ANyone out there install a Ford Racing "Handling Pack" yet? It's the one that includes lowering springs, dampers, swaybars/bushings, etc. If so, what are your impressions, detailed reviews, pros/cons? Would appreciate it as I am looking to upgrade the stock suspension on my 2006 GT.

 

I be interested in hearing about this also.

 

Yes, me too. It sure looks like a nice complete package. Takes some of the guessing game out of the equation for an idiot like me.

 

I want to see an all out suspension war between saleen, roush, steeda, and frpp packages in the mags. From what I have read in the mags the roush package seems to offer great handling without sacraficing ride qualitiy. Could anyone with first hand knowledge weigh in.

 

The package is on my mods to buy list, but I want to know if it's worth it compared to roush etc. Im also curious about the drop of the springs...if it's an even drop, there will still be a rake to the car which I want to eliminate. Then steeda's and eibach's drop more in the back, these are descriped as an even drop. Anyone know for sure?

 

Unfortunately, Ford designed the new generation Mustang to have a slightly higher rear end than the front. That is to allow more suspension travel for the solid rear axle, which needs to move up and down alot to allow an acceptable ride. If I'm not mistaken, all the suspension kits lower front and rear equally (within 1/8 inch), so you'll still have a slight rake forward. My '88 LX 5.0 sat back on its haunches, and it gave the car a most awesome look. It also rode like a truck, so as they say, there's always a compromise inherent in the solid axle design. If Ford had chosen an independent 4 or 5 link set-up, we wouldn't be having this discussion. They could have lowered the car and still allowed an acceptably smooth ride with tight handling characteristics. And, you would be pleased with the ride and handling of the car without having to go to the aftermarket for solutions. Go drive a BMW. They are both smooth riding and tight handling at the same time. They also cost $40-$50K.

 

I have the handling pack on order and plan on installing the damper kit. etc. as soon as It comes in.Hopefully I can provide some feedback soon

 

I would like to see what someone has to say about this kit as well.

I like the rake look personaly...

 

And some of us drag racers are glad there is not an IRS in this car.

 

lol

 

bump

 

I cannot fathom why one would spend the money for a suspension package unless they plan to road race the car. Maybe someone can clarify and justify this for me.

 

This relatively inexpensive suspension upgrade will improve road handling characteristics as well.

So much time spent on the engine bay, I'd like to even it out with how the car handles a few turns.

Considering lowering the car costs 700-800$ to be done correctly ( springs + dampers, ie d-spec's ), a jump to 1000 is no big deal with all that you get from these kits.

 

id say one suspesion upgrade is sway bars and new rear panhard setup like the one BMR sells. If I had the money I would use the whole BMR lineup.

 

In addition to road racing it, there are open track days, autocross events, and the obvious--better handling through the twisties. Although straight line blasts are fun, a rip through the back road twisties gives me a chub every time.

 

Well, since you mentioned the "twisties"...I'm blessed with access to roads like the South Grade and East Grade roads up Palomar Mountain to the observatory (legendary to sport bike guys). For anything under $45k (like buying an M3), I can't think of anything you could do to improve the handling potential of this car in other than full-out roadracing (which I've done a fair amount of, in another life) apart from grippy tires (of which the Goodyears are reportedly the best wet-dry weather compromise). Given the live axle setup and need to operate in normal driving as well, they've done a superb job on the stock suspension. Any mod you make to the handling to optimize for a track, will have a cost on the road, and it won't be a good one.

I ran Palomar with a half tank of gas, TCS off, and never experienced a weakness in handling that wasn't attributable to dirt on the road or "tar snakes" in the hairpins. I was on stock tires with a half-tank of fuel and would have wished for more grip....buck-for-buck, tires would be the best, most cost-effective investment one could make in the handling department for this car.

Over many years, I've done the Chimney Rock hillclimb, Deal's Gap, and Palomar Mountain and am amazed at what Ford has done for $27k.

If you guys are ever in SoCal, you owe it to yourself to check out Mt. Palomar (yes, where the observatory is).

http://www.pashnit.com/maps/palomar-usgs.jpg

http://www.pashnit.com/maps-topo/Palomar3.JPG

http://www.pashnit.com/roads/cal/Palomar.htm

 

I've spent more than half my life now in 2 outstanding area's for the twisties, and I have to agree with Doug, we're in great shape

Quit making me miss San Diego County Doug I lived in Escondido for quite a few years

 

Well I am not going to comment to the two post above, but if you drive the car hard the suspension needs work. First, there is way too much body roll. Next, the car understeers heavily at the limit. The FRRP package is a must if you enjoy turning. The stock tires leave a lot to be desired as well. A set of Max performance tires would do wonders. Lastly, the brakes fade badly after a few laps. The stock brakes need better pads and SS lines.

You can have good handling and a good ride, you just have to do research. A nice set of adjustable shocks does wonders on the track and street.

 

But yet in saying that, you did... SNOB

That is your opinion, I too drive my car hard and enjoy cornering, yet , I don't come to that conclusion.

It's all subjective Jason, and you completely missed the point of Doug's post.

If you're comfortable with a race like ride, then so be it. Modify away. If you want the best of both worlds, use caution, because what we have certainly isn't the end of the world by any means.

 

Sixty, it's not really an opinion, it's a fact. This car has way too much understeer dialed into it at the limit. All manufacturers do this to a point in order to maintain safety. The car also has a too much body roll....the suspension has too high of COG and the springs are too soft. As for the brakes, stand on the one time at 80+ MPH, notice that it takes more effort to stop the car as the speed decreases? That's called brake fade. The stock pads fade and should be upgraded, even for guys just having a good time on the street.

Subjectively, this car handles decent, but what are you comparing it to? If you compare it to a 350Z, Vette, S2000, etc. it needs a lot of work. What's great for us is that the aftermarket has a plethora of solutions.

Why should you spend the money on the FRPP package? The answer is simple and often overlooked: To build a well rounded car. Lots of people on this forum focus on only going fast in a straight line. The FRPP package isn't a full blown race kit, rather a nice upgrade to improve handling. I can equate it to a sport package on a BMW.