First world problems...

[pb29590]

About 2 month ago I finished a 10 month lease on a 15 Camaro 2SS 1LE. It was my first and likely last Chevy, so please don't hate. Anyways, the Camaro handled like a monster, and the only car I can compare it to in terms of handling is the GT-R. I am much happier with every other aspect of my 16 GT PP. However, the handling is not what I expected it to be. Frankly it handles like garbage in comparison. The body roll is ridiculous. Traction is a major issue. With the traction control on in the Camaro it would just hook- period. With the GT with the new MPSS's i can spin through first and second when i get on it hard. The GT is my DD and will never be tracked. Aside from (possibly Steeda Pro Kit springs) and the BMR cradle bushing lockout kit, is there anything else that anyone can recommend to at least get close to what I have experienced the Chevy, without going crazy and spending a shit ton of money. Once again, thanks in advance.

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[BmacIL]

About 2 month ago I finished a 10 month lease on a 15 Camaro 2SS 1LE. It was my first and likely last Chevy, so please don't hate. Anyways, the Camaro handled like a monster, and the only car I can compare it to in terms of handling is the GT-R. I am much happier with every other aspect of my 16 GT PP. However, the handling is not what I expected it to be. Frankly it handles like garbage in comparison. The body roll is ridiculous. Traction is a major issue. With the traction control on in the Camaro it would just hook- period. With the GT with the new MPSS's i can spin through first and second when i get on it hard. The GT is my DD and will never be tracked. Aside from (possibly Steeda Pro Kit springs) and the BMR cradle bushing lockout kit, is there anything else that anyone can recommend to at least get close to what I have experienced the Chevy, without going crazy and spending a shit ton of money. Once again, thanks in advance.

I'd check out the GT350R springs thread. Springs and dampers make a huge difference.

 

[s550v6]

The CB005 is an awesome piece!

Bushings are the enemy here and the two that I have seen get the most attention are the LCA bushings and Toe to Knuckle bushings. Swap these two out for bearings and you should see a substantial difference in the way the car handles. I would go Steeda or BMR for the LCA and Full Tilt Boogie for the Toe - Knuckle.

Also I would consider the BMR CB006 chassis brace which will take some deflection out of the front suspension while being cost effective.

 

[ansibe]

These are very good questions I think, especially coming from someone who has owned a 1LE.

I have konis, 350r springs, and a tune, and traction is not great. And the rear end comes around pretty quick. It's been a while, but I think my stick axle 2011 hooked up better! I'm installing the CB005 this weekend, so let's see if that helps.

To me, handling is about more than grip coming out of corners. Grip on entry, at the apex, and balance are important to me as well. My set-up is pretty good for those aspects, but I agree that grip exiting corners could be better. In my experience, softer rear springs are the best way to add traction, but you'll sacrifice some other aspects of 'handling'.

Strangely, the GT350r has a great reputation for corner exit grip, but that could be tires. It's possible that sticky tires allow the rear suspension to collapse more when exiting corners, adding camber and grip.

On the topic of tires, the OE Pirellis are pretty good when they're hot, but terrible when they're cold. My cheap Firestones are way better. Unfortunately you almost never get tires truly hot on the street.

 

[jasonstang]

The Pirellis are poor in cold weather. Even my all seasons would spin in 1st and 2nd in below 50 degree temperature.

 

[Rebellion]

About 2 month ago I finished a 10 month lease on a 15 Camaro 2SS 1LE. It was my first and likely last Chevy, so please don't hate. Anyways, the Camaro handled like a monster, and the only car I can compare it to in terms of handling is the GT-R. I am much happier with every other aspect of my 16 GT PP. However, the handling is not what I expected it to be. Frankly it handles like garbage in comparison. The body roll is ridiculous. Traction is a major issue. With the traction control on in the Camaro it would just hook- period. With the GT with the new MPSS's i can spin through first and second when i get on it hard. The GT is my DD and will never be tracked. Aside from (possibly Steeda Pro Kit springs) and the BMR cradle bushing lockout kit, is there anything else that anyone can recommend to at least get close to what I have experienced the Chevy, without going crazy and spending a shit ton of money. Once again, thanks in advance.

Get a good set of stiffer springs and dampers, plus CB005, LCA bearing, toe/knuckle bearing and a good alignment...you'll have enough handling for any street driving. These are the meat and potatoes, IMO.

Later on, you can add vertical links, shock mounts, braces, sways...but they are more of fine tuning.

 

[BMR Tech]

@pb29590 we specialize in both the Mustang and Camaro.

So, I feel your pain about the comparison in stock form in the handling department. The new '16 SS is definitely a better performer than all 3 of the PP GT cars we have here, unfortunately. And it's not even close.

That said, I have found that a few simple things have made a massive difference.

If I were to acquire another S550 Mustang GT and make a list of 5 parts that would completely change the car, this would be it.

1: Square 10" wheels with good tires (285/35 is my vote)
2: A mildly stiffer rate set of linear springs
3: Koni, Bilstein, Steeda or FRPP FIXED Shock Kit (all4)
4: CB005 Cradle Bushing Lockout Kit / Ford M5A460M Toe Bearing
5: Upgraded Sway Bars and End Links

This is the ticket to making the car feel AND perform as you would want it to for most people. Brand of parts used, doesn't matter - just a good quality maker that stands behind the parts.

I know it is disappointing for many. Myself included, as I was super irritated when I first drove the new 2016 SS Camaro. That said, my 2016 PP with a few mods and a much lower price of entry exceeds my expectations every day.

 

[keltymd]

I'd check out the GT350R springs thread. Springs and dampers make a huge difference.

Exactly. gt350R springs
Fronts $35 each
Rears $70 each
Steeda fixed valve shocks/struts $450
BMR CB005 $199
or
Steeda IRS support system (Less NVH than BMR CB005) $239

if you want a good job
Ford Motor Sport Toe Link bearings $69
so for about a grand you can handle VERY well. I push mine past a G on the corners all the time and never feel like its gonna break loose, well unless I play with the long peddle a bit

you could also add the GT350r front ($70) and rear ($60) sway bars but then I would get end links as well.

 

[Dominant1]

Op any reason why you didnt upgrade to the 16/17 camaro because its better then the 15 camaro next level even. Its why the camaro costs thousands more,you get more!

 

[pb29590]

Op any reason why you didnt upgrade to the 16/17 camaro because its better then the 15 camaro next level even. Its why the camaro costs thousands more,you get more!

Valid question. I get tired of cars very very quickly. I've had 6 in the last 5 years. This is my sixth Mustang overall and I really enjoyed my 12 GT (3 cars ago) so I figured I'd try another mustang. I was actually looking at taking over a lease on a 16 Z06 3LZ, then an M4 but couldn't reasonably/rationally justify a G per month. I'm pretty much all over the place with ideas for cars and willl likely be onto something else soon. I guess not a bad problem to have . I'm always open to suggestions. Peace.

 

[hiccup]

So does this said camaro in stock form out perform a stock gt350 in the handling dept?

 

[ZanarkO]

So does this said camaro in stock form out perform a stock gt350 in the handling dept?

With the same tires a 1le is faster then a gt350 around a track. Slightly, almost exactly the same. Its amazing what the camaro can do. However camaros have HORRIBLE resale value and the aftermarket is very expensive and the interior in my opinion is shit. People will take a clean mustang over a camaro just based off of looks honestly.

 

[ZanarkO]

Also this is a good thread with good information for newbies. Honestly this should possibly be sticky'd. Why? Because this is the only thread Ive seen where BMR literally says "hey this is the exact thing to buy to make the car compete with a camaro" Also mustangs cost around 6 grand less.... And have more leg room...

 

[ansibe]

@pb29590

So, I feel your pain about the comparison in stock form in the handling department. The new '16 SS is definitely a better performer than all 3 of the PP GT cars we have here, unfortunately. And it's not even close.

Thanks Kelly for that honest appraisal of the Camaro/Mustang battle. Few people are more qualified than you to comment. But I'm still keeping my Mustang!

Seriously, can you expand on the 'not even close' statement? I agree with the OP that grip exiting corners could be better for the GT, but what else is there?

I suspect the e-diff is the biggest GM advantage. It will take Ford's engineering expertise to upgrade the Mustang to an e-diff, since it will have to be integrated with the steering, throttle, stab control chassis sensors, etc.

I also honestly think the Camaro engine is easier to use (wide powerband, accessible torque), and that can have huge effect on perceived handling.

 

[Gnfanatic]

MY GTPP is actually my first ford, I have been a GM guy all my life. Sitting in the camaro and then sitting in the Mustang made me change. I agree with the suspension, I have a about $1500 in parts sitting on the floor ready to be put in. Cant wait Bmr and Steeda components. Both are superb companies.

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