Suspension recommendations before purchase

[speedaholic]

Hi everybody, I currently have a base GT and am finally ready to upgrade the suspension. My goals are better handling while driving aggressively in the twisties of rough Quebec roads, not planning on tracking any time soon. I drive the car like I stole it 90% of the time and don't mind a stiffer ride, but I really want it planted and well balanced.

I'll be running a slightly aggressive light wheel square setup (19x10.75 +35, 23lbs) with 285/35 Firestone Indy 500s.

I currently only have a strut bar and cowl brace as handling mods.


My original plan for this year was:

- Eibach Sportlines (love the drop and stiffness)
- Steeda fixed Pro-Actions
- BMR CB005 cradle lockout

Currently, Steeda has the Ultralite Linears on sale at a really good price, but I haven't seen/read many reviews on them. One thing I'm ocd about is the front being lower than the rear, or at least level. I've seen pics where some springs leave a larger gap up front which I can't stand. I'm also aware of the progressive vs linear nature of these two setups but since I don't track the car, I don't think I'll see a huge difference in the car's behavior (correct me if I'm wrong).

Can those who have experience with these chime in? Should I take the plunge for the Ultralites or stick to my initial plan?


Thanks in advance for your feedback!

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[wildcatgoal]

I had the Steeda Ultralite Linears for a long time and they are a great spring on track and good overall on the street (with Steeda dampers). I preferred Swift Spec R on the street to them, but not so much on the track. Currently I run Steeda Dual Rate Comp springs (way too much for you). I'd honestly recommend, for your application, Steeda Progressive (don't need to buy Steeda dampers for these but great add-on) or Swift Spec R (more extreme; best with Steeda dampers... fixed is fine).

But if you like the Eibach Sportline drop, they are a really nice spring - lots of people happy with them and I've had some good competition with people who have those on a road course. Good move to get Steeda dampers with those springs - I hate those springs on stock dampers, personally. When you hit harsh roads with stock PP dampers with those springs, it's far more harsh than with Steeda dampers.

I prefer the Steeda IRS solution (IRS alignment pins + IRS bushing supports + optional IRS subframe brace) over the BMR CB005 kit, but you're on the right path for add-ons to the IRS to make it less of a mushy mess by having the CB005 kit on your list - it's a good package.

For a street driven car, don't get differential bushing inserts, IMO. They just add noise and you won't really benefit from them.

 

[BMR Tech]

Based on your post, I would do:

-Ultralites OR Eibach Pro Kit
-Pro Action Fixed
-CB005

I think you will be extremely happy with that simple yet very effective suspension package. ;)

 

[speedaholic]

Thanks for the input guys. Yeah, my understanding after tons of reading is that for an aggressive driver seeking better handling, as soon as you go with stiffer springs the base GT dampers need to go.

The reasons I chose Sportlines are for their combo of drop height and stiffness but mainly because of local availability. Exchange rate, shipping, duties and taxes really kills us guys north of the border. I can get stuff shipped at a US warehouse close to the border to save on shipping (2.5h round trip) but then I still have to add the rest... Just to give you an idea for Sportlines online at 265$usd, it adds up to 500$cad shipped to my door! I can get them for 450$ tax in at a friend's shop so I'd rather support a local business if the price is right.

Also note that I don't mind stiffness and a bit of NVH, coming from a 4 cyl. turbo with 88 duro poly motor and transmission mounts, upgraded swaybars and lowered almost 2" on Roadmagnet springs 2x stiffer than OEM. Besides the extra space in the hatch, handling is the only thing I miss from that car as I could throw it around like a go-kart while staying planted on the roughest of roads. The S550 will do the same job in stock form but holy moly the body roll and overall mushiness.

Based on your post, I would do:

-Ultralites OR Eibach Pro Kit

Is this because of the 1.5" drop of the Sportlines screwing up suspension geometry or for ride height on rough roads? if the latter, I never bottomed out with a 1.75" stiff drop on a Mazdaspeed 3 on the sketchiest sections of the rides I organize while others would scrape like crazy or hit hard lowered 2" or more on coilovers (BCs and crap like that). I really don't mind the stiffness as long as it stays planted.


[MENTION=21494]wildcatgoal[/MENTION]; I agree that the dual rates and differential bushings would be too much for a daily. I get the feeling most S550 owners don't want to trade too much comfort and most spring offerings cater to that aspect. Funny thing I noticed about the Swifts is the front rate is pretty stiff (for a street spring) but the rear not so much compared to stock.

What exactly do you prefer in the Steeda combo for the IRS instead of the CB005? I know the bushings lock all 4 mounting points and the braces add even more rigidity but from what I read, the CB005 does a pretty good job at locking and aligns the cradle at the same time. Keeping in mind that everything costs me 40 to 50% more than you guys so when I add everything up, I just can't seem to justify the Steeda kit vs BMR's for what I plan to do with the car. :shrug:

If only money was no object...

 

[wildcatgoal]

I know a number of people with Sportlines. The drop looks great - too much for me in my world but looks great. Just be careful when you encounter speed bumps and the like and you'll be fine. Don't buy a mid-mount muffler design catback like a Solo Performance - even I could scrap the muffler a bit on higher-up Ultralites.

That low, I tend to think a bumpsteer kit (Steeda sells one) is a worthy investment, but only if, after your QUALITY/GOOD/CORRECTLY DONE alignment, your car/steering wheel is getting obviously agitated on bumpy/lumpy roads. From what I've been told by Sportline-owners... not an issue for them.

BTW, get Steeda camber plates if you can with Sportlines so you can get a proper camber alignment up front. You're going to have the strut assembly out anyway... so... might as well. I can't remember if you already planned on camber plates or not. Or they may slot your struts, which isn't necessarily a terrible thing so long as you don't get wide wheels/tires up front with a close offset.

 

[speedaholic]

... Don't buy a mid-mount muffler design catback like a Solo Performance - even I could scrap the muffler a bit on higher-up Ultralites.

That low, I tend to think a bumpsteer kit (Steeda sells one) is a worthy investment, but only if, after your QUALITY/GOOD/CORRECTLY DONE alignment...

...I can't remember if you already planned on camber plates or not. Or they may slot your struts, which isn't necessarily a terrible thing so long as you don't get wide wheels/tires up front with a close offset.

Thanks for the added input, I currently have a Corsa Sport AB and will possibly add an H-pipe this summer so I'm positive that clearance won't be an issue.

I'm going to a reputable shop for the alignment and the tech will set it at my requested specs. I'll make sure that there's a bit of toe-in in front to help with tracking/bump-steer (but not too much for responsiveness). If I get some after that I'll get the kit for sure.

I'm installing everything myself with a experienced friend and camber bolts are already in my Steeda cart so I'll be good for camber adjustment too.

I think I'm pretty much set now, I just need that tax refund deposit to pull the trigger, hehe.

 

[wildcatgoal]

Alright! Enjoy the new ride.

Sorry to say but the stock ride on these "sports cars" sucked...

 

[s550v6]

Hi everybody, I currently have a base GT and am finally ready to upgrade the suspension. My goals are better handling while driving aggressively in the twisties of rough Quebec roads, not planning on tracking any time soon. I drive the car like I stole it 90% of the time and don't mind a stiffer ride, but I really want it planted and well balanced.

I'll be running a slightly aggressive light wheel square setup (19x10.75 +35, 23lbs) with 285/35 Firestone Indy 500s.

I currently only have a strut bar and cowl brace as handling mods.


My original plan for this year was:

- Eibach Sportlines (love the drop and stiffness)
- Steeda fixed Pro-Actions
- BMR CB005 cradle lockout

Currently, Steeda has the Ultralite Linears on sale at a really good price, but I haven't seen/read many reviews on them. One thing I'm ocd about is the front being lower than the rear, or at least level. I've seen pics where some springs leave a larger gap up front which I can't stand. I'm also aware of the progressive vs linear nature of these two setups but since I don't track the car, I don't think I'll see a huge difference in the car's behavior (correct me if I'm wrong).

Can those who have experience with these chime in? Should I take the plunge for the Ultralites or stick to my initial plan?


Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Just to throw this in here...I did BMR SP080 springs with Steeda non-adj pro action shocks and struts and shorter bumpstops and my ride got better than stock, albeit stiffer. Body roll was greatly reduced as well. I have yet to do LCA bearings and toe to knuckle bearings but the car feels so much better when thrown into turns. I also have BMRs CB005 and CB007 as well.

 

[Bankss550]

Alright! Enjoy the new ride.

Sorry to say but the stock ride on these "sports cars" sucked...

Yeah I agree the stock suspension on my non pp GT sucked so bad.

OP I went with Steeda Progressives, Ford Racing struts/shocks, BMR cradle lockout, BMR spherical vertical links and BMR toe rods and I really like it. Car handles sooo much better. I'm curious to see what the ultralites feel like since apparently linear springs are better suited for our cars.

 

[wildcatgoal]

Linear is not "better suited" - it may be a preference.

 

[Bankss550]

Linear is not "better suited" - it may be a preference.

From what I've read, people feel like linear springs are better for our cars. I guess you could say it is preference though .

 

[wildcatgoal]

I tend to prefer linear (or my current dual rates which basically ride linear) more because they seem easier to dial in damper adjustments with, especially without using ultra expensive dampers. But having been in numerous cars with Steeda Progressive springs - if I wasn't tracking my car as much as I do, they would be 1st choice easy because they were developed for the S550 chassis and the ride is great. I suppose it's worth trying a linear to experiment though; the BMR SP080 being a good kit if you like rake. I like those springs with meaty spoked staggered 20" wheels, but I like Steeda Progressive with square wheels best, although they look great with staggered wheels but... everyone likes a different look.

 

[speedaholic]

Just to throw this in here...I did BMR SP080 springs with Steeda non-adj pro action shocks and struts and shorter bumpstops and my ride got better than stock, albeit stiffer. Body roll was greatly reduced as well. I have yet to do LCA bearings and toe to knuckle bearings but the car feels so much better when thrown into turns. I also have BMRs CB005 and CB007 as well.

Indeed the SP080 are a nice stiff set! I want stiffer without going track car stiff but a little lower thus my choice for the Sportlines.

Yeah I agree the stock suspension on my non pp GT sucked so bad.

OP I went with Steeda Progressives, Ford Racing struts/shocks, BMR cradle lockout, BMR spherical vertical links and BMR toe rods and I really like it. Car handles sooo much better. I'm curious to see what the ultralites feel like since apparently linear springs are better suited for our cars.

Porgressive vs linear will behave differently for sure, but unless you track and push the car to the limits, I don't see how anyone can see a dramatic difference. Really stiff linears will be rougher on crappy roads for sure though, and if you check the rates of your progressives (145-225/525-820) vs UL linears (200/800), you can suppose that the linears will feel stiffer on daily traffic commutes but will probably behave very similar to the progs on spirited rides.

I tend to prefer linear (or my current dual rates which basically ride linear) more because they seem easier to dial in damper adjustments with, especially without using ultra expensive dampers. But having been in numerous cars with Steeda Progressive springs - if I wasn't tracking my car as much as I do, they would be 1st choice easy because they were developed for the S550 chassis and the ride is great. I suppose it's worth trying a linear to experiment though; the BMR SP080 being a good kit if you like rake. I like those springs with meaty spoked staggered 20" wheels, but I like Steeda Progressive with square wheels best, although they look great with staggered wheels but... everyone likes a different look.

Yeah I'd say you're in the minority of guys that can really benefit from a more elaborate setup. I'd tend to categorize enthusiasts as follows:

• The average Joe: just looking for a sleeker look to cater his taste (the majority)
  
• The power user: wants the look but also needs better handling than stock to beat on his car safely (that's me)
  
• The weekend warrior: a power user that tracks/autocrosses his daily occasionally (more common than we think)
  
• The ultimate warrior: a power user that tracks/autocrosses regularly that setups his car more for the track than the street (That's where you fit in I suppose)
  
• The amateur racer: Has a track dedicated car but doesn't race professionally (the 1%)
  
• The pro racer: Has the full on non-street legal race car stripped and prepped and is a hired/sponsored driver (the 0.001%)

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