Lowering Springs + Snow

[LOL @ MPG]

I saw the other thread on this, however, it wasn't conclusive enough for me.

I live just west of Boston.

I plan on buying a premium GTPP and installing lowering springs. This will be my only car which means I will be forced to drive it in the New England winters. In case you guys aren't aware, we have 5+ inches of snow on the ground pretty frequently in these parts.

Wheel gap is a huge pet peeve of mine which I will need to address when I buy the car...which raises this question: How much will a 1 inch drop affect my mustang's performance in the snow?

Keep in mind that I will certainly invest in a set of top-of-the-line winter tires for the season.

I would really rather not swap back to stock springs every year to get that 1 inch of ground clearance back...

Thoughts?

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[kevin4052002]

Go air and don't look back.

 

[LOL @ MPG]

Go air and don't look back.

I've considered this alternative, however, the cost is concerning.

 

[bluebeastsrt]

The winters here in jersey are bad enough. I can only imagine how chewed up the bottom of a GT would look in real snow. Lotta plastic underneath. I would recommend getting a beater for the winter.

 

[LOL @ MPG]

The winters here in jersey are bad enough. I can only imagine how chewed up the bottom of a GT would look in real snow. Lotta plastic underneath. I would recommend getting a beater for the winter.

Unfortunately, this isn't an option for me. :(

 

[angermgmt14]

Mpg, how far west are you? I'm sure you know the farther west you get, usually means more inches of snow....lol! I'm in Marlborough and while I can't attest for the Mustang, when I had my GTO which was lowered with coilovers, it didn't make a difference as long as you have a decent winter tire/wheel combo.
I didn't drive it in the snow after my S/C install, but before that it drove "ok" in the snow. I've heard and read on this forum that the rain/snow mode helps out. I won't be getting my GT (2016) until Oct. or so.

 

[LOL @ MPG]

Mpg, how far west are you? I'm sure you know the farther west you get, usually means more inches of snow....lol! I'm in Marlborough and while I can't attest for the Mustang, when I had my GTO which was lowered with coilovers, it didn't make a difference as long as you have a decent winter tire/wheel combo.
I didn't drive it in the snow after my S/C install, but before that it drove "ok" in the snow. I've heard and read on this forum that the rain/snow mode helps out. I won't be getting my GT (2016) until Oct. or so.

I'm just outside Cambridge. Very close to the city. I plan on keeping the underside of the car clean from road salt to avoid corrosion but I'm aware this only does so much...

 

[Ultimateone]

Maybe get coils, after this last year I hope this winter is lame.

 

[LOL @ MPG]

Maybe get coils, after this last year I hope this winter is lame.

You have absolutely no idea how much we are on the same page here! This last winter was crazy. I considered coils but, again, the cost is concerning. I'd rather not alter the suspension too much but I love the look of lowering springs.

 

[Ultimateone]

You have absolutely no idea how much we are on the same page here, sir.

I bought a BMW 135i in January this year, a week before all hell broke loose and I had to drive a 350whp rwd car thru that. I am waiting till after this winter to lower my car, or maybe just do it, idk just yet but I will be riding on Blizzaks or something similar.

 

[angermgmt14]

This past winter was :frusty:. Like Ultimate said, I would get some Blizzaks. Drive it for the winter without lowering springs and see how it is. I really don't think it will make a difference in the snow. (except obviously you'll be 1 inch lower and can plow more snow with the lip...) But if you really want the best of both worlds, coilovers will do it. You can raise it for the winter, then lower it in the Spring.

 

[Blk2015GT]

Yeh lowered the "snowplow" effect could be worse as well as snow get packed in the wheel wells with less clearance there.

Coilovers or something adjustable may be your best bet.

 

[angermgmt14]

Also, I was born and raised in Somerville and drove my modded 01 Pontiac Formula year round, from Somerville to Marlborough. Blizzaks and weight in the back helped out tremendously. I'm just glad that I don't have to do that anymore. Good luck with your decision and maybe we'll get to meet up next Spring with some other locals.

 

[LOL @ MPG]

Also, I was born and raised in Somerville and drove my modded 01 Pontiac Formula year round, from Somerville to Marlborough. Blizzaks and weight in the back helped out tremendously. I'm just glad that I don't have to do that anymore. Good luck with your decision and maybe we'll get to meet up next Spring with some other locals.

Thanks. I'm always down for meets as well. I will definitely make a post when I get the car so keep an eye out for it.

Regarding coilovers, aren't there alignment issues when adjusting ride heights? I've never owned a car with coilovers so I'm not educated on the subject.

 

[Chameleon]

A 1" drop will not affect it at all.

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