I recently acquired a 50th Anniversary LE with automatic and love the car but did not expect the ride to be quite as harsh on bumpier roads. Anybody experience the same harshness? I suppose with performance package you have to sacrifice some ride quality but is there anything that can be done to make the ride a little smoother on rougher roads (side streets)?


I would appreciate any input. Want to make sure my car is operating properly.

 

Just so people will know where your frame of reference is, what car did you step up from?

 

I previously had a 2009 Shelby GT500KR. The LE rides better than the KR but not that much better except for the rear suspension which does not hop because of the independent rear suspension.

 

I honestly can't get over that you got rid of your 09 Shelby GT500KR for a LE 2015 GT despite being the 50th anniversary model, however it still is never the less a regular GT

 

I cant remember the suspension specs on the KR? Did they come with adjustable dampers? I want to say my car has nearly the same suspension through FRPP's FR3 suspension. In any event if you have adjustable dampers on the KR it could be they are on the softest setting with the PP suspension on your 50th being a bit firmer in comparison.


I run a square setup on when it comes to the adjustable dampers on my car. 7 turns toward firm IIRC so the ride is harsher than what I experienced in the GT I test drove. I also believe the S550 with performance pack has firmer bushing which compared to the firm bushings in the GT500 might offer even less compliance.


To be honest the new car flat blows the GT500 out of the water in every metric except acceleration. While I certainly will be keeping my GT500 until the pitch me into the clay if somebody places a premium on ride, handling and braking over acceleration and aren't to enamored to the Shelby's extroverted nature I can see where it wouldn't be too difficult a choice.

 

I understand all that Bob ! But I wasn't referring to the new platform vs the now previous S197 chassis.. I was strictly going by the value of the 2009 Shelby GT500 KR being worth more as a collectible over the 2015 LE 50th anniversary Mustang GT which is pretty much just a stock GT with 50th anniversary badges and performance pack..

 

Thanks for the feedback. The KR was truly a special car to me and I like the looks of the KR better than the LE. I did not move to the LE because the LE was more special or a better collectible car. I had the KR for 6 years and it had only 3500 miles. I was reluctant to drive it for fear it would get damaged, dinged, etc. as I wanted to keep it in pristine condition and some of the parts were very expensive to replace if they got damaged. Also, I had a hard time getting comfortable with the manual transmission. The clutch was heavy and this was my first manual transmission and sadly I was not very experienced and was nervous driving it. If the KR had a automatic transmission then I would have kept it but then it would not be a Shelby muscle car. So it was a personal decision that makes no logical sense except for my inability to really enjoy it as it was meant to be enjoyed.


The LE is a special car but in a different way and more suited to my driving style. I enjoy driving the LE and like all the amenities but do miss the KR but overall happier with the LE.

 

We have a collection of suspension parts that will help firm up the suspension & aid in the drive quality.

You can check out our reviews here:

http://www.steeda.com/steeda-mustang...2015-555-8208/

Let me know if I can help assist with pricing on a suspension package!

Best Regards,

TJ

 

Firm up? I thought he was asking how to make it less harsh. Wouldn't making it firmer make it more harsh? I ask because the 2015 seems very "bouncy" compared to previous Mustangs. Reminds me of riding around in a lowered mini-truck from back in the day.

 

Firm up by making it a better ride. Maybe better words should have been improve, upgrade, etc.

We have been working on several parts for the 15 Mustang that have improved the ride quality while reducing the wheel hop & harsh ride.

Best Regards,

TJ

 

Thanks TJ. I'm really hoping to find something to get rid of that bouncy feeling.

 

Dampers are your best bet when they become available. When I had to do some maintenance work on the parental unit's Mustang I selected Koni dampers ( orange ) and was really impressed with how well they controlled the ride.

 

We traded our 2013 GT500 for our 50 Year LE Kona. Glad we did. A huge improvement in everything but power.

 

I found that tires can make a big difference in the ride. I went from Nitto 555 to Michelin all season radials. It was a very noticeable difference. Granted they're not made for cornering or speed they are the best daily driver tires I could find. I also went from a 20 inch rim back down to an 18 inch rim to give me more tire meat to absorb the pot holes and bumps. No regrets so far.
I'm keeping the Nitto's on the 20's in case I get the need to go cornering again. Hope this helps.
PS, Its a stick.
Mark~

 

GrnT was right on. Changed to Conti extreme contact all season tires and the ride is much improved and road noise reduced. Stock tires may work well on the track but for street driving all season tires make for a much better ride. I am very pleased with these tires. Thanks GrnT for the advice!!