Xr6 Handling

[Falchoon]

After reading all the media hype about the XR6 handling I come away a bit disapointed. Those of you that are regulars here will probably know I've just updated to a BA XR6T sedan from an EB sedan. The EB is lowered with Bilstein shocks on front and Monroe GT gas on rear and 17 x 8 alloys with Nankang 235/45/17 tyres. Swaybars are standard. The XR6T has 18s with the standard Dunlop 235/40/18 tyres. The XR6 is more comfortable to ride in and behaves better over bumps but seems a bit floaty on sweepers (not talkiing high speed, under 100km/h). THe EB is a lot harsher in the ride quality but seems to go more willingly where you point it and less body roll. Maybe the XR6 just needs some better shockies. Maybe I'm expecting too much comparing stock Ford suspension to aftermarket such as Bilstein.

[Guest DZ.]

The XR suspension is still designed to travel along outback Australian roads. Having to drive from the Gold Coast to Dubbo regularly I can tell you now that the last thing that I want is something with an overly harsh ride. I'll live with the sport/ride handling compromise but if you're expecting a car with track quality handling you're probably going to be disappointed because the suspension isn't designed for that in mind.

[Turbo6man]

Thought the tyres were 245s?

Put some Konis in the BA and you'll probably notice a huge difference. Also if you push the BA a bit harder and get the springs loaded up a bit you'll probably notice it will feel better then than the EB. That floatiness goes away if you put a few more side Gs on the car.

[Guest EBXR8TT]

Besides they are also designed for the more age chalenged folk who prefere it the way you stated. Well that's the way Ford would want it to be..Performance on the comfort side..Put some bilstiens in the new one..Then see ??

[turbo_nick]

stock Ford suspension has always been on the floaty side. a visit to rob herrod, whiteline (when they develop the new kits) or some other respectable suspension place should rectify that problem.

[physh]

Well, having done 25 or so laps of wakefield yesterday in my manual XR6T....

I agree with Turbo6Man - My inexpert opinion is that the suspension feels very progressive when really giving it some stick, even if it is a little floaty on the road. it was very easy to get a response from the car, but I really didn't like the traction control going round the track.

Felt way too unnatural, and felt like it unbalanced the car.

Hmm... I suppose, I don't normally run 42 odd psi of tyre pressure every day around town though...

It was good fun though, left feeling much refreshed!

[BlueXR6Turbo]

  Falchoon said:

The XR6T has 18s with the standard Dunlop 235/40/18 tyres.

According to everything I've read, the XR6T comes standard with 17 inch rims & 235's or optional 18 inch rims and 245's.

[PSI40L]

Add the Koni adjustables like the man said. Interestingly enough I looked at the upper control arms the other day ford has already put the castor / camber kits in with 1 shim in the front there is enough room for usually6-7 shims in the front and 1 in the back this should give nearly -3 degree camber and +7 - 8 on the castor throw in a good front and rear sway bar .Get some progressive KING springs lowered and forget th wrxs,s3, and what ever else u want. Bathurst here we come.......

[Guest LionHeart]

Am I the odd one out that could not be any happier with the way my baby sits on the road and drives?

[CJF077]

I think the handling is quite good..been pretty fast around some corners and ive had no problems at all.