Smart Air Suspension

[goingplaid]

For vehicles that do not have it, is the only ride height the equivalent to the lowest setting with the SAS?
or do SAS vehicles get lower than the vehicles without it?

 

[Ostrichsak]

I would say that the "Normal" height is about the same as the springs and the "Low" setting is lower than springs.

 

[Aggmeister2010]

Yeah, "Standard" would be the height equivalent with OEM non-air struts. So, cars with SAS do get about 1/2" lower than cars without. It's also easier to lower the SAS cars....just requires $100 lowering links and you can reset the 'standard' height of the car at any time.

Of course, you can get lowering springs for a fixed drop, or coilovers to have adjustability.

 

[goingplaid]

does the1/2 inch make a noticeable difference in stance?

 

[Ostrichsak]

does the1/2 inch make a noticeable difference in stance?

Noticeable is a subjective term but, I think so. I switched from coils to SaS after my first two cars due to ride quality improvements on most all conditions plus the ability to raise and lower for speed bumps or ruts in the snow in the winter is worth the price of admission. For me, it's more about function than form but I also like the lowered more aggressive stance that also happens to increase highway efficiency as an added bonus. (there I go with that function over form preferance again)

 

[goingplaid]

i didnt consider snow before but thats a really good point and i like the lowered stance

 

[Ostrichsak]

i didnt consider snow before but thats a really good point and i like the lowered stance

We made the same mistake with our first two Model S's. Starting with the third one and on I wouldn't even consider a car w/o adjustable ride height as we drive the same car and all season tires year 'round in Northern Colorado. Ground clearance is an important consideration several months of the year not to mention the times we use access roads to camp up in the mountains. A little extra ground clearance and take 'er slow and you're good to go!

 

[goingplaid]

what rie height do you all typically ride at?
im looking at a great car that doesnt have it and im tempted

 

[Dannietjoh]

Always on low (with links ~-1 inch) but I would never consider lowering my car if it had coils, it easily bottoms out at the low setting with links now, going over speed bumps.