Do GTP's normally have super stiff shocks???

[Smooth_Driver]

I purchased a '98 GTP earlier this year. Over all I'm happy with the car. I got it checked up by a shop and does not need any repairs. It runs like new. It's got all the options, fully loaded. However, one thing bugs me. I find it a bit bumpy ride. It's alright on flat road but not on pot holes. I get this heavy tire thumps. Is this normal with GTP's or is it time to change shocks??? It's has 130,000 KM. I don't know if they have been changed before.

[CharlesW]

Since no one has taken a shot at this, here's my thoughts. Just one man's opinion.
The GTP has stiffer suspension than many cars on the road. That said, it has no where near as stiff as on several cars I have owned. My Corvette and a couple of AWD Turbo Talons were much more firm.
Super stiff? Nope. It really sounds like your suspension is pretty normal for a GTP. I hope you enjoy the car as much as we have ours.

Charles

[eohrnberger]

Here is another man's opinion:
I have a 2002 GT, and I find the ride nicely firm and sporty. The only real complaint I have is a bit of body roll on hard cornering, but I'm going to put the GM suspension upgrade kit on to try and improve that.

I drove a friends 2004 GT, and the thing wallowed and pushed the front in the corner far more than my own GT. I think GM screwed up a good thing.

Anybody else have the same impression, or is it just me?

[Ripn12s]

Its worth a shot on changing the struts.

You can get KYB struts for fairly cheap and they will perform better then stockers.

[BIG-L]

If they are the factory struts,id say they are shot and its time for new ones.The stock struts are only good to about 30,000 to 40,000 miles,Get the GMPP konis and you will be a happy man........~Larry~

[eohrnberger]

I don't think that it's the struts, the car has only 20K miles on it.

I think that it's just the way the OEM car is set up. The body roll really isn't that bad, but it's way better than the 2004 GT was.

[Ripn12s]

We were refering to the thread starters car. 130,000km

Just lower your ride that will help alot w/ the body roll. I have so much more confidence in the cornering of my car since I've lowered it.

Also upgrade to the GM swaybars/strut bars/trailing arm kit.

[eohrnberger]

Oh. Sorry about that.

Yea, I have the GM kit, and am making arrangements to install it.

UPDATE:
I installed the GMPP handling package, and am very pleased with the handling now. However, the front strut brace that comes with the package seems to be missing some sort of adaptors to reach the strut towers.

Anyone with experience with package can confirm that I should have received this adaptor with the kit?

Thanks in advance,
Erik.

[eohrnberger]

Hey, just got the handling kit installed (see link below), and it just about eliminates body roll during cornering without sacrificing the ride. Very cool. You know, it's the same kit as the Impala police cruiser!

Just be aware that the base kit does not come with, or at least mine didn't, an adaptor plate that bolts to the top of the front strut towers and then to the tower brace. Everything else is included. I'm asking GMPP about that right now.

Cheers and best wishes to one and all!

Erik.

[Ripn12s]

If your talking bout the strut tower brace that is normal. You have to drill holes to mount the brace

[eohrnberger]

By drilling these holes, the forces will be working against the small area around the holes.

I'm not very satisfied at this approach. I've order the following:
http://www.zzperformance.com/zzp/products/prod_strut_tower.htm#

Which appears to be a nice bracket that bolts to the shock bolts on the tower. I think that this is a better installation, and will distribute the forces across a greater area.

Thanks for your prompt response.

Erik.

[Ripn12s]

I was going to get those too but didnt feel like spending more then what the bars cost. drilled holes are working pretty good so far and didnt cost 30 bucks

[eohrnberger]

Well, to each his own. Glad to hear that you aren't having any problems. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

[eohrnberger]

After driving the car a few days with the GMPP suspension upgrade with the ZZPerformance front strut brackets, I have to say that the car is much more fun to drive. Every corner where previously 25 MPH was a tire squealing experience, is now an enjoyable cornering on rails experience with minimal body roll and minimal tire squeal. All this fun without sacrificing the ride across rough roads.

I'd recommend this upgrade to anyone who is interested in an enjoyable, better handling experience.