2006 GT Poor Handling

[jayguliano]

Odd that Chrysler did not install the proper sway bars at the plant. The sticker says it has a "sport suspension" so most buyers would assume it would feel reasonably safe around the turns. I would like to know what they did to call it a sport suspension on the GT. Ink for the sticker is cheap but performace cost money.

[quicksilverdon]

quote:Originally posted by SR-PT4

The stock Goodyear Eagle RSA tires are, uh, well, lousy at best. A good set of summer performance tires will make a huge difference in ANY vehicle's handling.

That's my vote. I lowered the rear of my PT, put in a 7/8" rear sway bar, and neither had anwhere near as big an improvement as when I put on Michelin Hydroedge tires! The Good-for-a-Years are the biggest problem.

[wait4me6920]

quote:Originally posted by quicksilverdon

That's my vote. I lowered the rear of my PT, put in a 7/8" rear sway bar, and neither had anwhere near as big an improvement as when I put on Michelin Hydroedge tires! The Good-for-a-Years are the biggest problem.

As earlier stated, I too find the RSAs wanting, but imho the bars are necessary to stabilize the platform to a point that better tires become useful players. No sense putting track shoes on a wobbly, out of shape wannabe...

[fritz_t_coyote]

quote:Originally posted by wait4me6920

As earlier stated, I too find the RSAs wanting, but imho the bars are necessary to stabilize the platform to a point that better tires become useful players. No sense putting track shoes on a wobbly, out of shape wannabe...

On the other hand, the stock Badyears are Really Bad Tires. To further stretch the analogy: Even a 'wobbly, out of shape wannabe' will do better with a decent set of performance shoes, instead of stiff, slippery and cheap dress shoes. (Dress shoes: yeah, they look alright, and they cover your feet, but not the best choice for rain, and really inappropriate in the snow.)

[wait4me6920]

quote:
On the other hand, the stock Badyears are Really Bad Tires. To further stretch the analogy: Even a 'wobbly, out of shape wannabe' will do better with a decent set of performance shoes, instead of stiff, slippery and cheap dress shoes. (Dress shoes: yeah, they look alright, and they cover your feet, but not the best choice for rain, and really inappropriate in the snow.)

Yeah, yeah - I know they are bad, but bear with me here and let me try one more time.

Putting really good, sticky rubber on a stock Cruiser chassis may increase traction, but it can actually exacerbate the body rotation and tipping sensation. Nor will better rubber will do much to tame the skittish sidestepping of the tail in bumpy turns.

I simply think it's best to stabilize the basic platform first. Then one is in a position to maximize the effectiveness of better shoes...

[fritz_t_coyote]

quote:Originally posted by wait4me6920


Putting really good, sticky rubber on a stock Cruiser chassis may increase traction, but it can actually exacerbate the body rotation and tipping sensation. Nor will better rubber will do much to tame the skittish sidestepping of the tail in bumpy turns.

True, but it will improve stopping distances, especially in the rain. And subjectively it will feel worse as the little econo-box flops around on flaccid springs and wimpy shocks (and cheap, flimsy bushings)... but it will be safer.

Tires are always the bottom line, as it all comes down to the friction between the tires and the ground.

As for the swaybar: yes... it is essential! It is unbelievable that DC deleted them (along with a bunch of other safety gear, like why are daytime running lights standard equipment in Canadian Cruisers, but unavailable-even-as-an-option for U.S. Cruisers? At least DC will let us buy ABS and side-impact airbags, but unless you are taking a fully loaded Limited off the lot, you gotta put in a factory order.)

But my biggest gripe is the lack of a SRT PT. They will stuff a Viper engine in a pickup truck, but they won't build a SRT PT.

Sigh.


[xx(]

[bobs turbo pt]

They will stuff a Viper engine in a pickup truck, but they won't build a SRT PT.

very true !!& sad

[littleblueGT]

I'm sorry, but I was impressed with the handling of my 03 GT after I first got it. I had to swerve at 80 mph to avoid a truck tire on the freeway, the PT did it and recovered nicely, I was really surprised not expecting a top heavy car to act like that!I know the PT isn't a race car due to it's weight and aerodynamics, but for what it is, it isn't too bad!

[SteelBlueGT]

I hear you and agree but put on the basic upgrades and it will have "on rails feeling" compared to stock. And the ride is not sacrificed if you dont go to lowering springs or bite the bullet and put on coilovers!