Can anyone tell me the exact differences between VRX and base model suspension?

I've searched these forums and all I can find are vague references to the VRX having a 'tighter' suspension tune, but no specifics.

I've read numerous comments that a VRX will run away & hide from a base model on twisty roads purely due to the different suspension tune.

I'm looking to upgrade the suspension on my base model 2005 DB without spending a bundle. I already have Kings fitted (lows rear, superlows front) and a front strut brace.

I think I've seen references somewhere (can't find them any more) to the VRX having 12mm or thereabouts lower springs and stiffer bushes. Is that right or is there more to it? Is stiffer bushes all I need to upgrade? If so where do I get them from (wrecker, dealer, suspension parts specialist) and how much to fit? If more is needed, exactly what? Better dampers/shockers? Rear sway bar? Last I looked no-one makes a rear sway bar for a 380.

I'm not lookling to spend a motza on coilovers, and I'm not after a rock hard ride, just a slightly flatter & more controlled ride.

Hoping someone in the know can help.

KJ.

Yeah the VRXs have better shocks - I'm sure Knotched or someone will confirm that very soon. Aparently the VRX suspension is better for cornering as you say (not that I would know; I have the same setup as you at the moment).

The shocks have a different model #, whilst looking exactly the same. The place where mine where fitted thought I was an idiot to swap them over, but they were surprised at the results, I would say the springs were firmer as well.

You could get your shocks repacked to a firmer setting, and get your springs reset too, but you've got Kings already. I was going to that to mine, then I found VRX shocks and springs 12000km old @ $85.00 a corner.

Rear sway bar? Last I looked no-one makes a rear sway bar for a 380.
There is an adjustable swaybar available from the US for the rear, I enquired about the front which they said is coming soon & they have put it on hold http://www.worksevo.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=55_58&products_id=274

Sh00t is the best testament to the difference. He has converted his base to the VRX kit. All I got for the next week was text msgs "whoa...!" and "...woohoo!"... lol

If you have Kings you are already just about there; just need to get shocks to match. I wouldn't stay with the base model shocks, they are too sloppy and won't compliment your lower and stiffer springs.

I'd get something decent that doesn't bust your bank balance but will last.

Our car is he 07' Platinum which came out with the VRX suspension set up. We are currently riding on original shockes but had -2" king springs. Doesnt get to loose when powering out of a corner, but still not as firm as I would like. Hoping for K-Ruds monies so we can finally pay off the coilovers.

i've driven both an S3 vrx and an S2 sx. The S2 sx was on a test drive my dad brought home, the s3 vrx we own.

Since the sx was a test drive i gave it a good run through a chicane style bend in a street near my house. I went through it at 50 (speed limit) and it handled well, but felt like i was pushing the car quite hard. I've done the same bend at the same speed in the vrx but it didnt feel like it was anywhere near its limit. obviously i'm a lot nicer to the vrx since we own it! but what felt like the sx being pushed was just cruising in the vrx.

I'm sure the larger tyres had a role in this as well, but the vrx definately had a lot more to give through the corner. I imagine i could add another 20 or so km/h to the speed but its not worth risking a speeding fine / demerit points just for the sake of it.

that being said, the sx was still a damn nice car, handles better than any commodore i've ever driven. The vrx just felt like a slightly more refined version. which is what its meant to do!

Thanks guys, looks like I'm after VRX shocks then, and maybe a rear sway bar.

No-one has said anything about bushes though.

Does the VRX have different/firmer bushes or not?

Tried some Web research on aftermarket 'sports' shocks for 380s and came up a complete blank - no-one seems to do them.

Monroes make a GT Sport designed specifically to go with Kings springs, but it seems for Falcadores only. Nothing at all in the Monroes or Koni catalogues for 380s.

Any idea how much for new VRX shocks from a dealer? I'm guessing around $200-$250 each, which makes it a pretty expensive proposition with fitting costs, and maybe not worth the cost. Not keen on the idea of used VRX shocks from a wrecker, who knows how many ks they might have done, and even if they were low ks I'm guessing they wouldn't cost a lot less than new.

Fitted new Monroe GT shocks to the old TE myself a few years ago with the help of my brother. Had some minor dramas but got there in the end. Not so sure I'm game to give it a go on the 380 though, especially by myself and with limited tools (but I do have spring compressors). Is replacing shocks on a 380 any different/harder to those on a TE?

I'm also worried about warranty hassles if I did it myself.

KJ

Might be worth emailing Alan Heaphy (TMR Project) I think Foozr has an email address.

Main thing is; you want to keep the balance the VRX/GT package has. It is very well set up to give you either oversteer (if you know what you are doing) or neutral to mild understeer.

Most ppl here have gone to Kings but I haven't because of that consideration. It upsets the handling balance and unless you go to a very good suspension shop who are happy to revalve some shocks for you at your cost it is going to be hit and miss to try and get that balance back.

Alan will know a lot more about it and can probably suggest an alternative shock for lowered springs.

Richard I have the lowered Kings as you know on my VRX & the car handles quite neutral & definately not unbalanced.

kj380 if you're thinking of getting that swaybar from the US the Galant boys over there were puting KYB's on their cars, not sure of model numbers or anything but. Might pay to send off a couple of emails.

Richard I have the lowered Kings as you know on my VRX & the car handles quite neutral & definately not unbalanced.

Yeah, I'm not saying yours or all the other cars here with Kings are unbalanced.

What I'm saying is the the car, when lowered, loses the oversteer capability it has with stock sports suspension.
Type40 proved this a year or two back when he was chopping and changing his suspension. Although the car benefits greatly with a flatter stance and more directional handling it terminates at the limit with understeer. Maybe the benefits of lowering outweigh losing the stock setup but if I lower my car I want to keep the oversteer trait.

I don't know of any other stock FWD car that does this and it's a huge testament to the local Mitsubishi engineers who decided how the VRX/GT 380 would handle.

Yeah, I'm not saying yours or all the other cars here with Kings are unbalanced.

What I'm saying is the the car, when lowered, loses the oversteer capability it has with stock sports suspension.
Type40 proved this a year or two back when he was chopping and changing his suspension. Although the car benefits greatly with a flatter stance and more directional handling it terminates at the limit with understeer. Maybe the benefits of lowering outweigh losing the stock setup but if I lower my car I want to keep the oversteer trait.

I don't know of any other stock FWD car that does this and it's a huge testament to the local Mitsubishi engineers who decided how the VRX/GT 380 would handle.
Maybe if we can get a few interested, we might be able to do a group buy on the US Works rear bar which would allow the lowered 380's to dial in some oversteer through the 3 adjustable settings? I'd be interested for one :think: