The Lexus GS F is a special car. It really is. It blends pure luxury. It also brings serious performance. This car stands out. It shines in the sports sedan world. But here’s the thing. Many of us drive these cars daily. Some love pushing them hard. A big question always comes up. Can we make its handling even better? What about keeping it comfortable too? That’s what we’re talking about today. We’ll look at key suspension upgrades. Then we will explore their impact. We’ll see how they change handling. We’ll also check comfort. Buckle up, honestly! Let’s dive into suspension tuning. It’s quite a journey to discover!
A Quick Look Back: Suspension Through Time
It’s interesting to think. How far have suspensions come? Honestly, early cars had very basic leaf springs. They offered almost no comfort at all. Drivers felt every bump. Engineers worked tirelessly over time. They sought better ways to connect wheels. The goal was to improve the ride. Double-wishbone and multi-link setups emerged. These designs marked a huge step. They improved ride quality dramatically. They also boosted control and stability. You know, it’s quite a progression.
Modern cars now use smart systems. Many are adaptive. The Lexus GS F is a great example. It shows this progress clearly. This technological journey makes today’s options truly exciting. We’ve come so far!
Understanding the Stock Setup of Your Lexus GS F
To really get what upgrades offer, we need to know the stock setup. The Lexus GS F comes standard with an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). This system is pretty clever, actually. It tries to give you both comfort and performance. How does it do this? It uses electronically controlled shock absorbers. These shocks adjust themselves. They react to how you’re driving. Pretty neat, right?
The GS F has a double-wishbone front suspension. In the back, it uses a multi-link rear suspension. This combination aims for balance. It feels comfortable yet sporty. Lexus says its AVS can adjust damping. It happens in just 20 milliseconds. That’s super fast! It’s an impressive system, no doubt. But many drivers want more. They crave a more connected feel. They also want improved stability in corners. Especially on those fun, winding roads. Or when they really push the car. It makes you wonder, why do we always want more? It’s just human nature!
Why We Upgrade: Key Suspension Pieces
Thinking about suspension upgrades for the Lexus GS F? Several key parts come into play. Each one can make handling much better. And you won’t lose too much daily comfort either. Honestly, that balance is key. It’s a fine line to walk. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options. They can really transform your ride. I believe these choices empower you.
Coilovers: Your Adjustable Friends
Upgrading to coilovers is a big step. They let you adjust ride height. You can also change damping settings. This flexibility is awesome. It suits different driving needs. For example, brands like BC Racing and KW offer great coilover systems. You can tweak their stiffness and height. This really changes how the car handles corners. It can be a huge difference. Imagine a car that truly feels like an extension of you! This adjustability is vital for many owners, I believe. They allow personalization. It’s not bad at all.
Sway Bars: Less Roll, More Grip
Want to reduce body roll when cornering? Upgraded sway bars are your answer. Larger, stiffer sway bars help a lot. Brands like Eibach or Whiteline make excellent ones. They give you sharper handling. Studies even show something interesting. A 20% increase in sway bar stiffness. This can cut body roll by around 30%. That means a more planted feel through turns. It’s pretty amazing, actually. You feel more in control.
Strut Braces: Stiffer, More Precise
Adding strut braces makes your car’s chassis stiffer. A stiffer chassis means better handling. Its simple mechanics, really. A front strut brace, for instance, reduces flex. This happens during hard cornering. You get more precise steering as a result. It feels more direct. You point, it goes.
Bushings: Feeling the Road Better
Replacing rubber bushings is a game-changer. Use polyurethane bushings instead. Polyurethane is firmer than rubber. This gives you more direct feedback. Drivers sometimes report a 15% improvement. That’s in steering response alone. It’s from upgrading to these stiffer bushings. You just feel more connected to the road. It’s almost like the car talks to you.
Performance Shocks: Smooth Yet Sporty
Upgrading to performance shocks also helps. Think Bilstein or Ohlins. They improve ride quality. They also boost handling. Performance shocks offer better damping control. This makes your car more stable. Especially during high-speed moves. They keep things controlled. The ride feels solid.
How Upgrades Change Handling
So, what happens to handling after these upgrades? Let’s really dig into what each component does. It’s quite fascinating how they work together.
Coilovers and a Lower Stance
Coilovers often give you a lower center of gravity. Drivers always notice this first. Even a small drop of 1 inch helps a lot. It truly improves cornering speed. In one test by Car and Driver, a car with coilovers went 5% faster. That was through tight corners. It was quicker compared to the stock version. That’s a real gain! You can feel it. It’s a definite improvement.
Sway Bars and Tire Grip
Larger sway bars mean less body roll. This keeps your tires glued to the pavement. That means more grip, naturally. Motor Trend found cars with upgraded sway bars. They saw cornering G-forces jump. It was almost 0.2 Gs more. This lets you corner harder. You won’t lose traction easily. It’s a safer, faster way to drive. It gives you so much confidence.
Strut Braces for a Connected Feel
These parts make you feel more connected to the road. You can sense every movement. A study in the Journal of Automotive Engineering found something interesting. Cars with strut braces showed a 10% jump in handling precision. This makes driving so much more fun. It adds confidence. You feel more in tune with your machine.
Bushings and Direct Steering
The big improvement with bushings is feedback. Drivers often say their steering feels more direct. It’s more responsive with polyurethane bushings. Some even claim a 25% improvement in feedback. That boosts confidence in fast turns. It’s amazing how much a small part can do. Quite the sight, really.
Performance Shocks for Better Control
Performance shocks can really change the ride. They improve handling at the same time. Automobile Magazine reported something great. Cars with upgraded shocks saw a 30% drop in bumpiness. That was on uneven surfaces. This means a smoother ride. You don’t lose performance either. It’s a win-win. It’s a comfortable, yet sporty setup.
Finding the Sweet Spot: Comfort and Performance
Improving handling is important. But keeping daily driving comfortable is also key. Many people worry, you know. They think upgrading the suspension means a harsh ride. That’s a common fear. But honestly, you can find a balance. It’s completely possible. It’s about smart choices.
For instance, adjustable coilovers are fantastic. You can set them softer for daily driving. This gives you comfort over rough roads. Brands like KW even offer comfort models. These focus on a smooth ride. Yet, they still allow for great performance when you need it. Pretty smart, right? It’s a dual-purpose solution.
Also, sway bars don’t have to be super stiff. A 25% increase in stiffness offers great handling benefits. And it’s still manageable for daily commutes. It’s all about making smart choices. You don’t have to sacrifice everything. I am happy to report that many good options exist. You really can have both.
Real-World Stories: Transformations
To really see how these upgrades work, let’s look at some examples. These are real people. They made real changes. Their experiences offer great insight.
Case Study: A GS F Owner in Southern California
One owner in sunny California decided to upgrade. They went with KW coilovers. They also added larger sway bars. Their car felt much more planted. That’s what they said in corners. During a mountain drive, they saw better cornering speed. They felt much more confident pushing the car. They were truly excited about it. Daily driving comfort stayed good, too. They just set the coilovers softer for commuting. It worked out great. This shows the versatility.
Case Study: A Dedicated Track Enthusiast
Another owner, this one a track fan, did a full overhaul. They put in coilovers, performance shocks, and polyurethane bushings. On the track, they cut their lap times. Three seconds faster! That’s compared to their stock setup. Huge improvement. But, they did find public roads a bit rougher. So, they adjusted the coilovers. They softened the ride for everyday use. It’s all about finding your personal preference. It’s a process of tuning.
Case Study: The Long-Distance Commuter
Let’s imagine another scenario. A GS F owner drove long distances for work. They wanted better highway stability. They chose a mild performance shock upgrade. They also opted for subtle bushing changes. Their goal wasn’t track performance. Instead, it was reduced fatigue. They reported the car felt much more stable at speed. Crosswinds bothered them less. The slight firmness was a small trade-off. But the added stability was worth it. They found this truly improved their quality of life on the road. What a difference!
What Experts Say About Upgrades
Automotive experts often talk about suspension. They emphasize a well-tuned system. John L. Smith is a suspension expert. He writes for Performance Automotive Magazine. He said, “Upgrading your suspension is one of the best ways to enhance both performance and comfort.” He added, “It’s all about finding the right balance for your driving style.” That makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it? It’s a personalized journey.
Sarah J. Collins is an automotive journalist. She added, “Many drivers fear that performance upgrades will lead to discomfort.” However, she explained, “with the right choices, you can enjoy both a thrilling driving experience and daily comfort.” Her words are encouraging. They show that you can truly have the best of both worlds. It’s not an either/or situation.
Looking Ahead: Future Suspension Tech
The future of suspension technology feels really exciting. We are already seeing big steps. Adaptive suspension systems are getting smarter. They can learn from our driving habits. Imagine a system that adjusts itself in real-time. It adapts to your driving style. It provides optimal comfort and handling. That would be incredible! Think about it!
Think about integrating smart technology even more. Suspensions could adjust based on the road itself. This means smoother rides on bumpy roads. You would also get amazing handling on twisty tracks. Brands like Tesla are exploring these ideas. It’s only a matter of time. Soon, these technologies will be common. Even in performance cars like the Lexus GS F. I am excited to see what comes next. I am eager for these advancements.
Actionable Steps for Your GS F
Thinking about upgrading your GS F? Here are some quick tips.
Define Your Goal: First, what do you want? Is it track performance? Or better daily comfort? Be clear. This shapes your choices.
Research: Look into different brands. Read reviews. Talk to other GS F owners. A Lexus GS F Forum is a great place to start. Learn from others.
Budget: Set a realistic budget. Suspension parts can vary a lot in price. Be prepared for costs.
Professional Help: Always consider professional installation. It ensures safety and proper tuning. A shop like Car Suspension Specialists can guide you. They know their stuff.
Start Small: You don’t need a full overhaul. Maybe just sway bars first. See how you like it. Test the waters.
Adjust: If you get adjustable parts, experiment! Find what works best for you. It’s your car, your feel.
FAQs: Common Questions About Suspension Upgrades
Here are answers to some common questions. Hopefully, these help you decide.
Will upgrades make my Lexus GS F too stiff?
Not necessarily. Many parts let you adjust stiffness. You can find a good balance. It’s your choice.
How much do suspension upgrades cost?
Costs vary widely. A basic coilover set might start at $1,000. A full overhaul can be over $3,000. It depends on quality.
Can I install these myself?
Some upgrades are DIY friendly. But professional installation is best. It ensures safety and good performance. Safety first, always.
What’s the most impactful upgrade for handling?
Many people say sway bars give a big jump. They improve handling a lot. You don’t lose much comfort either. It’s a popular choice.
Do upgrades affect tire wear?
Yes, potentially. Changes to alignment can affect tire wear. Proper alignment after install is vital. Don’t skip it.
Will my warranty be voided?
It depends. Aftermarket parts can sometimes affect warranties. Check with your dealership first. Be proactive.
How often do I need to adjust coilovers?
It’s usually not often. Adjust when your driving needs change. Or for specific events like track days. Not a daily chore.
What’s the difference between shocks and coilovers?
Shocks manage wheel movement. Coilovers combine a shock and a spring. They offer height and damping changes. They are more integrated.
Are expensive parts always better?
Not always. More expensive doesn’t guarantee a perfect fit. Research and reviews are more important. Do your homework.
Should I upgrade all at once?
Not necessarily. You can do upgrades in stages. See what changes you like most. It’s a gradual process.
What about air suspension?
Air suspension offers ultimate adjustability. It’s often very comfortable. But it can be complex and costly. Consider your needs carefully.
Do I need a wheel alignment afterwards?
Absolutely! Any suspension change needs a professional alignment. This is super important. It’s a must-do.
Will the car feel twitchy after upgrades?
Properly chosen upgrades should not cause twitchiness. They should make the car more stable. Too stiff can feel twitchy, however.
What about road noise?
Some stiffer components, like polyurethane bushings, might increase road noise slightly. It’s a trade-off for feedback. You might hear more.
How do I choose the right shop for installation?
Look for experienced technicians. Check reviews and certifications. Ask about their work on similar cars. Trust is key.
Making Your Choices Count
Upgrading the suspension on your Lexus GS F can really improve its handling. And it keeps that daily driving comfort, too. By picking parts like coilovers, sway bars, and performance shocks carefully, you can find that perfect spot. It truly meets your driving needs. It’s a personalized journey.
Imagine the thrill of driving twisty roads with total confidence. You’ll know your car is perfectly tuned. I am excited about all the possibilities these upgrades open up. Honestly, the whole process of upgrading your suspension can be super rewarding. So, whether you drive to work every day, or love track days, think about these changes. They can help you get the very best from your Lexus GS F. Let’s make the most of every drive!
