Issue driving over train tracks - stock suspension GT

[techguy888]

A visit to a suspension specialist might be worth while. They maybe able to diagnose anything untoward.

Thanks. I am inclined to go this route to see if the results I desire are achievable simply by replacing the rear shocks. The handling dynamics of the vehicle are otherwise fine to me, certainly nothing wrong with the front suspension.

 

[techguy888]

Here is another thread in which other Stinger owners have encountered the same problem:

https://www.stingerforum.org/threads/adaptive-suspension-system.654/

There are coilovers, springs, and sway bar kits available for the Stinger's suspension. Check the k8 store, eBay, Amazon, etc. There are some sites you'll want to avoid so do your research before purchasing anything. Just to be sure, are you positive it was your suspension and not the hatch making the noise? Have you had your hatch recall completed?

The sound definitely came from under the vehicle, and was also not at all like the typical hatch rattle, but rather a loud bang.

And fwiw, there are some people on this forum you will want to ignore if you're posting about a problem with your car. These folks are mechanically stupid and hardcore biased so they know of no way to reply to such posts other than to say "my car is fine, Kia is perfect, blah blah." These folks believe it is their duty to reply to every-single post on this forum, even if they have nothing to say. They don't know how to not reply. If you have a problem with your car save yourself the headache and just scroll pass their post(s).

Thanks for the advice.

 

[narsnail]

Thanks for the advice.

If this is the only way to fix the issue then I am willing to go this route. As stated from the beginning, I am looking for an aftermarket product to buy in order to change the handling dynamics of the vehicle.

I'm in no way a suspension specialist, but lowering springs/sway bars will help with body roll, braking and obviously lowering the center of gravity. But to me it sounds like your rear end came down harder than your fronts and maybe at the exact angle where if it bottomed out the skid plate could contact the road. Are you able to re-create this or was it a one-off?

I have the ECS on my GT so my experience has maybe been different than yours.

 

[techguy888]

I'm in no way a suspension specialist, but lowering springs/sway bars will help with body roll, braking and obviously lowering the center of gravity. But to me it sounds like your rear end came down harder than your fronts and maybe at the exact angle where if it bottomed out the skid plate could contact the road. Are you able to re-create this or was it a one-off?

I have the ECS on my GT so my experience has maybe been different than yours.

From the other thread, and my own experience, it seems to me that the rear shocks have too high of a rebound. That's why I initially inquired about just replacing shocks. I'm going to see what a local suspension shop thinks.

As far as recreating the incident, I'm a bit concerned about the results. I think I'll save those train tracks for a test after whatever fix we come up with.

Thanks

 

[narsnail]

If you had ECS I would suggest Mando, its a bypass that allows you to adjust rebound, stiffness, etc. If you're in Minnesota, coilovers might be an issue in the winter, with the salt etc messing with the adjustment points.

Gotta remember this is a 4000lb car (if you're AWD), it does handle well for it's size but I found that the stock setup reacts a bit like a boat in a lot of cases, at least compared to the 2800lb Civic Si I drove before and I'm betting the STI was much lighter as well. It does not handle the weight transfers as well as either of those cars, which is to be expected as they're different classes of vehicles. Luckily there's the aftermarket for that in most cases.

 

[MBronze]

techguy888 where in MN are you?

 

[Bonzai]

Hey fellow techguy I feel your pain and somewhat disappointment in the suspension.

Although the stinger has many good attributes handling wise I'm also looking at improving. I've had the Mando ECS addon for 9 months and still enjoy it. Just ordered anti roll bars today to tidy things up a little especially with the JB4 it's great to slide around just a little bit more

Overall the stinger lacks the STI compliance and predictability but also doesnt suffer from understeer quite so much..lol ended up with adjustabale Teins on the older subaru STI to get it sorted. Can't wait to play around with the Eibach bars and Mando without lowering springs for now. Also wouldn't mess too much with coilovers and even springs for me it's the family car lol