I would like to soften the ride of my 08 SS. My first thought was 225/55/16 tires & rims, H rated tires as I will never run at 130+ speeds for a extended time.
What kind of gains will I make with this change to soften up ride?

I know some will say why did you get a SS, my answer is the motor!

Thanks for your replys

 

I run the stock size 16's in the winter. They ride just a little better and have a little less turn in. It will imporve the ride but it will still not ride like a LT. Fot the LT ride you need LT springs and Shocks/Struts.

 

rmunson-

I know where some excellent condition factory 17" Polished mags & tires are, if you wanna trade off yer 18"s'.........

On my Panel 2LT, just a thought...They use 215/50/17 tires..

 

I think your going to notice more of a change with a drop in rim size and increase in tire wall. Personal exp. I had a Cobalt 2.4 and wanted it to ride smoother as well. I got rid of the 2.4 springs and put in 2.2 springs. While it did soften up the ride it wasn't that much. The more notable difference is when I went from my stock 17's to winter 16's. Hope this helps.

 

I'm sure someone on here would love to swap you their LT struts and springs for your SS ones...........

 

Bottom line is that this will be a lot of work and money for little gain.

Tires will be the cheapest and easiest but the ride is part of the price for power.

Having seat time in both the LS and SS. Also with the SS with the stock side 16 inch tire's I can say the change is not all that great of a change. The SS as performance suspension go is not that stiff of a ride. GM dialed it back for a little better daily driving and gave up a couple counts of G's in the corners. In the past many GM performance suspenions would losen the fitting in your teeth.

 

Out of the box the SS is just about right for a daily commuter thats not going to be constantly put thru its paces....Hyper is correct when he says the 'other' peformance cars will rattle your eyeballs...just hop in a new Mustang and see.. its hard on the butt even by my standards and I like it stiff, race car stiff.

 

Thanks for the replys. I think 16" rims & tires will be the way to go for now. I don't drive SS in winter so may wait till spring for tire change.

Thanks for your help.

 

I run 16 in the winter with some big ol tires (not sure what size BIG) and it is sloppy as hell you might try that first.