Spring/shock opinions

[Bluemustang]

The other aspect is that, since you have things like the RLCA bearings, lockout kit, etc., you won't lose the large handling benefits from those items. Mainly you'll gain a more predictable car and more comfortable ride. You can always go a little stiffer on the bars if you want. Stiffen the front one for more steering weight and responsiveness up front. I'd leave the rear as soft as you can go and still enjoy the handling. Being planted is a good thing, and lifting an inside tire doesn't help you put power down.

OMG. I am so excited! This is going to be fun. As you might be able tell this suspension stuff really appeals to me. This is fun to me. Maybe it appeals to my meticulous nature about certain things. No more important is how fast a car is but how it feels and handles. Maybe feel and handling matters a lot more to me.

I have felt the effects on a small scale with the sway bars. When I was stiffer on the bars there would be times when- applying power down in a corner and I encounter a bump - occasionally the tire would get lifted and the car doesn't stay planted. Sort of similar to how my 2013 Mustang (with the solid axle) felt but to a lesser degree. But obviously with IRS it generally handles those things much better, unless I go too stiff on the bars.

I really think this spring combo is going to be the ticket. Just now gotta find the time to do it. Pickup a set of 089 fronts and a pair of stock tie rods and I should be gtg.

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[Roadway 5.0]

OP: what are your alignment settings? I ask as my high-speed steering feel and bump adversion improved by adding a bit of toe-in (.12) from the usual recommended 0.00. I find “regualr” or “comfort” steering modes at-speed are better suited as well.

 

[Bluemustang]

Front toe - 0.00
Front camber -1.8
Rear toe - 0.15, 0.10 LR
Rear camber -1.8
Caster - 7.6-7.7 LR

 

[Roadway 5.0]

Front toe - 0.00
Front camber -1.8
Rear toe - 0.15, 0.10 LR
Rear camber -1.8
Caster - 7.6-7.7 LR

You’re on the money. I see you’re set on switching to linear springs (my preference too); I recommend adding a touch of front wheel toe-in (+0.1) after your spring install if you’re seeking the high-speed stability steering. The bit of change made more than a placebo difference for me.

 

[Jmart]

[MENTION=19599]Bluemustang[/MENTION] thank you for taking the time to articulate your issues so well -
I'm having the exact same experience with my car. I'm currently on Steeda Progressive springs paired with Pro-Action adjustable shocks/struts as well as a host of other Steeda goodies. I've tried every rebound setting from full soft to full stiff, and I'm still unable to get the rear to feel planted at higher speed when off the throttle. Car feels great on fresh smooth pavement, but really struggles to remain composed when subjected to minor undulations in the road surface.

I'm actually considering Ridetech coilovers early next year when budget allows.

 

[Bluemustang]

[MENTION=19599]Bluemustang[/MENTION] thank you for taking the time to articulate your issues so well -
I'm having the exact same experience with my car. I'm currently on Steeda Progressive springs paired with Pro-Action adjustable shocks/struts as well as a host of other Steeda goodies. I've tried every rebound setting from full soft to full stiff, and I'm still unable to get the rear to feel planted at higher speed when off the throttle. Car feels great on fresh smooth pavement, but really struggles to remain composed when subjected to minor undulations in the road surface.

I'm actually considering Ridetech coilovers early next year when budget allows.

Thanks dude! I know exactly what you mean. Sometimes it can be hard to describe these things so I'm trying the best I can. It's hard to find reviews sometimes where people go into detail on specifics of how the car behaves after a suspension mod. And there are so many variables to consider.

I also think it becomes more complicated when additional mods come into play.

I think where I am at now is not so much improving "handling" or what most people refer to as cornering ability. But instead I'm after a better "feel". A more confident feel in most if not all situations. And my theory is that only a linear spring is going to accomplish that. I wanna be able to just know what the car is going to and be confident in that.

Once I install these linear springs I'll give a review of the differences I felt.

My guess is you've already got a lot of good suspension parts. But maybe you feel like I do that the progressive spring just doesn't feel right for a proper handling sports car. The car not only has to be able to accomplish a task but feel confident doing it. A car like this driving down the highway and not feeling great about it- that doesn't sit well with me.

And yes- then alignment specs and even sway bar rates become a factor. I can feel the difference even a small alignment change can make. This is real fun stuff and I now believe is just part of the journey. Hard to get it right in one go.

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