Stock height suspension upgrade options

[PamAndJim]

I don't want to lower my car at this point in time, mostly because I don't want to have to worry about curbs, parking blocks, etc. So, I am wondering what is out there that will allow me to get the most out of the stock ride height. Would upgraded swaybars be worthwhile? What about upgraded shocks/struts? Are there any stock springs from other models (EB PP or GT PP) that would be better/stiffer that my non PP EB springs?

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[DickR]

I don't want to lower my car at this point in time, mostly because I don't want to have to worry about curbs, parking blocks, etc. So, I am wondering what is out there that will allow me to get the most out of the stock ride height. Would upgraded swaybars be worthwhile? What about upgraded shocks/struts? Are there any stock springs from other models (EB PP or GT PP) that would be better/stiffer that my non PP EB springs?

I am a relatively serious SCCA F Street autocrosser so stock height is mandatory (and fine with me for the same reasons you mentioned). Many of the 45 years since my first autocross I was a very serious autocrosser.

What you change really depends on what you "want" from the car. If you primarily want it to "feel better" for street driving but you won't be driving it in autocrosses or on track the two most useful things to do are "shocks" (front struts and rear shocks) and changing to high performance summer tires if you have all seasons. Unless you are a serious autocrosser my advice is wait for Konis or Bilsteins to be available. They will provide the best improvement for the money. According to my source at Koni prototypes will ship from Holland next week. However, realistically I would be surprised if production versions are available before early next year. For more F Street specific info see my post #27 in the FStreet autocross thread. http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showpost.php?p=634564&postcount=27

The only reason to change sway bars is if you have a specific handling goal for autocross or track. For street driving you can get most of the "handling responsiveness" of stiffer bars with good shocks such as Konis or Bilsteins combined with higher performance summer tires. For tires you might consider buying a set of GT PP tire/wheel sets that a lot of guys seem to be selling. The tires aren't "junk" by any means and the GT PP wheels should fit your car just fine even though the rears will be slightly taller than yours.

Edit to add: If you do buy a second set of wheels/tires I recommend keeping the oem set if you can. Handy to have if "winter" is an issue in DFW and you don't want to use summer tires then.

Dick
2015 GT PP

 

[PamAndJim]

Thanks for the input. Basically my goal is have a nice handling, fun to drive street car (and daily driver). I do have a couple nice curvy roads around here that I like to hit up every now and then. My car does have all season tires, but I don't see me changing them before they wear out. Also, a second set of wheels (aftermarket or stock) are not in the budget at the moment. I am in no hurry so I can wait til Koni, or someone else comes out with some good dampers. I may just save up for some coil overs so I can get dampers and springs but still keep the ride height stock.

 

[DickR]

Thanks for the input. Basically my goal is have a nice handling, fun to drive street car (and daily driver). I do have a couple nice curvy roads around here that I like to hit up every now and then. My car does have all season tires, but I don't see me changing them before they wear out. Also, a second set of wheels (aftermarket or stock) are not in the budget at the moment. I am in no hurry so I can wait til Koni, or someone else comes out with some good dampers. I may just save up for some coil overs so I can get dampers and springs but still keep the ride height stock.

Understood.

Regarding coilovers for the rear see posts by me and others which explain why coilovers are not a good idea for the rear and probably no credible ones will be available. Adjustable spring perches for the rear are available but finding springs that are stiffer and tall enough to get back up to stock ride height might be a challenge for both the front and the rear. Front adjustable perch struts (stock struts are "coilovers" already but not adjustable) may take standard off the shelf 2.25 inch springs so that would be easy. I don't know if the rears are a standard diameter.

Therefore if you decide you want more "stiffness" than good shocks and ultimately better tires and maybe wider wheels provide I would recommend bigger sway bars at that point. Lower total cost if you stay at stock height and probably a lot less hassle. Plus better "ride" but still significant increase in "responsiveness" if shocks aren't enough.

FYI my FStreet GT PP has Koni race inserts in the front set relatively soft, Koni shocks in the rear from another application, a bigger rear bar for better autocross balance, and high performance tires. It is RESPONSIVE! See the F Street thread in the autocross forum for details.

 

[BMR Tech]

^ Great info above.

OP, just an FYI - one of our PP cars, we tested on a few tracks with the OEM springs and did well. We noticed a decent improvement with our sway bars.

The last outing at Sebring, we were in the 2.35 range with one car, and 2.28 range with another car. The 2.35 car had most of the parts we make, with stock springs, and Viking rear shocks (bars set to middle position)....and the 2.28 car had our bars at full stiff, and Eibach springs.

IRS cars respond really well to bigger bars.

I would do, in order, dampers / tires / bars.

 

[leszek]

Ford Racing front/rear shocks from the track handling pack are available separately.
http://fordperformanceracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=24734

They can be purchased on-line for about $585.

 

[PhillMcKraken]

My question is if lowering will give me any problems with parking spaces with the concrete blocks or curbs. My wife has been known to pull in all the way until the tire hits something, and I would prefer the tire to the fender...

 

[MtnBiker]

My question is if lowering will give me any problems with parking spaces with the concrete blocks or curbs. My wife has been known to pull in all the way until the tire hits something, and I would prefer the tire to the fender...

Parking with the braille method will wreak havoc with the stock height.

 

[PhillMcKraken]

Parking with the braille method will wreak havoc with the stock height.

Then the wife aint driving it! Springs it is.

 

[EcoBoostang]

Then the wife aint driving it! Springs it is.

Now you're talking :cheers:

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