R-spec vs early 2009 suspension comparison

NJTom · Mar 13, 2013

I have an early 2009 3.8 genny with stock suspension.
I'm wondering how the 2012-2013 r-spec suspension compares to the feel of my current set-up.
As you all know the early 2009 suspension is tight and slightly bouncy. There have been many discussions to the 2010, 2011 and even smoother 2012 upgrades. Has anyone changed their 2009 suspension to the r-specs?

Thanks.

Mark_888 · Mar 13, 2013

If you have a 2009, I would change the rear stabilizer bar to the 2012 specs (I believe that all 2012 trim levels have same rear stabilizer). The cost of the part is only about $125 and some have swapped it themselves (there is a thread on this subject). Those without the necessary jacks/lifts could probably have it done by a suspension shop for less than $100 labor (dealer may charge more).

The 2012 rear stabilizer is thicker, but is now hollow instead of solid, so it allows the rear wheels to act more independently than on 2009-2011. Making that one swap will probably get close to R-Spec suspension.

Vince2 · Mar 13, 2013

Good question NJTom. I too am curious about the difference. We need someone who has owned both vehicles (the '09 4.8 and the '12 R-Spec sedans) to describe the difference. Test driving, while informative, will not give you the experience required to critically compare the two vehicles. I have mixed feelings about our suspension. I owned the 2010 3.8 and the 2012 3.8 Tech. My 2010 was just too rough for me. What I mean is the reactions to sudden, acute surface changes was just too severe BUT I liked that flat, quick cornering, the "smooth road" ride and the car's behavior when hard braking. I enjoy my 2012 3.8 because the overall ride is more to my liking, more comfortable, but to be honest I miss the great turning and braking.

By the way I once watched a video of a CNET radio show about cars where the host and guest discussed the 2010 Genesis Coupe. During the show they cut to a video where the radio guest described the suspension and then travelled over some sudden changes... you could see the shock/grimace on his faces and I thought BOY do I know that feeling. If I find the video I'll post a link to it.

NJTom · Mar 14, 2013

Thanks for the information Mark888. Do you recommend going to Jim Ellis on-line, or is there a better place for a better price? Or is that the going price at all dealerships?

Vince2, this is exactly my situation. The handling of the 2009 is good but a bit choppy. I heard/read the 2012 is much more forgiving but I wondered if the handling suffers (as it seems it does per your comments). This is why I was asking about the r-spec susp. I wonder if the newer r-spec susp is tighter / as tight but less jarring than the early 2009 models.

I guess the first thing to do it try the rear sway bar and go from there.

Mark_888 · Mar 14, 2013

NJTom said:
Thanks for the information Mark888. Do you recommend going to Jim Ellis on-line, or is there a better place for a better price? Or is that the going price at all dealerships?

List price should be the same, but many online sites charge less. Here is a site I have used (actually Hilton Head Hyundai in SC). You can also check your local dealer price. You may need to borrow a VIN from a 2012 or 2013 model, since many times they demand a VIN number to make sure it is the correct part.
http://www.partswebsite.com/newhyundaiparts/

This is the specific part:
http://www.partswebsite.com/newhyun...id=30158&subcatid=30545&section=24&type=parts

NJTom · Mar 15, 2013

Mark_888 said:
List price should be the same, but many online sites charge less. Here is a site I have used (actually Hilton Head Hyundai in SC). You can also check your local dealer price. You may need to borrow a VIN from a 2012 or 2013 model, since many times they demand a VIN number to make sure it is the correct part.
http://www.partswebsite.com/newhyundaiparts/

This is the specific part:
http://www.partswebsite.com/newhyun...id=30158&subcatid=30545&section=24&type=parts

Awesome! Thanks Mark_888

SmoovC · Mar 15, 2013

I thought the R-Spec rear stabilizer bar was specific to the R-Rspec. Under the parts listing, it says Genesis "all".

I looked on a few other sites, and they don't list a R-Spec specific unit. Anyone care to shed any light on this?

Mark_888 · Mar 15, 2013

SmoovC said:
I thought the R-Spec rear stabilizer bar was specific to the R-Rspec. Under the parts listing, it says Genesis "all".

I looked on a few other sites, and they don't list a R-Spec specific unit. Anyone care to shed any light on this?

They all use the same rear Stabilizer. The shocks/struts and springs are different.

SmoovC · Mar 15, 2013

Mark_888 said:
They all use the same rear Stabilizer. The shocks/struts and springs are different.

Ah ok. For some reason I thought I read somewhere that the rear bar was 1mm thicker and hollow on the R-Spec. Also, I found that only the front struts and springs are R-Spec specific, and not the rear ones?

Mark_888 · Mar 15, 2013

SmoovC said:
Ah ok. For some reason I thought I read somewhere that the rear bar was 1mm thicker and hollow on the R-Spec. Also, I found that only the front struts and springs are R-Spec specific, and not the rear ones?

I haven't checked the parts catalog for springs/strut differences, but in previous years there were differences for V8 vs V6 just to account for differences in weight of the Tau engine and ZF transmission (200 lb heavier than the Lambda V6). I am not sure about the difference between the 2012 R-Spec and the 2012 5.0 (I think that was the year that there was a 5.0 non R-Spec for a little while?).

The rear stabilizer is the same for all 2012 trim levels. It is thicker, but is now hollow instead of solid, and the net effect is "supposedly" more flexibility to allow the two rear wheels to act more independently up and down, but still maintain lateral stiffness. At least one member (MN Tinter) with a 2009 V8 installed the 2012 rear stabilizer bar himself, and posted pics of the install in a thread on this forum.

SmoovC · Mar 16, 2013

Mark_888 said:
I haven't checked the parts catalog for springs/strut differences, but in previous years there were differences for V8 vs V6 just to account for differences in weight of the Tau engine and ZF transmission (200 lb heavier than the Lambda V6). I am not sure about the difference between the 2012 R-Spec and the 2012 5.0 (I think that was the year that there was a 5.0 non R-Spec for a little while?).

The rear stabilizer is the same for all 2012 trim levels. It is thicker, but is now hollow instead of solid, and the net effect is "supposedly" more flexibility to allow the two rear wheels to act more independently up and down, but still maintain lateral stiffness. At least one member (MN Tinter) with a 2009 V8 installed the 2012 rear stabilizer bar himself, and posted pics of the install in a thread on this forum.

Thanks for your reply, Mark.

Yes, you are correct; I own a 2012 5.0 non R-Spec. Makes sense that there would be differences to account for the weight difference between V6 and V8engines.

I was a bit surprised to learn (at least as far as I have found in my research) that there is no difference on the rear suspension between the two 5.0 equipped versions. Hyundai states that the suspension is 25 to 30% stiffer in R-Specs; although they fail to mention this is on the front only.

AFAIK, the only differences are front struts and springs, a 19" wheel and tire package, floor mats, and a rear badge? I guess none of this matters in 2013, as the non R-Spec has been dropped from the line up.

R-spec vs early 2009 suspension comparison

NJTom

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