"Starter" suspension mods for GT Premium?

[Rebellion]

I'm in sort of the same situation with my base gt and have studied most of the options on suspension upgrade to the best of my ability and asked a few other guys locally and in this forum as well.

Some random observations:
1) get the PP strut brace and cowl brace...they don't do a lot, but the difference is certainly significant, it's a good bang for the buck.

2) get the cb005. Since you're bringing down the IRS, put the J&M alignment sleeves. Get them from J&M and have them precut the correct length for the cb005.

3) after test driving the PP, reconsider the track pack. If you like the PP, get the 89/82 and PP dampers. The drop isn't much of a concern and the ride quality is comparable. If you want more rake, the 80. If you want a significantly stiffer ride that the PP, then it's the track pack or other setups.

I'd say reconsider the track pack because of the 1" drop, which for me is too much. I'm not a fan of progressive springs, which the track pack includes, but that's subjective.

Sponsored

 

[EricSMG]

For me, the PP is actually too stiff and I'd like to refine things a bit. I am certain the Track Pack will be notably less comfortable than the PP setup and this is a no-go for me.

I agree with Rebellion in that a 1" drop is much too low for me. I'm thinking the stock PP rear springs with the BMR 89 fronts plus Steeda's front 1/4" spacers when they come out, just to even out the ride, nothing more.

The CB005 lockout kit does increase precision bit quite a bit. It also firms things up, reducing comfort to a notable degree. I will be removing it this weekend, going back to 100% stock PP to reevaluate from there.

 

[2015Etrac]

I've looked into the stock Track Pack for myself as well, but like others have said, the 1" drop is kin of a lot, for me anyway. Having 20in wheels I feel like the drop would make the car look more show car like and less sporty. I like having some space between the fender and top of my wheel. I might look into just getting a PP setup for my GT Premium, that might be a good route for you. Does Ford sell the same kit that is on the PP, or only the street and track setups?

 

[VeloLisa]

Thanks for the additional food for thought about the PP perhaps being too stiff for me. I don't want to spend a bunch of money and do something I will regret. I agree about the 1 inch drop. I don't really want that either. Will the BMR minimal drop springs work with the track pack stuff?

I'm going to try to test drive a PP automatic tomorrow. Hopefully I don't fall in love with the automatic. But it may actually be nicer for a daily driver... My car is paid for, so I could conceivably trade it in for a new one! :headbonk:

Edit: I thought on the 2017's you could get the performance package with the automatic. Doesn't look like that is the case. So, never mind. lol!

 

[2015Etrac]

I think the stock Performance Pack suspension lowers the car .5in? That would be perfect for me vs. the 1in drops on the Track and Street. I wish they had the PP option for the Auto, I would have gotten it. I do like the auto a lot though, it's fast and the paddle shifters are nice. The mode selections make a big difference as well, but I don't think I would enjoy the automatic without the Track and Sport Mode's, they make a huge difference in throttle response, shifting, etc. In normal mode the auto feels sluggish and slow to respond so I always have it set to sport or track mode.

 

[Shouldhavegotthegt]

Stick with the manual tranny. Springs will help. Also look into the steeds differential bushing and alignment kit. Both together are less than $200. Really helped keep the rear stable. Also they install easily with with rear subframe dropped so it's not really any extra work.

 

[BmacIL]

I think the stock Performance Pack suspension lowers the car .5in? That would be perfect for me vs. the 1in drops on the Track and Street. I wish they had the PP option for the Auto, I would have gotten it. I do like the auto a lot though, it's fast and the paddle shifters are nice. The mode selections make a big difference as well, but I don't think I would enjoy the automatic without the Track and Sport Mode's, they make a huge difference in throttle response, shifting, etc. In normal mode the auto feels sluggish and slow to respond so I always have it set to sport or track mode.

No ride height difference between PP and non-PP. The GT350 is not quite half an inch lower.

OP,
The spring rates are not too firm to be comfortable, they just aren't being controlled well. The stock PP dampers are pretty firm on compression but lack rebound control. As such, you lack some suppleness on initial impact and then it feels floaty after because it lacks rebound. Based on what Steeda has said regarding their non-adjustable dampers, they should be able to improve the ride, even on stock springs.

If you want springs, and minimal lowering, grab the aforementioned BMR SP089/SP082 combo on PP dampers. They do improve the ride.

 

[MyFirst5.0]

i put on springs/sways and 20" wheels with a good tire. night and day in handling. the oem stock tires are 235/50s and are junk, and on the super ugly wheels..put them on craiglist, i sold mine with the tires for 400 with 2000 miles on them.

 

[JamesinLittleSilver]

With the 18 inch wheels the 1in drop is not bad, I like it to be honest, I will post some pics this weekend.

 

[MyFirst5.0]

With the 18 inch wheels the 1in drop is not bad, I like it to be honest, I will post some pics this weekend.

the drop helps but i really hated the wheels, i thought i would never sell them either, but i got lucky

 

[EricSMG]

Oh, yeah that's a no-go for sure^^

I'm pretty convinced the that PPs actually sit higher up front than the rest. No way do they ride lower.

Sponsored