Has anyone ever swapped in LESS firm shocks?

[DreamSign]

Originally Posted by Gilles

Yes, I believe this is what it's called 'sprung weight'..?
.

Yes, you were 100% correct, this is "sprung" weight because it is part of the suspension that interacts with the chassis via springs.

I just roughly measured the sidewalls on the 18s and 17s. The 17s have approx 10mm more sidewall height over the 18s. I was only able to get a relatively rough measurement with the caliper but it was something like 70 mm versus 82 mm. Then I test drove the car and the difference is substantial over the sharp little bumps. So I think I'm going to swap Wheels and that might be enough for me to get what I want.

The reason for the delay was the Tiptronic car was stored at my other house which is an Airbnb and I did not have access to it while it was rented. I have too many cars so I am storing a couple cars over there. As soon as the registration comes back from Sacramento DMV, delayed because this car was just re imported from canada. I will put the tiptronic car up for sale. I'm definitely keeping the five-speed and I'm really enjoying this little gem.

[Boxstard]

Originally Posted by DreamSign

Yes, you were 100% correct, this is "sprung" weight because it is part of the suspension that interacts with the chassis via springs.

Tire/ wheel as rotational mass is NOT sprung weight, it is unsprung. Wheel hub and brake caliper are also unsprung weight, but not rotational mass as they are static, obviously.

On the other hand, flywheel is a heavy rotational mass, and it is sprung weight as the entire engine and transmission.

Anyway, lighter wheels/ tires reduce not just rotational mass to help acceleration (as if you gain more power) and braking but also unsprung weight so that suspension reacts quicker to maintain grip. Basic, simple and relatively cheap way to get more out of the car.