I am looking to improve the handling of my GT. If possible, I would like it to feel lighter and more precise. Anything that would improve the steering feel would be great as well.

Can anyone who has done handling mods post what they did and how it changed the personality of the car?

Thanks

 

Check out BMR's products. They make tons of suspension mods to reduce weight and improve handling. I am going to be ordering their strut tower brace and lower control arms in the spring.

 

Once winter is over I should be able to help with an opinion. I just bought shocks/ swap-bars, and I have already installed the springs. I also plan on adding a k-member, as well as a LCA relocation brackets before spring.

The only thing I can tell you is I love what the springs did for the car. Dropped it down where it should be from the factory (IMHO) and took some of the nose dive out of it while braking hard or getting on the gas.
I think I may also what to get the Control Arm Relocation kit from Steeda to bring the roll center back closer to stock. You really can go nuts buying stuff but the base is a great platform to start from.

 

You might also want to consider the Roush Stage 2 handling kit. I've only heard good things about it so far...

 

Does anyone have an opinion on Roush vs Saleen suspension kits? As far as I know they both run about $1500 but I haven't seen any real comparisons.

 

I know the Roush Full Suspension pulled 1.02g's on the skidpad in MM&FF.

 

1.02? That's pretty crazy. I might just have to spend the $1500

 

Don't get too enamered with skidpad numbers. Basically, it's a good indicator of the grip of the tires. One of the Feb Mustang Mags did a suspension article. IIRC, Intrax springs and grippier tires almost 4 seconds off the stock lap time. They stated with sways it would be even more impressive.

 

You can find the Roush package for $1300 on ebay and the Saleen kit for 799.00 at haney motor sports. FYI

 

Not exactly two words that usually get associated with the Mustang. A K-member might be your best shot to get some weight off the front (20-40 #s, though, so it is not that much) and increase spring rates to help with quickening up the response. You may want to move the battery to the truck as well, but that probably won't help that much either.

The real problem is the 3500# curb weight and 53/47 weight distribution as it is quite difficult to overcome that. Performance at the track might be one thing (tires and suspension settings can do quite well fortrack times), but not really the feeling you are after. Should have gotten an RX-8 for that.

Don't forget, though, the best thing you can do for the car's handling is better tires. After all, they do all the work. Everything else just makes sure they stay in contact with the ground.

 

I understand that skidpad numbers are pretty deceiving, but how can the stock GT get 0.85, the Saleen et 0.86, and the Roush jump to 1.02? That's a huge jump over what seems to be the same parts as the Saleen kit?

 

Most likely the tires, but it could also be track conditions or just better suspension settings. Saleen's big, cast 20" rims don't help either.

Probably the tires though. Tough to compare unless each are on the same track, tires and driver. And, let's not forget, that was a claimed number by Roush -- not testing by MM&FF IIRC.

 

Does anyone know if the Roush suspension components will work with Steeda springs? I already have the springs so I thought about buying everything else in the handling package except their springs. Not sure if that will work or not though.

 

BTW, one more thing to look for when they come out are replacement bushings. I know they aren't as sexy as coil-overs, but they will help tighten things up, and quicken reflexes. That, along with chassis stiffening should help the "precision" feel. Just don't expect too much (especially with the live axle).

 

Eibach Sway bars, Eibach springs, and some BMR parts should take care of everything.

 

The dealer is installing this on my car when it arrives:

http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_...rtKeyField=8976

 

I was looking at the Ford Performance suspension parts as well. Does anyone have any experience with these?

Also, any ideas on mixing and matching parts? I currently have the Steeda springs, and I was looking at the BMR Strut Tower Brace and then some front and rear sway bars from someone else. Any opinions on whether or not a mis-mash of parts like that will work well together. I would also be looking at getting new dampers in the future as well.

 

I've read several other posts that state the FRPP parts are made by Eibach.

 

I heard Steeda made the springs

 

:worship: :worship: thats what i got, and trust me, you can keep up with a ducati 996 through canyon roads with ease if you throw on some good tires too