1.8 sxi too firm suspension.

[gordy1.8sxi]

Ok then. here's one for you.. everyone else seems to want to lower and stiffen the suspension, but i find the standard suspension on the wife's 1.8sxi too firm and harsh,
it's only a 1.8 family car so can anyone recommend a relatively cheap option to soften up the suspension to make it more comfortable, the state of the roads in this country don't help.
it's got to the point that when we go anywhere as a family we end up taking my car (13yr old BMWe39, 528.. 27mpg and old but the most comfortable car i have ever driven) because i dont like being jolted around.

I'm waiting for the **** taking and wisecrack's, but being the place of all knowledge vectra-c i hope you can help..

[Fox]

You'd be best finding some springs and shocks from a non SRI/SXI car, although new parts will not be cheap in one hit, even pattern parts will be as pricey as a decent lowering/sports kit!

Perhaps someone will do a swap with you on here?

[Das]

SXi came with sports springs did it not? I have an 1.8LS and even I would say that the ride is on the firm side on it too. TBH 55 series tyres don't really help the comfort side of things either. I take it all the springs are intact and the shockers are not on their way out? All shock absorbers are the same, its all down to the springs, you could try sourcing a set of springs from a 1.8 Elite and that should soften the ride.
Problem is that back at the end of the 90's and into 2000 everyone was trying to play catch up with the better handling Mondeo, better handling= lower profile tyres and firmer suspension, neither of which do anything for ride comfort.

[CLOMP]

yes I know what you mean my 1.8 goes round bends er,,, very well, but I did not realise the difference between my old LS and this sxi would be so great, but I have made mine even stiffer by accident, put KYB springs on it, and extra load tyres,, I did a search it would cost loads to alter things say to LS speck,, THEN you would have tell your insurance as it would be none standered suspension, also I do belive the geometery of the sxi is different to the LS, my opinion not worth it.

[gordy1.8sxi]

Thank's for the response guy's, guess i'll have to just put up with then..

[john_k_sri]

VX changed the suspension on the SXI to SRI-type in 2004 to make it more 'sporty'. I had standard suspension on my first Vectra 'C' and I found it very comfortable but too soft and sluggish on cornering. Sports suspension like yours has a faster steering rack which is more responsive than standard suspension and IMO handles much better.