Just wondering if air spring or air bag suspension would hinder a performance oriented car or if they would help. I think it would provide a more controled ride but my buddy says it is for show only kind of like hydraulics any thoughts?

 

Airbags are great if you like your cornering nice and sloppy.

 

The problem with air bags is that when you increase the pressure(spring rate) you also increase the ride height. Thus also raising the center of gravity. Another thing that most do wrong for handling is hook the air bags together in pairs. If you do that when it compresses one bag it increases the pressure in the other bag, this will actually work to increase body roll. Simply plumbing the bags seperately will cure that problem though.

 

Unless he meant putting air bags inside the rear springs to help the car launch straight... which I don't think was the point... ah, nevermind

 

if they were suitable for performance they would be on the cars from the factory. they are alot better then hydraulics for overall ride but not nearly as nice as a good "stock" type suspension setup.

 

The reason that they put them on cars like the lincoln town car and ford crown victoria is for a comfortable cushy ride. If you want your car to be cushy and handle sloppy then I would say go for it. But if not then scratch that idea.