[dogdoc]

BTW, I did do a search here and no threads came up which means I must have done it wrong....OK, so I see lots of manuals for sale with NO skyhook; in fact dealer tells me the late model cars (2006) were basic cars, no opts for the most part; some tell me it makes a HUGE difference in handling; some tell me it is more noticeable on CC models and not Manual? and some say it is better for resale.....PLEASE folks chime in and give me your .02 cents......I am way CONFUSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! dogdoc, Atlanta

 

[Bcube]

http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2920&highlight=skyhook

http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2835&highlight=corner+weighted

 

[dogdoc]

thnx for the thread search but...any more opinions???

Can anyone say that yes it helps with resale and yes or no it really does make for a better handling car: albeit more for CC than Manual? Thnx, Dogdoc

 

[flashgordon]

Skyhook

I have an 04 Spyder with Skyhook. I notice a small difference in handling when engaged but it does not fundamentally alter the character of the car. It is slightly stiffer but the downside is a non compliant ride. High speed cornering is still very poor irresepective of whether Skyhook is engaged or not.

I do not really see how Skyhook would alter the handling of a CC car differently than a 6MT. I believe engaging it on a CC changes the shift algorithm (shifts faster and at a higher RPM) but does not really change the handling.

 

[mille162]

I have an 04 Spyder with Skyhook. I notice a small difference in handling when engaged but it does not fundamentally alter the character of the car. It is slightly stiffer but the downside is a non compliant ride. High speed cornering is still very poor irresepective of whether Skyhook is engaged or not.

I do not really see how Skyhook would alter the handling of a CC car differently than a 6MT. I believe engaging it on a CC changes the shift algorithm (shifts faster and at a higher RPM) but does not really change the handling.

it significantly changes the shifting and throttle performance when put into sport mode. The shift parameters are set by the dealer and vary between every car, some have it more aggressive and quicker engaging (performance) shift, some like a much smoother and delayed engagement (comfort) so the feeling is really going to depend on your individual settings.

 

[iufan993]

In comparing my car (MT6 nonskyhook) with a CC car with skyhook I can't see that much difference in body roll or dive/squat no matter what it is set to. It seems like my car has less damping for little bumps in the road though.

I really don't think Skyhook has a dramatic effect on resale value. I think that CC has a slightly negative affect on resale value because of the increased maintenance costs.

 

[dogdoc]

THNX! SKYHOOK may not be the reason to not buy now!

THNX for the feedback; just spoke to a guy in California that has a skyhook but drove both(one with and one without) before he bought this one; he feels there is NO significant difference for the average guy that is driving on the streets or on the wekend which is me; he said he was able to track BOTh cars and that is where he felt that the skyhook was superior...but to the average car enthusiast he felt that one could not tell the difference; if I can get over this skyhook(gotta have) in the manuals I am looking for then I can buy something sooner; there are VERY few 6MT's out there with low mileage and skyhook option....trying to convince myself,lol dogdoc

 

[Fastfreddy]

Here's my take on the issue. I think the suspension of skyhook in sport mode is very similar to that of non-skyhook while taking it out of sport mode yields more compliant damping for "that boulevard ride". So, skyhook suspension is not an upgrade to handling but a choice of "detuning" for comfort. I always stay in sport mode so that isn't a plus for me.

Skyhook has other aspects. The ride height is adjustable in skyhook cars, which have threaded spring perches. Get the right spanner and you can adjust your corner weights or just lower it or jack up the back or whatever turns you on. Spring perches in non skyhook cars are fixed.

Aftermarket springs are available for skyhook but nobody seems to make them for non-skyhook cars.

I've only dealt with the suspension itself. I'm unclear on all the other effects of "sport mode" such as exhaust resonance, ECU programming, etc.

Skyhook was a fairly expensive option and is not percieved as a maintenance problem so it makes sense that skyhook cars will cost more and can be sold for more. That does not mean that they will depreciate less. However, it is an option that I think will make your car appeal to a greater range of buyers when it comes time to sell.

 

[FormulaDynamics]

I have an 04 Spyder with Skyhook. I notice a small difference in handling when engaged but it does not fundamentally alter the character of the car. It is slightly stiffer but the downside is a non compliant ride. High speed cornering is still very poor irresepective of whether Skyhook is engaged or not.

The Skyhook should always be engaged, either in sport or normal mode, there should be no way to disable it that I'm aware of.

 

[dogdoc]

thnx fast Freddy! That was helpful!

You summed it all up; in the end it is just what one perceives; an added value or not...I would agree that given two cars with similar mileage and options I would take the Skyhook; would rather have than not...just are not as many 6MT's with it in later models; I do see a few all the way back to 2002,2003 models....thnx guys, luv this forum!!!

 

[SlyCy]

with or without skyhook, don't worry about the re-sale value...the secondary market on these cars are terrible. either way it will tank. no options are going to give it better value.

 

[Bcube]

Since I have a non-skyhook car, I will justify my choice as such:

1) Wouldn't want skyhook on a out-of-warranty car. (Neighbor's 2000 F360 was a bit expensive to repair out of pocket when he got the skyhook failure warning light)
2) A skyhook shock cost three times more than a standard shock when they eventually need replacement (checked eurospares).
3) Maserati's sportiest QP (GTS) is non-skyhook.

So, IMO, skyhook is a perceived value if one has remaining warranty and sells car before shock replacement due.

 

[M!]

bcube is correct on those points.
but on certain cars (GS) you have no choice (at least in NA).

 

[dogdoc]

thnx, NO SKYHOOK may change my mind!!!

more choices with NO skyhook ina M/T 6speed, that may be the way to go, thnx guys!!!!

 

[FormulaDynamics]

Since I have a non-skyhook car, I will justify my choice as such:

1) Wouldn't want skyhook on a out-of-warranty car. (Neighbor's 2000 F360 was a bit expensive to repair out of pocket when he got the skyhook failure warning light)
2) A skyhook shock cost three times more than a standard shock when they eventually need replacement (checked eurospares).
3) Maserati's sportiest QP (GTS) is non-skyhook.

So, IMO, skyhook is a perceived value if one has remaining warranty and sells car before shock replacement due.

If your skyhook or standard suspension fails, I would suggest you upgrade to the KW Variant 3 setup... It can be done on both skyhook and non-skyhook cars and is much less than OEM.

 

[dogdoc]

what is KW variant?

please explain

 

[FormulaDynamics]

please explain

It's a high performance alternative to the stock suspension. It's made by a German company and is an adjustable coil over setup that runs about $2600 these days. Highly recommendable, we've used them for our porsche customers for some time with excellent results.

With this setup you can adjust the ride height and how firm your suspension is.

 

[dogdoc]

what hapopens to the "sport" button if replaced by this setup?

DO you remove the buton off the console; or is it still usable or what?