Owners of lowered Omegas

[tgm147]

Hi guys.

I've been looking into lowering the Omega. At the moment it always sits weird because of the gas tank in the boot. Always lower at the back. I'm after a 40mm front 30mm rear springs - I think Apex make them but I'm concerned about the ride comfort. It has relatively new GM shocks on all round but I really don't want it to become a rough ride. My old Vectra was as stiff as hell and I really don't want that.

Anyone able to give some details on how the lowered Omegas feel? A slight increase in stiffness is fine but if it's like driving with no springs at all, then not for me!

Cheers.

[zirk]

The lowered MV6's set up doesn't do a bad job if Im honest, not too stiff and not spongy.

Chris.

[TheBoy]

Irmscher springs, bilstein B4 (for comfort) or B6/8 (sport) shocks. In particular the Irmscher springs/B4 shocks is tried and tested.

No particular problems with grounding, unless fully laden - then you have to be careful with speed bumps. No issues with long motorway journeys.

Personally, I use Irmscher springs, Irmscher shocks. Similar handling and comfort to Irmscher/B4 combo.


Irmscher is a 30mm drop, which is about the most I'd want to go, and is already approaching the realms of compromising between handling and tyre wear (running 1'35 camber)

[TheBoy]

The lowered MV6's set up doesn't do a bad job if Im honest, not too stiff and not spongy.

Chris.

Indeed - its a good setup, but the springs are expensive (GM only).  The drop is about 15mm, I think OP wants the lowered look more than practicality?

[marrus69]

Anyone able to give some details on how the lowered Omegas feel? A slight increase in stiffness is fine but if it's like driving with no springs at all, then not for me!

Cheers.

there is a slight stiffness compered to a elite but i find it not to bad,goes well round roundabouts no massive body roll.

[Maurizio Ceresoli]

KW / Weitech front springs and dampers, same brand rear just dampers, and leave the back height as it is.

You won't be disappointed.

[Amigo]

As with any car don't overdo it, it'll be godawful. My MV6 had (or still has) been gently lowered at the rear, handles spot on & would still tow The Boy's favourite home from home!!!!

   I believe them to be red irmy's but Hotel 21 who i bought the car from may be able to enlighten you. Guy.

[Omega_Dan]

I have had my lowered on apex springs. Have a look in the omega gallery at the photos. The rear drop was about 25-30mm but the front was a good 40mm. The ride really is good and not too bouncy at all.  Dan

[feeutfo]

By definition, lowering means stiffer. If the same soft spring rate is kept on a shorter suspension stroke it will bottom out under compression. Elite ride on lowered springs is going to be elusive.

Its a personal thing, Elite is way too soft with body roll hindering progress. You cant input the controls until the damn thing stops wobbling around, and the wobble is very easily set off by corners, wumps and elevation changes etc.

If a comfy ride is number one priority, but your prepared to compromise that a little, mv6  is the way, but must be lowered sports chassis from face lift mv6 if you want it lower, but only by 15 mill. High frequency/smaller bumps are also more affected by tyres and pressures, so keep a higher profile for comfy ride.

Irmscher springs and B4 shocks here, and i love it. But my tastes are differant to yours by the sound of it. Imo only lower to the performance required. Lowering for appearance only is daft imo (sorry). But each to thier own.

[TheBoy]

As with any car don't overdo it, it'll be godawful. My MV6 had (or still has) been gently lowered at the rear, handles spot on & would still tow The Boy's favourite home from home!!!!

   I believe them to be red irmy's but Hotel 21 who i bought the car from may be able to enlighten you. Guy.

Irmscher rear, std front. Does cause some, errr, "interesting" handling as it has a tendency to understeer on high speed sweepers - more than once I've lost a few lbs instantly, along with words along the lines of "oh, I wasn't expecting that"

[hotel21]

I actually quite liked the handling of TBBB.......   

[TheBoy]

I actually quite liked the handling of TBBB.......   

Keeps your reactions quick

My bullet is the other way, as I like mine quite 'pointy', so Irmschered at the front, std springs at back.  The back always eventually follows the front

[barclay03]

As others have said, depends on your aims and preferences. My standard MV6 suspension felt like a boat to me, im not running coilovers (not sure how much im lowered, but a fair bit!) and the handling is vastly improved, looks also. I had to raist it slightly originally because of clearance issues. Wouldnt say my coilovers are overly bumpy either - ive had standard cars that ride alot rougher!

[feeutfo]

As others have said, depends on your aims and preferences. My standard MV6 suspension felt like a boat to me, im not running coilovers (not sure how much im lowered, but a fair bit!) and the handling is vastly improved, looks also. I had to raist it slightly originally because of clearance issues. Wouldnt say my coilovers are overly bumpy either - ive had standard cars that ride alot rougher!

indeed, most German cars are stiffer than a very stiff omega. All things are relative. If a person is used to and is happy with Elite suspension, that person will not like a b4/irmscher set up... Until you press on, then a whole new envelope opens up. BMW msport suspension is way stiffer. "Crashy" even.

[barclay03]

The worst i found was my leon cupra R... was a really bumpy ride as standard, felt everything, to the point where even a small hole felt like you had just demolished an alloy lol