Well, I got my Crossfire outta storage yesterday. After work I gave it a nice wash and went for a spin. I was practically salivating with anticipation. I made a B-line for the local gas station which has this cool air-pump to check the tires and pressure.

The whole way there - about 2 miles, including some twisties - the car felt sloppy. I couldn't shake this feeling of being disconnected from the road. The steering was dead, the car seemed to be wet-noodling around corners. It was bizarre. I thought "Oh my tires must be low from sitting all winter."

When I got to the gas station my tires were actually over pressure - between 35 and 38 on all of them. WTF?!?

I was puzzled and headed back home - smoking a little tire just to "make sure" it was running properly. When I got home, I put it away and got in my Mini. I was shocked to feel the significant difference in rides. The Mini seemed even more go-cart-like by comparison. Could the Mini handle THAT much better? Or am I dreaming?

When I bought the SRT-6, I thought "This car handles like it is on rails." but that seems to have gone away. At only 26,000 on the odometer I can't believe that the suspension is loosened up that much. what could possibly be wrong? I know I lost some handling ability when I went to 18" rims on the back, but 1/2" taller sidewalls can't make that much difference. I thought it seemed looser at the last Dragon, but I was keeping up with the other Crossfires, so I just chalked it up to unfamiliar roads.

Hmmmm....

So, what SRT-6 owners anywhere near me want to swap cars for a quick test drive? I need to compare apples to apples rather than Crossfires to Minis.

 

Tom, after going to lengths to help me out, I hope someone steps up to the plate.

And about keeping up with those other crossfires, I am pretty sure we have *on video* you almost loosing it into the side of the mountain after hitting some wet leaves. Maybe there is something out of the ordinary going on with her. Best of luck, alteast your TC and ABS work LOL

 

If I were near you ,,,,You could drive mine it handles superb on the corners or in a staight line no issues , in really tight curves you can actually feell the fluid in your body shift

 

Thanks fellas! I don't know of any members with SRTs near me. Maybe I'll swap for an NA, at least it would be real close. I know a couple folks with those.

 

Tom

Is it time to install one of these parts to the suspension, since you have 26,000 miles on the SRT6?
Dennis
Steering Dampner Mercedes Benz SLK Chrysler Crossfire : eBay Motors (item 270446693400 end time Mar-21-10 17:35:15 PDT)

 

Thanks DT. I put a new steering dampner on September 2009, and I've got to tell you I thought it did nothing. In fact, I'd say changing the dampner made it just a tiny bit worse.

 

Get the alignment checked and go from there.

 

Cold temps and UHP tires=frightening combo?