9-5 Aero suspension options

[hugerr]

Sorry if this has been done to death before. I have a 2005 9-5 aero estate, coming up on 24k miles. I like most aspects of the car, but I'm not happy with the suspension at all. it seems harsh and crashy -- generally lacking in control. So, I'm thinking of upgrading the suspension dampers/springs... the question is which road to go down?

As I see it the options are the Hirsh stuff, the Abbott Racing stuff, or more generic upgrades like the Bilstein dampers/springs.

Does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions before I plump for one of them?

Thanks

hugh

Edited by hugerr on Monday 29th January 16:33

[rikroblou]

saab handeling kit is good and the cheapest option
kit contains lowering springs dampers and role bars
not for cars with self leveling
kit is around 400-450 i think
relativly easy if you wanted to fit your self (front role bar is the hard bit)

[aeropilot]

rikroblou said:

saab handeling kit is good and the cheapest option
kit contains lowering springs dampers and role bars
not for cars with self leveling
kit is around 400-450 i think
relativly easy if you wanted to fit your self (front role bar is the hard bit)

Err......he's got an Aero, which has the 'Saab Handling kit' as standard

hugerr said:

but I'm not happy with the suspension at all. it seems harsh and crashy -- generally lacking in control. So, I'm thinking of upgrading the suspension dampers/springs... the question is which road to go down?

Yes harsh and crashy is a very apt description of the standard Aero suspension.

hugerr said:

As I see it the options are the Hirsh stuff, the Abbott Racing stuff, or more generic upgrades like the Bilstein dampers/springs.

In my opinion having tried out a number before changing mine, I'd say in order of preference the options are:-
1. Hirsch
2. Eibach Pro damper and Eibach Pro springs.
3. Abbott Racing. This consists of Bilstein dampers and Abbott spec springs.

I've got the Hirsch kit fitted on my Aero which totally transforms the car. The crashiness and harshness is all but virtually eliminated with a huge improvement in comfort levels, as well as increased handling and steering response. A lot of this is down to the fact that the springs on the Hirsch kit are progressive.
The Eibach stuff is the next best option, Eibach making the stuff for Hirsch although not to the same spec), and again the Eibach springs IIRC are pregressive as well, but a lttle stiffer and lower than the Hirsch kit.

Just don't be swayed into fitting Koni's dampers to a 9-5

Edited by aeropilot on Monday 29th January 20:41

[gareth h]

What's wrong with Konis?

[aeropilot]

gareth h said:

What's wrong with Konis?

They just don't work that well on a 9-5, they just don't have the damping control to cope with aftermarket springs......
After years trying, even Abbott's finally gave up trying get a decent set-up on the 9-5 with Koni and instead went over to specifing Bilstein specifically for the 9-5.

[hugerr]

aeropilot said:

In my opinion having tried out a number before changing mine, I'd say in order of preference the options are:-
1. Hirsch
2. Eibach Pro damper and Eibach Pro springs.
3. Abbott Racing. This consists of Bilstein dampers and Abbott spec springs.

That's great -- thanks. More or less firms up what I had been thinking.

aeropilot said:

I've got the Hirsch kit fitted on my Aero which totally transforms the car. The crashiness and harshness is all but virtually eliminated with a huge improvement in comfort levels, as well as increased handling and steering response.

Sounds exactly what I'm after. Roll on pay day

Thanks again.

Hugh

Edited by hugerr on Monday 29th January 22:22

Edited by hugerr on Monday 29th January 22:23

[aeropilot]

[quote=hugerr]
Sounds exactly what I'm after. Roll on pay day

Thanks again.

Hugh

Edited by hugerr on Monday 29th January 22:22

A word of warning though.......that Hirsch stuff can become addictive.....
After one kit.....you'll then find yourself wanting those gorgeous 18" Hirsch alloys..........and then the fantastic Hirsch/Brembo brake upgrade.....and then.....

[LongQ]

I don't really notice that much harshness on mine, except on some roads/surfaces and at low speeds. Is it mileage thing - has 111k softened it up?

It's not as soft as me previous Omega was but I dodn't expect it to be. Actually seems to ride better at cruising speed on a motorway though.

I pumped the tyres up for a trackday back in October and the harshness, such as it is, hardly increased but the handling totally changed so I left them with full pressure - high speed settings. It's like a kart now. (Well, sort of ... )

Could be a tyre thing? The Omega was critical on tyres. Some were much much better than others in all respects. I have not experimented with the Saab.

[CAUSEWAYSAAB1]

although a tad expensive i would go for the hirsch kit - the quality is fantastic!

[Converted]

I fitted the Hirsch kit to my MY99 2.3LPT Estate and it is fab.
Look around, I got the kit for £750 ish on Elkparts, only to see it for around £350 on Car Parts Connexions (sic) a week later.

There is always a bargain to be had if you are prepared to blow the dust off.

[i want an aero]

the hirsch kit is made bu eibach, so if you've not got enough for the hirsch or you've got a slightly older model then eibach is the way to go. i have koni's oon my saab and it's great but slightly stiff if not used to it. but as my daily driver is a van it's great for me and corners great