Yesterday I took my G8 to Back Street Performance in Medina, Ohio to get it Pedderized. I hope the following recap is helpful to anyone else considering suspension upgrades.

Stock

My G8 is the GT model with Sport package, so it came from the factory with the optional 19” wheels and tires. I’ve been pretty happy with it’s handling, and completely stock I would rate it as sporty but soft – almost like a tamed down sports car. For a heavy four-door car I think it handled very well overall. :gears:

Picking the parts

I wasn’t sure exactly what parts I needed so I worked with Brandon Atwood at Pedders :aus_flag: and Rich Johnson at Back Street Performance. They both recommended the Pedders Track II suspension system. This kit included new struts, shocks, sway bars and every imaginable bushing (cradle, control arms, differential, sway bar, etc.).

Installation

I’m pretty picky about my cars. I don’t want my wheels scratched or grease left on the headliner by careless mechanics. So when Rich met me in the parking lot with floormat covers and towels to cover the interior that gave me a good first impression. I watched on and off as several guys worked on my car from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and every person at Back Street seemed to care about taking a little extra time to do the job right. When my axle would need to be layed on the lower control arm, they’d put a rag between the two parts to keep the one from scratching the other. :thumbsup:

GTO wheels fit fine

The alignment rack would only accommodate wheels up to 18”, so we had to swap on some GTO wheels to do the alignment. By the way, these fit just fine. Thanks to Russ Motz for loaning his wheels. :p

Attention to detail

Brandon and Rich worked together to develop the best possible alignment specifications for what I intend to do with the car. Erik asked me to sit in the car and center the steering wheel where I thought it was centered. How could I possibly think it wasn't perfectly straight if I centered it myself?

Even though the alignment took longer than they had planned, no one complained, and no one compromised. At one point Erik, Ron and crew were struggling to get the rear toe-in to exactly 2.0 mm. They’d set it up and it would measure 1.0 mm. Then they’d make some adjustments and it would be 3.5 mm. But they didn’t just leave it there and say ‘that’s close enough’. Instead, they took the extra time and never quit until it was almost exactly 2.0 mm. :hail:

Ride height

Brandon has all the exact before and after numbers, but these should be pretty close. I believe the front end now sits about 16 mm. lower than stock and the rear sits about 30 mm. lower than stock. The car still has a nice rake to it, and now it looks even more aggressive. :thumbsup:

Edit: Here are the actual ride height numbers and alignment specs from Brandon...

Before

LF 654mm RF 655mm

LR 650mm RR 651mm

After

LF 638mm RF 640mm

LR 620mm RR 622mm

Alignment

Front

Camber -.4

Toe 2 mm. toe in

Caster should be around 6.8 degrees.

Rear

Camber -. 6

Toe 2 mm. toe in

Test drive

Back Street Performance is on a really rough road. Driving in yesterday morning, I was actually dreading the trip home thinking it would be unbearable with a stiffer suspension. But it wasn’t. It was definitely stiffer, but there were still no rattles at all.

On the country roads, the car begins to excel. From about 10 mph and up you can feel the difference in steering response. The faster you crank the steering wheel, the more you can feel the difference. I would estimate that at least half of the stock body roll is now gone. Everything is much more responsive. The brakes are better than before, and the car even accelerates harder than it did without losing traction. In a nutshell, the new suspension system feels like it’s letting the tires do their job much better – whether it’s in acceleration, cornering or deceleration. If it’s not a steady state, the car is easily outperforming what is used to be.

Cruising on the highway is also improved. The car just ‘feels’ so much more alert and ready. If you set the cruise control on 120 mph for example (not that I did this or recommend it to anyone :p), the car feels amazing. I think it’s as stable and sure-footed now at 120 mph as the average car feels at 60 mph.

I’ve driven a lot of hot cars over the years, and I don’t think I’ve driven anything that will handle as well as my Pedderized G8 GT. The only exception was a Z51 Corvette, but I’d take this handling over that car’s teeth rattling, bone jarring and brain scrambling ride any day. :banghead:

Summary

In summary, I highly recommend Pedders for suspension systems. Talk with Brandon and your local dealer/installer and find out what parts they recommend for your car. And if you’re anywhere near Ohio, get in touch with Rich at Back Street Performance for a first class installation. :D

Thanks

I want to thank Brandon Atwood from Pedders for flying in from Texas to help with the installation. Thanks to Rich and Erik Johnson and Ron Holtz for taking such good care of me and my car. There were also a couple other part-time guys who helped in the evening, and I apologize for not remembering their names..

Great write up, thanks for taking the time to do that.

The guys at Backstreet Performance are great guys.

Welcome to the PEDDERS Nation!

I appreciage the honesty on your writeup. the TrackII is a great system and really complements the G8 very well. It is amazing how we can do so much to improve the handling, and yet still keep a very fine ride quality. this is really accomplished by lots of R&D and caring.
Thanks again

Mike
dms

Here is the link to the Pedders web site for G8. You can see multiple G8's after Pedders installed.

http://www.peddersusa.com/Pontiac%20G8%20Zeta.htm

thanks

mike
dms

Great write-up. Frank at Rocksand Racing in NJ is supposed to do mine but I don't know when just yet. I sent him an e-mail and left a couple of voice messages for him a couple of days age so I should hear from him soon. After reading your results, I'm about to explode with anticipation. It sound just like what I expected. The drop sounds perfect. I bet it looks great. Congrats!!!

Mike,
I like the addition of the suspension diagrams on your web site.
Ed

I like the addition of the suspension diagrams on your web site.
Me too! Those weren't there just a couple of days ago. ;)

As we get more information we will make every effort possible to make it available to the public.

Thanks Rob for all your help on those:)

I had a chance to drive this car back from lunch today and I will say it is definitely the best handling car I have ever driven. You feel completely attached to the road and every little variance, dip, dive or rise of the road is transferred sublimely to the driver. The car just feels like it is ready to pounce at the blip of the throttle.

Thanks for the words. We had the opportunity to be trained on complete install on the G8 by Brandon from Pedders. This went well all day and Scott was extremely patient waiting for his new ride.
Thanks to Intense Racing for allowing us to Pedderise his G8 and our apologies for the dog:)

any problems with the car bottoming out when you hit a decent size bump in the road? That is a big fear with lowering the car. I have had many lowered cars (cuz lowered is cooler) and hated that they bottomed out when hitting dips/bumps in the road.

our apologies for the dog
How could someone not love Max? :D


any problems with the car bottoming out when you hit a decent size bump in the road?
No problems whatsoever, and I have ~300 miles on it since the supension was installed. I know I'll need to be a lot more careful going over speed bumps, and pulling up to parking spots with barriers or curbs. And I'm definitely not looking forward to the day I encounter my first crater-sized pothole. :shiner:

(SNIP)

Edit: Here are the actual ride height numbers and alignment specs from Brandon...

Before

LF 654mm RF 655mm

LR 650mm RR 651mm

After

LF 638mm RF 640mm

LR 620mm RR 622mm

(SNIP)

Am I the only one that looks at these numbers and thinks that maybe the left and right springs should be swapped?

It makes sense for the Commodore to rest a tad higher on the right hand side, because the driver will be sitting on the right hand side. But shouldn't the G8 be the opposite?

Glad to be able to loan you my wheels. He's some pictures of your install that Erika posted on BuckeyeGoats.com

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y26/GTO1/G8%20Pedders/t_g87_434.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y26/GTO1/G8%20Pedders/t_g86_825.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y26/GTO1/G8%20Pedders/t_g85_407.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y26/GTO1/G8%20Pedders/t_g84_155.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y26/GTO1/G8%20Pedders/t_g83_985.jpg

any problems with the car bottoming out when you hit a decent size bump in the road? That is a big fear with lowering the car. I have had many lowered cars (cuz lowered is cooler) and hated that they bottomed out when hitting dips/bumps in the road.The G8 has a ridiculously tall ride height when it arrives in the USA. The lowering we do is exactly what should have been done when the car arrived in the USA by the OEM. A Pedderised G8 or a Pedderised LX (Magnum, Charger and 300C) take speed bumps BETTER lowered than in OE trim. The OEM bits these cars arrive with are NG -- NO GAS boulevard tuned dampers and light spring rates with excessive travel by Pedders standards. I could careless less about looks. I am a function kind of guy. The function is there and the looks are the by-product. Many of our clients lower for looks. Because of the way we design and integrate our bits with the OE chassis strengths and weaknesses, the I want a look Pedders owners generally become I LOVE the function owners. Stability and predictability are the name of the game.

The G8 is NOT a GTO. There is little to reference between the two. If the G8 were a GTO it would have arrived about 80mm lower than it is. You'll see that with the new Camaro. It will be far lower that the G8 out of the box. The G8 is a luxury sedan. It has a premium ride quality AND handling. When Pedderised it is no more prone to bottoming out than a BMW, Mercedes or Audi AND it retails an incredible ride quality. Unless we are talking about the special performance versions of these respected German brands, a GSR G8 will eat them for breakfast. In the M / AMG versions, eating them will wait for lunch or dinner -- unless you have made a few engine and brake mods. :gears:














Take a test drive in a Pedderised G8 and bring your credit card. :gears::gears::gears:

When Pedderised it is no more prone to bottoming out than a BMW, Mercedes or Audi...

How about compared to a stock G8?

I have yet to bottom out a G8 in OE or Pedders trim. The biggest issue with height on a G8 is the front valance. That plastic dam hangs low enough that on a driveway transition showing gouges from trucks and cars an OE height G8 will scrape the plastic dam driven head. That said so will many other cars which is why the driveway has scars. I have been driving low slung cars for so long (OE and Aftermarket) I automatically adjust and approach on angles these types of obstacles. One of my friends took off his front fascia in an AMG a couple of years ago on a LSD pothole so I won't say never. I also 'know' to be careful with the air dams / splitters around parking curbs, but I won't say I never hit one.

If you drop a G8 90mm -- you are looking at issues. 2954 / 2955, 2954 / 2957 or eXtremes with 20 to 60mm drops, there is no reason to expect issues with bottoming out -- unless you drive in New York city where 4x4s bottom out in the rubble they refer to as streets. The G8 is a highly refined chassis. It responds amazingly well to lowering. It not only drives better Pedderised, IMO it rides better.

Peddlers spring 7854 HD raised spring front and 7955 rear HD no drop spring, what is the ride hight in front using 7854 springs and why would somebody use the 7955 HD in the rear instead of 2957 rear no drop SR?

Peddlers spring 7854 HD raised spring front and 7955 rear HD no drop spring, what is the ride hight in front using 7854 springs and why would somebody use the 7955 HD in the rear instead of 2957 rear no drop SR?
These are UTE coils. The use in the USA will be as a HD drag coils for the rear, HD UTE coils for towing and I guess to fit 26" all the way around.
:wink2:

What spring part numbers were used on the Re Raise car to get the drops listed in the original post?

What spring part numbers were used on the Re Raise car to get the drops listed in the original post?
I opted for the complete Track II setup. Maybe Brandon can chime in on the exact spring part numbers used.

When Pedderised it is no more prone to bottoming out than a BMW, Mercedes or Audi...
I have 2,000 miles on my car now and have never bottomed out - before or after the new suspension. I did scrape the front air dam once, and that was when the stock suspension was still installed.

So... how much did you spend on this setup?

I don't want to compromise the ride quality, but I want the rest. What do I need to do?

RRM

I believe the prices were as follows, but I might be a few percent off:

Complete Track II setup = $3,100
Professional installation = $650
Alignment = $90

At Pedders we don't manufacture suspension bits, we manufacture customer SEGs. The SEGs are more important than skid pad Gs. Skid pads don't buy our bits. As we get more G8s Pedderised the SEG posts will multiply. The magazines like to compare the Chrysler LX to the GM ZETA. I thought some of you would be interested in what is happening in the LX world...

http://www.300cforums.com/forums/suspension-handling-modifications/56443-pedders-bushing-install-my-impression.html?highlight=reed

Pedders bushing install and my impression
Last week I had the Pedders bushing installed in my 300 (http://www.300cforums.com/forums/suspension-handling-modifications/56443-pedders-bushing-install-my-impression.html?highlight=reed#) SRT-8. There was a bit of a rush as I had a test and tune day scheduled at Wonderful Willow Springs raceway in So Cal on May 1 (today) and I wanted the new bushings in place before the test day. I also had a Pedders recomended alignment done.

My car is stock except for a limited slip differential (Quaife) and a Diablo tune done by House of Power in Huntington Beach, CA by Josh Rickards (who also did the Pedders install).

I had my car at an event in late December after the Predator install so I was used to the power increase. I was not overly happy with the way my car handled, the vagueness of the steering input, the slowness of the car to respond to steering input and the "nervousness" of the car in corners, but I figured that was just the way the car was with the additional power.

I then read about the Pedders bushings, spoke with some of the Pedders folk, spoke with some people who had had the bushings installed and received glowing reports. That was not enough for me. I didn't want to spend a few thousand dollars "hoping" the car would be better and fearing the install would degrade the road performance I so like about this car. So I spoke with some "race" oriented suspension guys I know and ans respect and was told the info from Pedders was correct; the rubber bushings in our cars allow for a great deal of movement in our suspension that results in somewhat less than precise handling characteristics for our cars. This opened my eyes a bit and I was excited about doing something to upgrade the handling to match the increased power without degrading the ride.

Some brief background on me; I drove for Mazda in SCCA and IMSA in the 80's, did a lot of testing, tire and car and was asked by many drivers to help set up their race cars. So I have some experience in this field.

Having said that, I will tell you I was shocked the first time I hit the track, on the first turn after entering the track. I turned the wheel and the car turned immediately; NO steering lag, no delay like before! Almost as good as my race cars! In corners at speed the car felt tight, secure and not nervous at all. Before the car did not really give me a feeling of confidence in the corners. It felt sort of nervous like it wasn't sure what it was going to do. Now the car feels solid and more in my control. I don't have the uncertainty, the feeling the car was going to do something unexpected like I did before the Pedders install. It just feels really good and the street ride has not been degraded, it is no different than before. I call this a win/win of the highest order!

So is the Pedders bushing install for you? It will run about $2500 or so to do it, about what the Quaife cost me. I still think the Quaife is the best mod I have done. We bought these factory hot rods, the SRT's for maximum performance, not to decorate our driveways. The Pedders bushing install simply increases the performance capability of our cars, period. And that is important to me. Only you can decide if it is important to you.

__________________
Dr. Bob

So... how much did you spend on this setup?

I don't want to compromise the ride quality, but I want the rest. What do I need to do?

RRM
Here is the low hanging fruit for the G8

5421GM Zeta Extreme Control Arm - Caster Lock Washer $ 77.95
EP1167GM Zeta Differential Bush Kit $ 108.36
EP1169GM Zeta Extreme Sub-Frame Connector Kit $ 238.99
EP6560GM Zeta Front Radius Rod Bush $ 161.59
Street I - Total $ 586.89

The will be virtually no change in ride quality, but your G8 will go from being a sharp knife to a razor sharp knife for carving corners. The next step up would be dampers and coils. 2954 coils in the front and 2955 coils in the rear with matching GSR dampers. There will be a change in ride quality. It will be firmer and more controlled. It will in no way be harsh. It will be factory like, but from a German factory. IMO, the G8 arrives too tall and too soft. Why GM choose this setup I don't fully understand. The sophistication of the ZETA chassis allows it to be tuned for more control while still delivering and incredible level of ride comfort. While we are developing Comfort Gas dampers for the G*. I am not sure I see a market for them. The G8 riding on 2954 front, 2955 rear and GSRs is the ideal blend of sedan comfort and coupe control.

Blah blah blah, glowing reports, blah blah, happy customers, blah blah blah. All well and good but....
I need numbers, hard numbers.
What is the durometer of your bushes?
What is the tensile strength in PSI?
What is the comrpession (25% deflection) in PSI?
What is the elongation % ?
:wink2:

How about skid pad and slalom #'s. Stock and modified.

I think for the average G8er those #'s would be the most useful.

How about skid pad and slalom #'s. Stock and modified.

I think for the average G8er those #'s would be the most useful.If a magazine wants to perform this evaluation we are willing to work with them.

If a magazine wants to perform this evaluation we are willing to work with them.

Glowing reports only paint a partial picture :wink2:

Pedders won't don't tell us what they are selling and they won't tell us what it will do for us if we buy it other than "it will make it better", better how?

Did Pedders do any testing on their own beyond picking the shade of red to paint the Monroe struts? If they did you would think performance numbers would be readily available and freely published.

What is an SEG?

I think it would be neat to see some before and after performance tests as well. :)

I can tell you with confidence that anyone who gets the opportunity to drive a Pedderized G8 will no longer care about the exact spring rates, bushing durometers, etc.:D

:driving:

MFG Provided Objective Data = Oxymoron

An oxymoron (plural oxymorons or, more rarely, oxymora) is a figure of speech (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figure_of_speech) that combines two normally contradictory (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contradiction) terms. Oxymoron is a loanword (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loanword) from Greek (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language) oxy ("sharp" or "pointed") and moros ("dull"). Thus the word oxymoron is, by definition, an oxymoron.
Oxymorons are a proper subset (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subset) of the expressions called contradictions in terms (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contradiction_in_terms). What distinguishes oxymorons from other paradoxes and contradictions is that they are used intentionally, for rhetorical effect, and the contradiction is only apparent, as the combination of terms provides a novel expression of some concept, such as "cruel to be kind".

Thank You Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxymoron (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxymoron)

Objective data comes from independent, unbiased sources, not the mfg, not a test paid for by the mfg, not an infomercial from the mfg. A magazine can be great source, if they don't practice editorial pay for play. (Advertise with us and get a great product review, the more you pay the better the editorial placement). The consumer should be skeptical of all things published in any media. I am most proud of my parenting skills as exhibited by my oldest daughter who when she was only 9 was watching Fox and CNN so she could make up her own mind.

All that matters to Pedders is that our customers are pleased with their Pedders purchase and Pedderised vehicle. If our clients are happy, if they are satisfied with Pedders, we have done our work well and the data is irrelevant. If your purchase process is based on mfg published data, don't buy Pedders bits. We don't mind. We understand. We are not offended by your position or your voting with your wallet. We won't 'hound' you about your methodology for purchasing bits for your GTO. Pedders sales are driven by satisfied owners of Pedderised vehicles who are vocal in their praise and test rides / drives in Pedderised vehicles.

Is there a Hollywood Agent lurking on the fourm? The Quest for the Pedders Grail could be the basis for the next installment of the Indiana Jones franchise.

As far as what is a SEG :search:

I wonder what else I can not post today to frustrate and agitate a G8 fourm member today?

Geez, :slap: lighten up!

If you (the manufacturer and its' reps) publish or post it we can't trust it?

That is an interesting position considering how many posts you have on this forum alone praisng your own stuff.

http://www.cycleforums.com/forums/images/smilies/beatdeadhorse.gif

By 'objective' I would mean measurable, versus data like "Tastes great" or "Less Filling." Objective data in this instance would be "Has 100 calories per serviing."

I could look it up and cut and paste 500 paragraphs of information...but I won't.

This always gets carried away.

You know our stance, We know yours.

Listen to others and make your decision.
Ride in a test vehicle and make your decision.
Go with Pedders or Go with Brand X

It is that simple.

+1

Best thing i've heard in a while.

I can understand where Pedders is coming from on the "spec" issue. I don't agree but I can understand based on what they sell and how. If I were you I probably wouldn't want people to really know what they are either :)

My performnace numbers question was an honest attempt to see what, if anything the "bits" will do. Regardless of my opinion of the company and its' sales staff. Regardless of the price. Regardless of the quality.

The horse is dead I will leave it be.

Whats the bottom line? If you know the spring rates and sway bar sizes and stiffness and blah,blah blah,. Would that really give you useful info?

It's the combination of parts that make or break the system.

How many times have a combination of specs. looked awesome on a pc. paper and sucked real world.

Does knowing what is in the secret sauce of a Big Mac (yuk) make it taste any better.

As a business Pedders chooses to keep the specs of there system proprietary. I would do the same.

Whats the bottom line? If you know the spring rates and sway bar sizes and stiffness and blah,blah blah,. Would that really give you useful info?

It's the combination of parts that make or break the system.

How many times have a combination of specs. looked awesome on a pc. paper and sucked real world.

Does knowing what is in the secret sauce of a Big Mac (yuk) make it taste any better.

As a business Pedders chooses to keep the specs of there system proprietary. I would do the same.

:aus_flag:

I am not asking for any specific component specs. I really don't care about them. I, along with others, have asked for performance numbers showing what measurable improvements can be made by Pedderizing a vehicle.

Most mfgs are proud to throw those around.

I am not asking for any specific component specs. I really don't care about them. I, along with others, have asked for performance numbers showing what measurable improvements can be made by Pedderizing a vehicle.

Most mfgs are proud to throw those around.

I totally agree real world numbers.

Slalom #'s stock/modified

Skidpad #'s stock/modified

I know, I know, independent testing.

Maybe someone from Pedder's should contact the car mags and see about doing a comparison between a stock G8 and a Pedderized ver.

Be prepared now for someone new to join the board and start a thread entitled, "Pedders is the greatest thing since sliced bread!!!"

:zzz:

If I recall correctly the most of the World's Fastest Strip GTOs ride on Pedders, at last year's GTOAA Autocross the Fastest GTOs were on Pedders, at the latest California track events the Fastest LX / HEMI was on Pedders, the World's Fastest 5.7L N/A HEMI is on Pedders, the 9 Time SCCA T2 GTO 1st Place Winner is on Pedders, the Fastest NASA GTO is on Pedders... oh I forgot that EVERY OTHER MFG says that speed contests and racing VOIDS the warranty and they claim to make RACE PARTS??? Pedders doesn't make race parts. Pedders makes STREET parts that just happen to do well on the track. Pedders specifically states that RACING IN NOT EXCLUDED from our warranty. To my knowledge, the ONLY GTO in the USA to win a road course race at an SCCA nationally sanctioned event ran on Pedders. That is four full seasons. Our customers that race BUY our bits. They take off FREE bits from brand-x and buy Pedders. The same will occur in the G8 world.

In the MOPAR world, life is no different. You run Pedders or run on second best. These are the most respected people on the MOPAR forums.

Meister http://www.lxforums.com/board/showthread.php?t=107308&highlight=pedders+miester (http://www.lxforums.com/board/showthread.php?t=107308&highlight=pedders+miester)

Dr. Reed http://www.300cforums.com/forums/suspension-handling-modifications/56443-pedders-bushing-install-my-impression.html?highlight=pedders+track (http://www.300cforums.com/forums/suspension-handling-modifications/56443-pedders-bushing-install-my-impression.html?highlight=pedders+track)

Fat Chance http://www.300cforums.com/forums/suspension-handling-modifications/53016-got-pedders.html?highlight=pedders+fat (http://www.300cforums.com/forums/suspension-handling-modifications/53016-got-pedders.html?highlight=pedders+fat)

MattRobertson http://www.lxforums.com/board/showthread.php?t=109889&highlight=pedders+track (http://www.lxforums.com/board/showthread.php?t=109889&highlight=pedders+track)


So maybe I am wrong and there is a brand-x or two vehicle that has shown well on the track. Wonderful, I'll be happy to tip my Pedders cap and say well done. I am more than satisfied with our customer provided 'data'. If this isn't enough 'data' there will never be enough 'data' to convince you which is why we say TAKE A TEST RIDE / DRIVE! :wink2:

I think I'll take a drive June 8th in Flemington. :driving:
Maybe I'll go out and get some sliced bread. I hear its the best thing since Pedders.:wink2:

....and so it goes.

Sorry. I couldn't help myself. I guess I'm easily amused.

Hey Justice, I am looking for someone in my state that does Pedders. I can't find anybody in Idaho that is doing Pedders. Can you let me know of anybody close to the Boise area that is doing Pedders?

Hey Justice, I am looking for someone in my state that does Pedders. I can't find anybody in Idaho that is doing Pedders. Can you let me know of anybody close to the Boise area that is doing Pedders?
At this time we don't have a Dealer in your area. Our criteria are straight forward. I need an excuse to get back to Coeur D'Alene. I have been boating up their in Fountains and classic wood. Geez, that is a gorgeous lake and area.

Perhaps you can help us find a Dealer. We reward our friends that help us with Dealer Development. We start with what we can't teach -- a shop with a strong customer service culture. We can teach suspension. We can teach alignment. If the shop culture isn't customer centric nothing else matters. Any chance you know of a quality customer service focused new car franchise, tire shop, performance shop, repair center that you trust and have found to be dedicated to customer service?

Did I mention customer service and satisfaction?

Be prepared now for someone new to join the board and start a thread entitled, "Pedders is the greatest thing since sliced bread!!!"

:zzz:

I'm new to the board. Pedders is better than sliced bread. I can't drive a sandwich to work, but I can drive my G8 with a Track II system. And it totally blows the OEM set-up away.

It's like this - You won't know untill you try it. I've given numerous offers, both publicly and privately to drive Red888, but it seems that all the "Naysayers" COME UP WITH EXCUSES NOT TO BE ABLE TO. I'm sure somebody will come up with something better, before to long. Not. If you have any questions, feel free to ask or PM. I have over 2,000 mi since the install, and I'm glad I'm driving mine now.

Go Pedders!

I'm new to the board. Pedders is better than sliced bread. I can't drive a sandwich to work, but I can drive my G8 with a Track II system. And it totally blows the OEM set-up away.
Go Pedders!

Can you give some real world driving exp. regarding comfort and driveability.

How does it handle bumps, potholes etc... is it a kidney buster now?

Ride height anything scraping?

Handling i.e. less body roll? Percentage improvement (approx)

Dive on braking, squat on acceleration.

thanks

Hey Red888, bring your G8 to the June 1st SCCA Solo event at the Oakland Coliseum and run STU.

http://www.sfrscca.org/solo2/Results/2008/Championship/round09_info.html (http://www.sfrscca.org/solo2/Results/2008/Championship/round09_info.html)

I’ll be there with several cars, including a showroom stock GT. I’d be more than happy to drive your car on course. And we can compare numbers. :)

Can you give some real world driving exp. regarding comfort and driveability.

How does it handle bumps, potholes etc... is it a kidney buster now?

Ride height anything scraping?

Handling i.e. less body roll? Percentage improvement (approx)

Dive on braking, squat on acceleration.

thanks

Stop being so mean!!! :drink:

At this time we don't have a Dealer in your area. Our criteria are straight forward. I need an excuse to get back to Coeur D'Alene. I have been boating up their in Fountains and classic wood. Geez, that is a gorgeous lake and area.

Perhaps you can help us find a Dealer. We reward our friends that help us with Dealer Development. We start with what we can't teach -- a shop with a strong customer service culture. We can teach suspension. We can teach alignment. If the shop culture isn't customer centric nothing else matters. Any chance you know of a quality customer service focused new car franchise, tire shop, performance shop, repair center that you trust and have found to be dedicated to customer service?

Did I mention customer service and satisfaction?

Actually I do have a couple of great shops I can discuss this with. As far as the customer service department there is none better in our area. I will talk to them in the next few days and explain the situation and give them your contact info. As far as Coeur D'Alene, you are correct, not many places in the USA as pretty and get away from it all gorgeous. I'm glad you know about the area. It is a some what hidden secret. I will be back in touch about getting somebody lined up to become Pedders installers and customer service reps.

Thanks,
Ritch

Can you give some real world driving exp. regarding comfort and driveability.

How does it handle bumps, potholes etc... is it a kidney buster now?

Ride height anything scraping?

Handling i.e. less body roll? Percentage improvement (approx)

Dive on braking, squat on acceleration.
Please see my review, which is the very first post on the first page of this thread. I think all my comments sort of got lost in all the bickering. :)

Actually I do have a couple of great shops I can discuss this with. As far as the customer service department there is none better in our area. I will talk to them in the next few days and explain the situation and give them your contact info. As far as Coeur D'Alene, you are correct, not many places in the USA as pretty and get away from it all gorgeous. I'm glad you know about the area. It is a some what hidden secret. I will be back in touch about getting somebody lined up to become Pedders installers and customer service reps.

Thanks,
Ritch

Ritch,

Awesome, thank you. Vino as in wine or your nick name?

Can you give some real world driving exp. regarding comfort and driveability.

How does it handle bumps, potholes etc... is it a kidney buster now?

Ride height anything scraping?

Handling i.e. less body roll? Percentage improvement (approx)

Dive on braking, squat on acceleration.

thanks
I drove my Pedderised G8 with five people (four of them female) cross country and the boot full of luggage. We had no issues with speed bumps, ramps, etc.... My female pit crew found the ride to be very comfortable. How do you measure a speed bump or ride comfort? Most of what you are asking must be experienced and exactly why we advocate a ride / drive before you buy.

My G8 is on eXtremes. The ride is much tighter than the GSR version. If I wasn't used to my Pedderised eXtreme GTO I would be running the GSRs. Most will find them to be next to ideal. I am not sure that there will be any need for the Comfort Gas range on the G8, because the ride is that good. The only way you will know is to get in in a Pedderised G8. Then you'll be able to make your own choice and post your own editorial.

Is anyone willing to state what a Pedders system costs???? Know there are lots of variables, but would like to know what the average system goes for installed.

RRM

I think the prices are posted on their web site.
I worked out a deal with a non sponsor of this forum. Until I have an okay to post those prices...

All the rest of the sponsors post prices. JUST WANT A SIMPLE IDEA ON HOW MUCH THIS MIGHT COST?????????????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????
RRM

PS: Or is this like the spec.s they refuse to also post? I have asked this price question 3 times now.

Thanks for the pricing....

RRM

Rob, you have gotten a price now correct?

Hey Red888, bring your G8 to the June 1st SCCA Solo event at the Oakland Coliseum and run STU.

http://www.sfrscca.org/solo2/Results/2008/Championship/round09_info.html (http://www.sfrscca.org/solo2/Results/2008/Championship/round09_info.html)

I’ll be there with several cars, including a showroom stock GT. I’d be more than happy to drive your car on course. And we can compare numbers. :)

Thanks for the invite. I'd be more than happy to let you drive Red888, but I'll be in Vegas that weekend. Sounds like fun, though. Need a little more work before I go SCCA. Hopefully it won't take much longer.

Can you give some real world driving exp. regarding comfort and driveability.

How does it handle bumps, potholes etc... is it a kidney buster now?

Ride height anything scraping?

Handling i.e. less body roll? Percentage improvement (approx)

Dive on braking, squat on acceleration.

thanks

I think all G8 owners will admit, in stock form the car is a little "girly" as far as suspension and handling go. Not to mention the G8 seemed to fall into every nook and cranny in the road, sometimes even bottoming out.

Since the Pedders install, the car is improved 100%. The steering is tighter and immediately responsive, as a "Track" set-up should be. It is a very European feel now. As far as the ride, it actually isn't as stiff as I "feared". The dampening is far superior than stock, I think I posted once that "I'm still looking in the rear view mirror for the manhole covers Red888 is pulling up" because the car is stuck that well to the road now. Cornering is that much improved as well, with much less body roll and no more of that "floaty" feeling. I have not experienced any bottoming out problems or low clearance for that matter. Say good-bye to the "girly" car ride. I drove from Sacramento to San Diego and back, almost 1,000 miles in 2 days and even at the end of the trip didn't feel uncomfortable or bone jarring. I will say though, the car handled as well as the M5 I encountered going through the "Grapevine" which is a very winedy 30 mile strech of highyway through the mountains at speeds (we'll just say, well over the posted limit).Sorry for the long paragraph, but the improvement the Track II system has made is significant. My thoughts.

Thanks for the update. it sounds great.
Ed

I drove my Pedderised G8 with five people (four of them female) cross country and the boot full of luggage. We had no issues with speed bumps, ramps, etc.... My female pit crew found the ride to be very comfortable. How do you measure a speed bump or ride comfort? Most of what you are asking must be experienced and exactly why we advocate a ride / drive before you buy.

My G8 is on eXtremes. The ride is much tighter than the GSR version. If I wasn't used to my Pedderised eXtreme GTO I would be running the GSRs. Most will find them to be next to ideal. I am not sure that there will be any need for the Comfort Gas range on the G8, because the ride is that good. The only way you will know is to get in in a Pedderised G8. Then you'll be able to make your own choice and post your own editorial.

A test ride sounds great, any in Hawaii yet?

A test ride sounds great, any in Hawaii yet?
Funny you should ask. I have been speaking with Dwayne at Hangai Enterprises on Oahu. We are talking about doing some work together including an unmarked Police car. Do you know Dwayne?

I am not sure why anyone is having any issues finding procing for our G8 bits. They are posted on this page.

http://www.peddersusa.com/Pontiac%20G8%20Zeta.htm

Funny you should ask. I have been speaking with Dwayne at Hangai Enterprises on Oahu. We are talking about doing some work together including an unmarked Police car. Do you know Dwayne?

No I don't. But I will check it out.

Unmarked Police car. Uh oh.

Unmarked Police car. Uh oh.
White Charger with SRT8 wheels.