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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 09-27-2005, 09:34 AM
Enthusiast
 
Hybrids: 2008 Civic CVT
Posts: 13
Default Improving Ride Comfort

I just bought a used 2003 Civic Hybrid. It needed new tires so I boguth a set of Goodyear Comfotred. They are very quiet and comfortable. Anyway I can make the ride better. i dont want to bring my tire psi below 40. Any good after market springs out there?
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Old 09-27-2005, 09:41 AM
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Location: New England
Hybrids: 2003 HCH CVT & Side Airbags
Posts: 1,450
Default Re: Improving Ride Comfort

how about you buy some of that tempur material and make a seat cushion out of it.
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Old 09-27-2005, 10:04 AM
MPG FANATIC WITH GUZZLERS
 
Real Name: CHARLIE
Location: New Orleans
Hybrids: Prius 2006
Posts: 521
Default Re:Springs usually stiffer-expensive shocks-struts maybe

You won't have any luck finding softer spring rate springs;most aftermarket springs are stiffer,or worse-stiffer and shorter for drops.You have 2 options
1)Hunt up some adj shocks-struts-.that have compression and rebound damping.There is a tiny chance that you will find some struts(or whatever they call you shock-spring combo) with some preload adj.You might be able to make some hay with the preload adj,but usually it won't help harshness.Look for adj shocks that advertise"soft ride".Most aftermarket shocks with adj features are performance shocks-read stiff!
2)Drop your tire pressure to "stock".It will make a noticeable improvement and will cost maybe 1 mpg(2%),if that.
The tire pressure adj is free-shocks-struts-springs are deep in the $100's.$300 is 100 gallons- at 44 mpg vs 45 mpg -$3/gal it will take 200,000 miles to make up the $300 gallons.Luck,Charlie
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Old 09-27-2005, 10:06 AM
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Real Name: Larry S. Singleton
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Hybrids: 2007 TCH and Loving It !
Posts: 1,427
Default Re: Improving Ride Comfort

Quote:
Originally Posted by ovni
I just bought a used 2003 Civic Hybrid. It needed new tires so I boguth a set of Goodyear Comfotred. They are very quiet and comfortable. Anyway I can make the ride better. i dont want to bring my tire psi below 40. Any good after market springs out there?
Could you specify exactly what piece of the ride comfort is lacking? If the car too stiff, too bouncy, too much road feel in the steering, too cushy?

I have a 2004 HCH and even with the tires at 52 PSI, the ride is fine and I don't notice any discomfort in any way......

I guess I'm just confused as to what part of the ride comfort is not comfortable?
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Old 09-27-2005, 03:05 PM
bigbearballs's Avatar
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Real Name: Jeff
Location: Austin, TX
Hybrids: 03 HCH
Posts: 255
Default Re: Improving Ride Comfort

Quote:
Originally Posted by lars-ss
Could you specify exactly what piece of the ride comfort is lacking? If the car too stiff, too bouncy, too much road feel in the steering, too cushy?

I have a 2004 HCH and even with the tires at 52 PSI, the ride is fine and I don't notice any discomfort in any way......

I guess I'm just confused as to what part of the ride comfort is not comfortable?
52psi, holy crap!

.

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Old 09-29-2005, 08:24 AM
Enthusiast
 
Hybrids: 2008 Civic CVT
Posts: 13
Default Re: Improving Ride Comfort

I went to walmart and found a memory foam seat cover. I also lowered my psi to 35. Ride feels better.
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Old 09-29-2005, 09:06 AM
Always > 50 mpgUS+
 
Real Name: Phil
Location: Metrotown Burnaby B.C
Hybrids: 04 NHW20 Salvage Prius
Posts: 468
Default Re: Improving Ride Comfort

Quote:
Originally Posted by bigbearballs
52psi, holy crap!
that's what i said too... i remember my friend's tire was so overflated he pulled over. As soon as he did the left front tire blew up causing a crack through the body!!!!

Hope that doesn't happen to you
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Old 09-29-2005, 09:39 AM
Ridiculously Active Enthusiast
 
Real Name: Larry S. Singleton
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Hybrids: 2007 TCH and Loving It !
Posts: 1,427
Default Re: Improving Ride Comfort

Actually, UNDER inflation is FAR more likely to cause blowouts. Wayne (xcel) convinced me that higher inflation is perfectly safe and workable, and usually does not lessen or negatively affect tire wear or performance.

Search this site for more discussions on this subject....
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Old 09-29-2005, 10:29 AM
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Real Name: Wayne Gerdes
Location: Northern Illinois
Posts: 2,567
Default Re: Improving Ride Comfort

Hi Philmcneal:

___Burst pressures for today’s tires are in the 125 - 150 # range, not 60 #’s and below.

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net

.



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