Elp_jc
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #1
Hey gang, like most of you, I'm satisfied with the overall performance of my Bullitt, because in order to have a 'grand tourer' with decent street manners, it's obviously going to have some handling compromises. And I'm fine with them for the most part. BUT, if I can improve the handling a little without any ground clearance, ride characteristics, additional NVH, be able to DIY, and no need to take it to any shop (alignment, etc), I'd definitely do it 
. And only if it makes sense. And I said that because I was going to add the Steeda regular G-brace, but reportedly the rear is what needs the most help, so it wouldn't make sense to stiffen the front even more, and leave the rear alone IMO, but feel free to comment on that .
Now, I talked to a Steeda guy who got a little nasty when I said I wasn't interested in their full 'Steve McQueen' package because I didn't want to reduce ground clearance. But at least got out of the pissed off guy that the rear of the car needed help the most. Anyway, my only bad handling experience so far was on a road with one curve that has undulations, and the car went into a sideways rocking motion resembling an old barge. Not dangerous, but very un-sports-car like. And did it again the other day in sport mode (hardest MagneRide setting of 2), and car felt better, but still not what it should be IMO, so probably the rear sub-frame dancing around. And this was at a modest pace. The car corners MUCH better than that when the road is smoother. By the way, I've driven that same road in several Porsches, including a Macan, and never felt that behavior, so it's definitely something that can be improved upon. But that's the only place I've felt any need to improve the handling, so definitely not something that must be fixed.
Okay, so let's get to it. Lowering springs are out of the question for me, and wouldn't do it with MargeRide shocks anyway. In addition to that, the full 4-point G-brace is also out due to those front vertical posts sticking down at 90-deg to an incoming object (frequently encountered where I live). Therefore, up front, I'd only be open to install the regular G-brace... IF I do something to the rear. I like to have the car 'balanced', as much as possible. So the question is this: Is there anything that can be done at the back that won't affect the ride, increase NVH, or ground clearance (which I don't think is the case at the back)? Just one last comment: I have Steeda's full length jacking rails, which might interfere with the IRS support braces. My suspicion is that just like even the mildest MT-82 transmission mount 2-hole 'plug', the Steeda 'stop-the-hop' kit doesn't add any NVH, which I find that hard to believe. If that's true, then the question is if the support brace is enough for my needs (I'll never launch the car, so hop will never be an issue for me), or do I need that 3-part kit. If that brace interferes with the jacking rails, then how about using the other 2 parts of the 'stop-the-hop' kit? Would that accomplish anything to minimize rear sub-frame while cornering without adding NVH or affecting ride? All comments welcome, but keep in mind my goal is to keep my Bullitt as a comfortable grand-tourer, not a sports car. Thanks gang.
. And only if it makes sense. And I said that because I was going to add the Steeda regular G-brace, but reportedly the rear is what needs the most help, so it wouldn't make sense to stiffen the front even more, and leave the rear alone IMO, but feel free to comment on that .Now, I talked to a Steeda guy who got a little nasty when I said I wasn't interested in their full 'Steve McQueen' package because I didn't want to reduce ground clearance. But at least got out of the pissed off guy that the rear of the car needed help the most. Anyway, my only bad handling experience so far was on a road with one curve that has undulations, and the car went into a sideways rocking motion resembling an old barge. Not dangerous, but very un-sports-car like. And did it again the other day in sport mode (hardest MagneRide setting of 2), and car felt better, but still not what it should be IMO, so probably the rear sub-frame dancing around. And this was at a modest pace. The car corners MUCH better than that when the road is smoother. By the way, I've driven that same road in several Porsches, including a Macan, and never felt that behavior, so it's definitely something that can be improved upon. But that's the only place I've felt any need to improve the handling, so definitely not something that must be fixed.
Okay, so let's get to it. Lowering springs are out of the question for me, and wouldn't do it with MargeRide shocks anyway. In addition to that, the full 4-point G-brace is also out due to those front vertical posts sticking down at 90-deg to an incoming object (frequently encountered where I live). Therefore, up front, I'd only be open to install the regular G-brace... IF I do something to the rear. I like to have the car 'balanced', as much as possible. So the question is this: Is there anything that can be done at the back that won't affect the ride, increase NVH, or ground clearance (which I don't think is the case at the back)? Just one last comment: I have Steeda's full length jacking rails, which might interfere with the IRS support braces. My suspicion is that just like even the mildest MT-82 transmission mount 2-hole 'plug', the Steeda 'stop-the-hop' kit doesn't add any NVH, which I find that hard to believe. If that's true, then the question is if the support brace is enough for my needs (I'll never launch the car, so hop will never be an issue for me), or do I need that 3-part kit. If that brace interferes with the jacking rails, then how about using the other 2 parts of the 'stop-the-hop' kit? Would that accomplish anything to minimize rear sub-frame while cornering without adding NVH or affecting ride? All comments welcome, but keep in mind my goal is to keep my Bullitt as a comfortable grand-tourer, not a sports car
. Thanks gang.Sponsored
