new here, just picked up my Platinum this summer. suspension feels soft...some nose diving while braking hard and lots of leaning. wondering if you guys think my car has been lowered, or if this might be stock height? trying to put a plan together for mods this winter.

 

Here is my car at stock height before lowering.

 

looks about the same as my '95 850T wagon. In terms of mods: 1) I'd start with IPD sway bars. I installed many years ago with the HD end links, zero problems great improvement to handling. 2) wheels & tires - looks like you have the 16" Persus wheels so the next step up is to 17x7.5s (not much value add to going 18s in terms of handling or ride) - there are some nice choices like 17" Pegasus rims or you can opt for some OEM 17s like the Canisto's off a C70. 3) Shocks/springs - If you opt for lowering springs consider progressive rate springs. Personally not a fan of lowering springs due to the roads here in the northeast so I'd focus on fresh struts/shocks, inspect motor mounts etc. I've done both Boge/Sachs and Bilsteins - found the Bilsteins to be over rated and replaced them whith fresh Boges when a strut failed on me. Koni's are the only other brand I would consider. If you do go with lowering you may need to grab some camber bolts. Some people say they are not required to get a proper alignment, but they cost about $40 so worth a thought. Final investment is to get a high quality alignment done. Make sure the shop gives you a print out, make sure they align the steering wheel etc. Not worth saving $20 if they can only get it close when you have $1000 of new tires and parts. Send pics when done!

 

I am going to challenge you on the Bilsteins. I have run Boge/Sachs, Bilsteins and Koni. Bottom line, I miss my Bilsteins. Honestly we will never come to terms on these because everyone has different opinions based on what they like. For me the Bilsteins had extreme control of the car. Bumpy, yes, control, YES, stout, yes but they could out corner and out perform the Konis so nobody can say one is better than the other. They have their pluses and minuses. Konis ride better. No need for camber bolts as the strut maintains its position and has a small amount of adjustment. My alignment specs are spot on without them.

 

Here's a pic of my platinum after putting on new Bilstein TCs and stock springs on the rear (Nivomat "conversion"). Since I'm new to doing any suspension work, what is the benefit of "upgrading" to 17" wheels from the 16" Persus, other than the fact that they look better (in my opinion, anyway). I assume that you're shooting for the same diameter of tire? Again, this is new to me, don't mean to start any arguments, lol.

 

going up an inch in wheel size, usually means less sidewall flex for better handling. How's the ride with your setup?

 

The ride is definitely better than it was; previous owner had Sensen brand shocks and struts, but kept the original rear springs from the Nivomat suspension. It was nearly bottoming out in the rear. Now that I fixed that, all I notice is the sloppy front end. So eventually I'll get some Bilstein TCs on the front, and perhaps some lowering springs all around, once winter is over. Wife won't let me spend too much at once lol.