Stock Car, $500 budget, help with initial mods

[Rustbucket]

Hi All!

I have a dead stock 2020 Ecoboost HPP/HP that I picked up over the summer. I by no means consider myself an expert driver. I’m hoping to rectify that with training and AutoX next year. For context, I’m coming from a BRZ.

Future plans include a shock/spring upgrade and lighter wheels and tires, but the budget won’t be there for a while.

Right now, I have a little bit of money and would like to make some incremental improvements as well as giving myself some wrench time over the winter. I feel like I don’t have confidence in the rear end right now, especially if I hit mid-corner bumps or am having a little fun and trying to get it to step out. It seems like there’s almost a rubber band effect, where the rear wheels aren’t tightly connected to the car (I may not be doing a good job of describing this, but hopefully that makes sense).

I’ve been eyeing the Steeda Stop the Hop starter kit as a place to begin. My assumption is that squishy bushings are causing the disconnected feeling, and the bushing inserts seem like a good way to attack that without pulling the whole rear end of the car apart to do full bushing replacements. Bracing around suspension parts hasn’t come up on other platforms I’ve owned, but seems to be widely used with the S550’s, so the IRS brace also seemed like a good idea.

My question: is this a good place to start modifying, or is there another set of parts that would make a bigger difference for what I’m describing? I do daily this car, but I don’t care a ton about NVH, and am wide open to suggestions.

Sponsored

 

[sachmo133]

I second the above.

 

[WItoTX]

If I were you, with the same budget, I'd invest in AutoX time. Don't do any mods. Get really comfortable driving the car as is. Give it 3-6 months.

Then, figure out in the AutoX events, exactly what it is you are chasing. It sounds like the rear is squishy. Catch rides with guys who have upgraded different bits on their cars, and feel what it changed.

That's how I would approach it.

That said, it sounds like you identified one of the biggest issues on these cars. IMO, the rlca bushings really should be swapped for sphericals. I'd do that before I messed with any of the stop the hop stuff.

 

[GJarrett]

You asked for suspension suggestions, so I hope I'm not side tripping your question. But you have an EcoBoost, and the absolute first mod you should do before ANY other is to replace your crap stock intercooler with a good aftermarket one. The OEM EcoBoost intercooler will heat soak after only a couple of spirited full throttle bursts and then pull timing to protect the engine, killing your horsepower as soon as the engine warms up. You won't need suspension mods limping along with a heat soaked turbo on pulled timing. Intercooler comes first.

There's some good intercoolers in your price range.

 

[Rustbucket]

You asked for suspension suggestions, so I hope I'm not side tripping your question. But you have an EcoBoost, and the absolute first mod you should do before ANY other is to replace your crap stock intercooler with a good aftermarket one.

Thanks! I should have been more clear - I do have a CVF street intercooler and a catch can, but the suspension is stock.

I appreciate everyone’s food for thought!

 

[S550HPP]

I have HPP vert with Steeda rear vertical links, Ford 24 mm sway bar on B6 shocks and it's planted. No need for anything else. Granted this is more than $500 in parts.

The vertical links alone help a lot in my experience....never had wheel hop. B6 or other shock is relatively cheap and easy install well worth it. Might be able to do both for around $500 if can install your self. This is all you will ever need.

No need for rear sway bar I just got a GT take off for $70 and tried it.

The Airaid tube even with stock filter works amazingly well on HPP...money well spent breathes so freely with aftermarket IC.

For auto X I'd just add Eibach front sway bar and alignment.

HPP is an exceptional car with near perfect 50:50 weight distribution, has all the crash tested approved chassis bracing, and nice OE wheels.

Vertical rear links w poly bushings, shocks, Airaid tube and maybe front sway bar plus alignment and you're ready. No need so spend any more on chassis these are nice to have anyway, except Airaid tube which should be first to complement your IC.

 

[tj@steeda]

The Steeda IRS Braces are one of the best upgrades & one of the more straightforward installation upgrades you can do - without breaking the bank.

The Stop The Hop Kit made #2 on our list of Top 5 Mods here & it will give you a comprehensive overview of why it is a must-have:

Shoot me your email if I can help put you in contact with one of our Suspension Experts - I'm happy to help; you can reach me at [email protected]

Best Regards,

TIm

 

[Strokerswild]

BMR cradle lockout. Easily the most noticeable mod I did next to lightweight wheels.

 

[SBR70.3]

Not a lot you will be able to do with a budget of $500. I'd focus on track time above all. Then look at, in order:

Brake pads/fluid
Tires
Suspension mods

 

[Rustbucket]

Seat time will be happening im the spring time, and is a separate budget. I’m not sure if it’ll be in a road course as well as doing autocross. Good tires are also on the list for spring - I’m planning to pick up a second set of wheels with good tires for warm weather, and to keep the factory wheels for cold times of year.

Brake pads are a great suggestion, though!

 

[S550HPP]

Cheap tires are the most fun at least you get plenty warning as well as audible feedback on your technique. Cheaper the better until your technique is down.

 

[SBR70.3]

Seat time will be happening im the spring time, and is a separate budget. I’m not sure if it’ll be in a road course as well as doing autocross. Good tires are also on the list for spring - I’m planning to pick up a second set of wheels with good tires for warm weather, and to keep the factory wheels for cold times of year.

Brake pads are a great suggestion, though!

I recommend G-Loc brake pads. I use the 10/8 on track on my Mach 1 and even use it in city driving, when I do drive it. Next season I will be going to a 12/10 setup to better match my tires.

 

[GJarrett]

Your original suspension mod ideas in post #1 seem good to me.

If you choose HPDE over AutoX, as you improve, your next set of mods will need to address not only brake pads but also brake cooling issues (upgrading your brake fluid is the first step). Just FYI for you to keep in mind planning into the future.

 

[Mustangcol]

I have HPP vert with Steeda rear vertical links, Ford 24 mm sway bar on B6 shocks and it's planted. No need for anything else. Granted this is more than $500 in parts.

The vertical links alone help a lot in my experience....never had wheel hop. B6 or other shock is relatively cheap and easy install well worth it. Might be able to do both for around $500 if can install your self. This is all you will ever need.

No need for rear sway bar I just got a GT take off for $70 and tried it.

The Airaid tube even with stock filter works amazingly well on HPP...money well spent breathes so freely with aftermarket IC.

For auto X I'd just add Eibach front sway bar and alignment.

HPP is an exceptional car with near perfect 50:50 weight distribution, has all the crash tested approved chassis bracing, and nice OE wheels.

Vertical rear links w poly bushings, shocks, Airaid tube and maybe front sway bar plus alignment and you're ready. No need so spend any more on chassis these are nice to have anyway, except Airaid tube which should be first to complement your IC.

Others and myself have had problems with the Bilstein B6 shocks not dampened correctly. Maybe a bad batch. I went to ford track shocks and its a lot better.

To the OP, my 2017 with 25k miles already had some bad bushings in the control arms. Maybe start by reviewing the car and seeing if those need changed. I went to BMR control arm bearings and their level 2 IRS lockout. Also rear shocks were a little bad and that helped too.

Sponsored