SRT8 wheels on a V6. Do I need stiffer shocks?

[high888]

I recently replaced my stock tires/wheels on my V6 Charger with SRT8 wheels and new Goodyears. Because they are about 20 lbs. heavier at each corner, perhaps I should get a stiffer shock? If so, which one? Will the RT shock be
stiffer? How about a road and track shock? Maybe a coilover? Any opinions would be helpful.

[MCaesar]

I would go with the SRT8 shock. Even though your car is lighter, some of us feel as though the SRT8 shock is not quite as strong as it should be on the SRT8 so perhaps on the V6 it would be a perfect fit.

[VanillaRT4me]

I would go with the SRT8 shock. Even though your car is lighter, some of us feel as though the SRT8 shock is not quite as strong as it should be on the SRT8 so perhaps on the V6 it would be a perfect fit.

MCaesar, I would recommend against this.

First, he doesn't have the Hemi, so his front-end is much lighter. So, with the SRT8 shocks likely being stiffer, his car will likely sit up too high in the front.

Second, I believe that switching out one set of shocks for another will not make any difference either way on compensating for the added unsprung weight from the SRT8 wheels.

It is just my opinion and I could be wrong, however.

[l1tech]

MCaesar, I would recommend against this.

First, he doesn't have the Hemi, so his front-end is much lighter. So, with the SRT8 shocks likely being stiffer, his car will likely sit up too high in the front.


It is the springs that control the height of the car and not the shocks. The shock is what keeps the wheel from bouncing off of the road. I think that a stiffer shock would help keep a heavier wheel and tire assembly planted on the road.

[VanillaRT4me]

It is the springs that control the height of the car and not the shocks. The shock is what keeps the wheel from bouncing off of the road. I think that a stiffer shock would help keep a heavier wheel and tire assembly planted on the road.

Theoretically, you're absolutely correct.

However, during my years of driving and modifying F-bodies and 5.0L Mustangs, I found that the shocks do contribute a certain and noticeable percentage of ride height, especially when going with aftermarket shocks.

Specifically, it happened when my friend put on a set of Koni's I had from my 5.0L Mustang on his V6 Mustang at the time. The front-end of his car raised up about 10mm.

I'm just offering a warning here. I can't predict, for certain, what will happen with the SRT8 shocks.

[high888]

Yes, would an SRT8 shock fit a V6 LX body? As far as a shock making the vehicle sit higher I think that is impossible. A shock carries no weight. I have
replaced shocks with the car sitting on the ground. You unbolt them and they
fall to the ground. The spring holds the weight. I will call Lee Parts. They seem to have their act together.

[high888]

Also, it appears it is still to early for any aftermarket shocks (Edelbrock, Monroe,
Gabreal, etc.). Anyone know if there are any aftermarkets?

[Scott]

I recently replaced my stock tires/wheels on my V6 Charger with SRT8 wheels and new Goodyears. Because they are about 20 lbs. heavier at each corner, perhaps I should get a stiffer shock? If so, which one? Will the RT shock be
stiffer? How about a road and track shock? Maybe a coilover? Any opinions would be helpful.

What are the F/R SRT wheel weights? Did you weigh them? Are your Goodyears, the srt stock Supercar F1's?

Thanks in advance,
Scott

[high888]

Each SRT8 wheel weighs 33 lbs. I have Goodyear 245/45-20 RS-A on the
front at 34 lbs. each, so the total tire/wheel weighs 67 lbs. I have Goodyear
RS-A 255/45-20 "run flats" on the rear. They are 2 lbs. heavier, so 69 lbs.
total for each tire/wheel. I have a Charger SE, and what I think I am feeling
is on a very smooth freeway traveling at say 70 mph is what I would call a slight
"hop". Feels like the tire/wheel is "bouncing" ever so slight. Similar to what one
might feel with a worn out shock. I can only attribute it to fact that the
skinny SE shock is being overwhelmed by the extra weight of the tire/wheel.
Thus I think I will try some beefier shocks such as the SRT8 Bilsteins. I have had each tire/wheel "Hunter road force" balanced twice, and they are perfect.
So it must be and feels like a weak shock.

[VanillaRT4me]

Yes, would an SRT8 shock fit a V6 LX body? As far as a shock making the vehicle sit higher I think that is impossible. A shock carries no weight. I have
replaced shocks with the car sitting on the ground. You unbolt them and they
fall to the ground. The spring holds the weight. I will call Lee Parts. They seem to have their act together.

These are gas shocks, right? You'll see...

[MCaesar]

Theoretically, you're absolutely correct.

However, during my years of driving and modifying F-bodies and 5.0L Mustangs, I found that the shocks do contribute a certain and noticeable percentage of ride height, especially when going with aftermarket shocks.

Specifically, it happened when my friend put on a set of Koni's I had from my 5.0L Mustang on his V6 Mustang at the time. The front-end of his car raised up about 10mm.

I'm just offering a warning here. I can't predict, for certain, what will happen with the SRT8 shocks.

I agree with 1tech

The shocks have very little to do with ride height that is the springs. The springs are the critical element which must be changed when switching from V6 to V8. Further, as many SRT8 drivers will attest to, the shocks are a little weak for the SRT8 so they may be just the ticket for a V6 with 20s or 22s.

There is not many things worse than improper wheel control.

In fact, when my warranty expires I am going to find some stiffer shocks and softer springs for my SRT8. The Germans hi-po folks have done this for years. You don't get the eyeball popping skidpad results but you end up with more control and better performance on bad roads.