Ok, here is a newbie question. I've never owned a vehicle with this much hp/torque and my rear end just feels squirrely once i get to around 80 mph(non highway) or when I am in very hard acceleration. It is an 03' and last owner put incorrect size tires on rear (225/50/17). Is this the source of the problem or is it just my inexperience with this much power. Oh and it is a base model...no vlsd. I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

 

Could be a lot of things, the tires can do it, the tread on the tires can do it, alignment etc etc.

 

What exactly do you mean by "squirrely"? Does it feel like it's going to lose control and spin out? I dont believe that size tire would feel like that. Even though thats a good size sidewall. Is there any tread left on the tires?

 

the car feels %100 sound and tight at low to moderate speeds. With that being said would alignment still be an option. Would a slight misalignment present itself only at very high speeds. The tires are new, yet diff brand up front then in back. My gut is that the combo of mismatched tires and incorrect rear tire size is to blame.

 

By "squirrely" i mean that it seems as if one or both tires loses traction and back end seems to break loose and go in the opposite direction as front end...creating a kinda fishtail.

 

hard breaking in response to the squirrely feeling seems to compound the situation. I guess i'm kinda answering my own question. All points toward mis alignment...any ideas?

 

1) 03 models had a harder suspension than all others. Revised suspension offered a softer ride. That harshness may partially explain your observation.

2) Smaller than recommended tires will definitely reduce traction.

3) Over inflated tires. Hard rubber compound. Worn or damaged suspension parts could all be factors.

4) Learn to throttle back a bit. "Hard" acceleration doesn't belong on the street. Otherwise your next thread may have the subject "I just wrecked my Z".

 

i think i may have the same situation as you, after reading for awhile people noted 03-04 models having "feathering" issues, and some had good results with alignments, those people also said the place they went "knew what they were doing" as alot of alignments shops didnt understand the problem

i get most of mine at highway speeds, and during engine braking, during acceleration i do not notice it at all, and the brakes i do notice it also

 

alignment.

 

^^^

 

I understand keeping track driving to the track, but i'm trying to identify any underlying factors that could cause problems on a general level. i'm just trying to understand how the car "should" feel/react when properly tuned.

 

as my wheels are not properly staggered per factory specs....just want to know if this leads to poor traction and the loose feeling or my car is not properly aligned.

 

Welcome. Horsepower and torque are relative. You will get accustomed. Not certain what size wheel you are running. May go with a wider tire. Or a better tire.

 

yes


yes


this too

this

 

Have you checked your tire pressures lately?

 

squirrely at 80+ equals too much toe in rear, get rear camber arm and toe delete botl, good alignment, and youre done.

Also, check your front CLA and compression rod bushing.
Replace all for 500-650 and you will have an absolutley solid new car feel while driving.