consultant1027

Does anyone make shocks that can be installed in a Type-S to soften the suspension somewhat? I was thinking maybe Tokico adjustables but don't see any for an 07/08 Type-S. Want to spend as little money as possible. Please don't criticize me for considering this. Everyone has different objectives with their cars.

LostSol

Softer for cheap? Pick up a set of used standard TL springs and swap them for your TL-S springs.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

Install the TL shocks and springs. Maybe you'll find someone in your area to do an even exchange.

consultant1027

Well I took a second longer, 1-hour test drive, and then compared to an 06 TL (before the softened the suspension in the regular 07/08 TL to differentiate it more from the Type-S). The difference is noticeable but not nearly as much as I expected. The 04-06 suspensions are pretty stiff! They are perfect in my mind, but I took the Type-S pretty hot into a big sweeping corner to test the limits of adhesion, and WOW, that was as good if not better than my S60R. It actually rides better than my S60 over train tracks, etc., even when I have the suspension in comfort mode. So I can live with the Type-S suspension definitely.

What I don't think I can get used to is the TL seats, especially combined with the stiff suspension. The Volvo is known for pretty much having the best seats in any cars. Instructors at the track who sit in dozens of cars a day confirmed that. So I'm spoiled there. I don't mind a bit stiffer seat, but what really drive my crazy is how short the seat is. My Volvo seats support my entire thigh. The TL seats I keep feeling like I need to scoot back in the seat. And I'm only 5' 11" and did play around alot with the adjustments. Just wouldn't be fun for a long road trip.

I'm now wondering if the RL seats are better. I may sacrifice the sportiness and just go for one of those since they depreciated so bad you can get the same mileage RL for the same price as a Type-S or possibly lower!

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

Maybe if you take a second look at the seats, they will be more to your liking.
Each manufacturer seems to make seats slightly different and with time most can adjust to that particular configuration. You'll find that with most any model car you'll have people that think the seats are the best, while still others feel that some improvement is needed.

consultant1027

Well our 04 Pilot seats are fine for long trips, but I think they are bigger (longer) than the ones in the TL. I agree there will be personal preference, but there is also some general consensus. If you drove a Volvo for a day, then went back to your Honda, you'd see what I mean. But like pretty much everything you can't get 100% what you want (have your cake and eat it too) There are always trade-offs and one needs to decide which ones you can live with and which ones you can't. I probably could live with the seats more than I could rattles. But the seats are a known. The rattles are an unknown.