enough alone for now. i do want to switch to 17", though. i think it'll make the car handle better and may remove any hint of sponginess associated with the tires.

thanks for all the comments. i know may "complaint" was a bit vague, and most likely i was just looking for a bit of reassurance that i didn't ruin my car.

great forum.

Phil