I just wasted $1,000...

[Dozer42]

(Please note: This is my unedited suspension review that was just posted to thousands of Geeks at 1800905Geek.Com)

Well, I don't think it was money wasted, but I'm sure some of you will
think so. (Please ignore this post if you have no interest in the
vehicle dynamics of the PT Cruiser).

I decided to reward myself for that $6k+ week I had. I dropped $950 or
so on suspension parts for the new PT Cruiser GT Convertible I just
picked up, and honestly it was worth every penny from a Car Geek's
standpoint.

Tokico shocks, Eibach springs, Eibach sway bars front and rear.

Huge, HUGE difference.

Every dynamic aspect of the vehicle has improved. It's gone from a
boat that absolutely wallows in corners to a finely tuned machine that
performs extremely well. It won't handle as well as our AMG SLK55 or
the wife's Infiniti M45 Sport, but OMFG what a night and day difference!

The biggest difference is the improvement in braking performance.
Before it felt like when I'd press on the brakes hard, or even just a
bit, the entire vehicle would launch forward onto the front tires and
try to stand on it's nose. All my gear would wind up on the floor!!!

Now it stays flat and tidy. Wonderful braking performance, I can get
as deep into the pedal as I'd like and the car just stays perfectly flat.

Acceleration has improved. Braking has improved. Handling in general
is a huge improvement. Where before on decreasing radius turns (read:
cloverleaf) I'd need to slow down to speeds below the marked maximum
for the turn, now the car just sets itself perfectly and then asks you
to push it further.

Wonderful.

I now enjoy driving the PT Cruiser everywhere. Heck, I took my wife
out to dinner at The Mountain House in Woodside. This is a beautiful
place up Hwy 92 then 5 miles down Hwy 35, perfect non-stop twists and
turns where I love to take my motorcycle and get my knee down. The car
did not disappoint.

The only thing I can say that would be bad about it is that the
suspension might be too much for others. On large bumps it's quite
'jouncy'. The progressive springs compress to their stated compliance,
then it's absolutely HARSH and the vehicle follows the imperfections
in the road rather perfectly. This, to the driver can be rather firm.
Where the old suspension would float and wallow over these severe
bumps, the new suspension hugs the road and responds at a rate that
might be a bit too quick for some folks.

Not for me, as I'm a car geek. I love every minute of it. But for some
it might be way too much.

I still have my 'old' PT Cruiser GT Convertible, and I hop from one to
the other. But honestly I simply have no desire to ever drive the
'old' one again (until the suspension is redone!)

All parts were purchased from Shox.Com after thorough review on quite
a number of PT Cruiser forums/websites, here's the parts list:

Please note: These parts may not work on 2006+ PT Cruisers.

Product Name : 013. Tokico shocks/struts
Years: 2000 - 2006
Details: Set of 4
Price: 265.00 (US$)
Qty: 1

Product Name : 018. Eibach Pro-kit springs
Years: 2000 - 2006
Details: INDICATE whether convertible. Lowers 1.6" front 2" rear
(2875.140, 2860.140)
Price: 214.40 (US$)
Qty: 1

Product Name : 040. Eibach sway bar set
Years: 2000 - 2006
Details: Front sway bar is 25mm and rear bar is 22mm (2860.320)(ak)
Price: 272.35 (US$)
Qty: 1

Product Name : 041. Eibach rear sway bar hardware kit
Years: 2000 - 2006
Details: Use this kit with the Eibach sway bar kit if your car did not
come with an OEM rear sway bar.
Price: 89.00 (US$)
Qty: 1

[Mean Green]

You didn't waste any money. You've improved the handling and that is great for both spirited and normal driving.

[CREWZIN]

I agree with MG 100%. I can't see where you wasted a cent. Your write-up couldn't be more positive unless you added this at the end.

[bobs turbo pt]

sounds like it all went good ??

[skylight]

i think this is informative... especially for new pt owners.

[warped]

informative post but you can keep the BRAGGING out of it. Now we all know that you have money.

Whoo Hooo!! your

[Dozer42]

Sorry, which part exactly was bragging?

It's the best suspension I could do on a budget.

[warped]

I am sorry for my earlier post. Long day and envious of your $6k+ week. Sorry

[TX_Ruben]

I installed the eibach sways and springs the first 2 weeks of ownership... I agree HUGE improvement.

How do the tokico's improve on this? Anyone go from stock shocks to tokicos after the spring install?

[CREWZIN]

It took me a few years because I didn't think new Tokico struts/shocks would improve the ride after I put on the Eibach Pro's. Wish I would have done it a lot sooner. The ride improved considerably. I did have to have the car aligned after the install.