Lower + Ride Quality?

[jbailer]

Is it really possible to lower the car AND retain good ride quality? I've lowered my last 3 cars and regretted every one of them. The first time, I just didn't know. The next time I heard everyone say, "get the Eibach springs and they will be fine with the factory shocks". That certainly wasn't the case. Then I was told get the Tokico D-Spec adjustable shocks, that will take care of it. While it was better, it was still very rough. The last attempt on my 2010 was Koni shocks and Ford Racing Springs. That was probably the best of any combo I tried but still difficult to talk going over a bumpy road.

I've heard coilovers. Any experience with them, recommendations? I know they cost quite a bit more. I don't want to get them just to pay that much more and find out they still are very bumpy. I'd rather not do airbags because I don't want to have that system to fool with.

I have the 2015 EB Premium with PP. I noticed a little difference test driving the PP and non but that was definitely not an issue. Just the car is still sitting too high.

If it isn't possible, I'll just give up but my car is saying, "PLEEEEEASE!"

Thanks,
Joe

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[Todd15Fastback]

Yes it is possible.

I have the Steeda progressive springs. Lowered the car about 1.25" in the front and 1" in the rear. Ride is much improved over the stock GT PP springs. I also have sways bars, billet sway bar mounts, cradle bushings and IRS bushing support plus billet vertical links.

 

[socalsnake]

Is it really possible to lower the car AND retain good ride quality? I've lowered my last 3 cars and regretted every one of them. The first time, I just didn't know. The next time I heard everyone say, "get the Eibach springs and they will be fine with the factory shocks". That certainly wasn't the case. Then I was told get the Tokico D-Spec adjustable shocks, that will take care of it. While it was better, it was still very rough. The last attempt on my 2010 was Koni shocks and Ford Racing Springs. That was probably the best of any combo I tried but still difficult to talk going over a bumpy road.

I've heard coilovers. Any experience with them, recommendations? I know they cost quite a bit more. I don't want to get them just to pay that much more and find out they still are very bumpy. I'd rather not do airbags because I don't want to have that system to fool with.

I have the 2015 EB Premium with PP. I noticed a little difference test driving the PP and non but that was definitely not an issue. Just the car is still sitting too high.

If it isn't possible, I'll just give up but my car is saying, "PLEEEEEASE!"

Thanks,
Joe

Yes it is possible to lower and retain decent to good ride quality (see Todd's reply about progressive rate springs)...but it isn't possible to lower and retain the SAME ride quality as the OEM set-up.

Its simple physics...any reduction in ride height will ride stiffer (=a little more rough). Whatever lowered suspensions set-up you have has to support the compression and rebound of the car in a shorter distance thant the OEM height which will translate into a stiffer ride.

Really won't matter if its springs or coilovers - the lower you go the stiffer and possibly rougher your ride will feel. Except if you bag (air suspension) your car, but that poses alot of other compromises.

That being said, the Eibach springs for the S550 actually are pretty comfortable and I would imagine any of the springs which have around a 1" drop should be similarly comfortable.

 

[ATTFighter]

Yes it is possible.

I have the Steeda progressive springs. Lowered the car about 1.25" in the front and 1" in the rear. Ride is much improved over the stock GT PP springs. I also have sways bars, billet sway bar mounts, cradle bushings and IRS bushing support plus billet vertical links.

I'm still debating between the Steeda progressive Springs that you have, or the Steeda ultralites which drops the car the same amount only it's the linear version.

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[Todd15Fastback]

I'm still debating between the Steeda progressive Springs that you have, or the Steeda ultralites which drops the car the same amount only it's the linear version.

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My car will be used for taking some long trips and the fact I am not a racer, it was easy for me to pick the progressive springs.

 

[ATTFighter]

My car will be used for taking some long trips and the fact I am not a racer, it was easy for me to pick the progressive springs.

If I go to the track once a year do you think it's worth getting the linear?

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[jbailer]

Thanks for the replies. Todd, when you say, "Ride is much improved over the stock GT PP springs." What was wrong with the ride before and how is the ride different? I'm not sure it will be the same for me as I have the EB rather than GT. I've heard that there is some difference in the springs between the 2 but not confirmed. It doesn't make sense to me that the back would be different but at 200lbs lighter in the front, I'd think the EB would have a slightly lower spring rate for the front along with the V6.

socalsnake, what you said makes sense it is what is keeping me from pulling the trigger. I'd hate to make the same mistake a 4th time. I was hoping that since I have the PP which has stiffer springs anyway, maybe there was a solution that netted the same stiffness with just less travel (height). So many say "it rides the same as stock" even heard "smooth as a Cadillac" (not that I believed that for a second) but after hearing so many say the ride was very close to stock, I went for it only to be disappointed. Recently at a car show, someone told me about the airbag option ora good set of coilovers would yield about the same quality ride as the PP, just a little stiffer than the non-PP. I was hoping someone (especially with an EB) may have some experience. I'm just not sure what it will take to be convinced this time around but I'd really like it lowered for both cornering and looks.

 

[socalsnake]

Thanks for the replies. Todd, when you say, "Ride is much improved over the stock GT PP springs." What was wrong with the ride before and how is the ride different? I'm not sure it will be the same for me as I have the EB rather than GT. I've heard that there is some difference in the springs between the 2 but not confirmed. It doesn't make sense to me that the back would be different but at 200lbs lighter in the front, I'd think the EB would have a slightly lower spring rate for the front along with the V6.

socalsnake, what you said makes sense it is what is keeping me from pulling the trigger. I'd hate to make the same mistake a 4th time. I was hoping that since I have the PP which has stiffer springs anyway, maybe there was a solution that netted the same stiffness with just less travel (height). So many say "it rides the same as stock" even heard "smooth as a Cadillac" (not that I believed that for a second) but after hearing so many say the ride was very close to stock, I went for it only to be disappointed. Recently at a car show, someone told me about the airbag option ora good set of coilovers would yield about the same quality ride as the PP, just a little stiffer than the non-PP. I was hoping someone (especially with an EB) may have some experience. I'm just not sure what it will take to be convinced this time around but I'd really like it lowered for both cornering and looks.

As far as coilovers are concerned...a good set of coilovers will outlast any spring set-up because the spring and strut/shock is matched to work together (assuming they are a reputable company Bilstein, KW, Eibachs) i.e. designed in harmony. As far as the ride comfort of coilovers vs springs...well that's not so cut and dry. Personally I can't say one rides better than the other.

Again, this is my experience in springs vs coilovers. You can't fight physics - whether coilovers or springs...a reduction in suspension travel will result in a firmer (some may say harsher ride); obviously the goal is to avoid bottoming out. Again, its irrelevant how you reduce ride height, spring or coilover...the ride will increase in firmness the lower you go. Again, air bags is the exception in this, but I don't think any Mustang belongs on bags though.

Also, another advantage of coilovers is that you can specify the amount of lowering you want. That's the obvious advantage over the static height of any spring.

My advice is find a local person with springs (any of them - Eibach, Steeda, CJ Pony, BMR) and kindly ask for a ride along or even a short drive. That will really answer all your questions this time around.

I've been lowering cars for many years both on coilovers and springs from the reasonably priced to the more expensive offerings. I don't think the technology has changed much concerning stiffness versus comfort. Really the only thing that has changed is that I've gotten older and maybe softer i.e. I'm preferring more comfort as I get older. You might consider that too!

 

[jbailer]

I called Steeda today to ask more questions. Was told that the progressive springs would not degrade ride quality from the performance package springs but are 40% stiffer when hard cornering. So basically that first X% of the progressive spring that is "softer" is the same as the stock but when you get further into spring compression (hard corner) it was up to 40% stiffer providing better control. That sounds very nice!

 

[BMR Tech]

I have been driving around on our Performance Springs for months.

Can't even tell the car is modified at all. ;)

Unfortunately they are not available yet, but they will be soon.

 

[Todd15Fastback]

If I go to the track once a year do you think it's worth getting the linear?

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Tough to answer. It depends on your driving habits and how much you drive your car on a daily basis. I work from home 100% and will only put about 4-5k a year on my car.

Since I am married and my wife goes with most everytime I drive my car, I wanted to keep the ride somewhat reasonable and smooth but when I want to push he car, it responds as I want it to.

Thanks for the replies. Todd, when you say, "Ride is much improved over the stock GT PP springs." What was wrong with the ride before and how is the ride different? I'm not sure it will be the same for me as I have the EB rather than GT. I've heard that there is some difference in the springs between the 2 but not confirmed. It doesn't make sense to me that the back would be different but at 200lbs lighter in the front, I'd think the EB would have a slightly lower spring rate for the front along with the V6.

socalsnake, what you said makes sense it is what is keeping me from pulling the trigger. I'd hate to make the same mistake a 4th time. I was hoping that since I have the PP which has stiffer springs anyway, maybe there was a solution that netted the same stiffness with just less travel (height). So many say "it rides the same as stock" even heard "smooth as a Cadillac" (not that I believed that for a second) but after hearing so many say the ride was very close to stock, I went for it only to be disappointed. Recently at a car show, someone told me about the airbag option ora good set of coilovers would yield about the same quality ride as the PP, just a little stiffer than the non-PP. I was hoping someone (especially with an EB) may have some experience. I'm just not sure what it will take to be convinced this time around but I'd really like it lowered for both cornering and looks.

The progressive springs removed a lot of that bouncy feedback we get on the GT PP. It just smoothed things out a bit, but it is a noticeable improvement. I also have the billet sway bar mounts, front and rear sway bars and their alignment bushings and bushing support system. Car rides really, really good and zero noise.

I called Steeda today to ask more questions. Was told that the progressive springs would not degrade ride quality from the performance package springs but are 40% stiffer when hard cornering. So basically that first X% of the progressive spring that is "softer" is the same as the stock but when you get further into spring compression (hard corner) it was up to 40% stiffer providing better control. That sounds very nice!

Correct. David @Steeda posted this very information last week or the week before when the springs were released. I love these and glad I went with them. Brake dive is vastly improved. I stood on the brakes from 75mph and was surprised at how much the brake dive was reduced and how straight it all tracked. I had a bit smile on my face as the car came to a halt.

 

[Rv-Junke]

Very good info...just brought car to dealer today regarding the "bouncy" feeling. Took car on a 5 hour trip and hit a 30+ mile stretch where the car could not stable out, it was almost like it got into a harmonic motion.

 

[dhardison]

Very good info...just brought car to dealer today regarding the "bouncy" feeling. Took car on a 5 hour trip and hit a 30+ mile stretch where the car could not stable out, it was almost like it got into a harmonic motion.

I'm interested to hear what the dealer has to say. I haven't taken mine on any long trips, but the other day I was going down the interstate in the family minivan and came up on a '15 EB. For us the pavement was smooth (70-75mph), but looking at the EB driver bouncing in his seat I don't think he had the same opinion. Looking at his EB it looked like the suspension was rocking continually front to back, front to back.

 

[Impulsed7]

One thing no one has said.

Get a matched set of springs and shocks, not just one, then the other.

Second a no shit, good set of non-racing, non-stance coilovers will be your best bet.

I've had so many suspension setups on my BMW's that it hurts to look back at the bills, and my best setup was an upgraded front bar, KW V1 coilovers, and multiple (soft) bushing upgrades. The S550 has the same styles of front and rear suspension, so take note.

 

[Todd15Fastback]

One thing no one has said.

Get a matched set of springs and shocks, not just one, then the other.

This has been discussed a lot. Right now the market is virtually zero for shocks/struts for BOTH front and rear. More should be on the market in the next 2-4 months.

Everyone is in a hold pattern

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