Suspension upgrades
 

Hey guys.

I would post this in the handling specific forum, but I figured it'd get a few more views here.

I'm planning on getting the FRPP suspension kit for the 4.0 when it comes out, but from what I can tell, it only has dampers, sway bars, lowering springs, and strut tower braces. I saw the post about the group buy from HCM and was considering going with LCA and UCA...I plan on the car being my daily driver and it'll go to the track some times during the spring/summer, so I don't want to go with the race ones, right? Would I want to go with the adjustable ones, or...?

Also, is there anything else that I'm missing for a good handling 6er?

Thanks!

RE: Suspension upgrades
 

I wish I knew more about cars than I do.

That way I could understand most of these threads. :)

Sorry I can't be on any help but, as far as suspension goes, does it just improve handling?

RE: Suspension upgrades
 

You probably know as much as I do...That's why almost all my posts here are question after question:(:D From what I've been told, upgrading your suspension can be for looks (lowering), handling, or for performance (Drag racing, etc)...I'll just keep asking and reading until people get mad and they throw me outta here:D:D

RE: Suspension upgrades
 

Hah. I hear that.

Would lowering your car make the ride stiffer?

RE: Suspension upgrades
 

Here is a thread that was quite informative............scroll down to where Crazy al posts some interesting explanations........
http://www.mustangforums.com/m_1696246/tm.htm

RE: Suspension upgrades
 

I think my head exploded....

RE: Suspension upgrades
 

Haha! Thanks! I think mine exploded too...I'll get it digest and change my info request for HCM[:@]

RE: Suspension upgrades
 

The question is, what's good handling to you? from what I've read, the V6 doesn't have a rear sway to begin with, so it understeers a lot. Getting a V8 set of swaybars (you'll need the mounting hardware in back) would really improve the handling with minimal affect on ride & ride height. After that, Tokico D-specs or Koni's would be great, as they would let you find the right combination of good handling versus too stiff that *you* like. After that, if you want to lower the car the Tokicos or Konis can handle lowering springs just fine. LCA's & UCA's and other stuff can wait till after the car is lowered; going in steps can be a good thing. :)

Which track are you going to in the summer? drag strip or road course? For the drag strip, the shocks can be adjusted to help the launch/reduce hop. For the road course, strong durablebrakes are the first thing to deal with.

Tom

RE: Suspension upgrades
 

Best advice I can give right off is to keep tabs on the 4.6L Handling forum. That's where most of the hardcore suspension discussions seem to be. There's a lot of tech when it comes to the chassis and its suspensions, and it isn't as widely understood as much of the basic engine tech might be. But the sixxer-powered S197isn't a different enough animal from the V8's to where the information over there won't help you understand what's going on. The actual suspension tuning might differ slightly (spring rates, need for upgraded LCAs, that sort of thing), but that's part of what this forum is for in the first place.

BTW, we have a new chassis/suspension expert and Site Sponsor on board in Sam Strano, and you'll mostly find him over in the 4.6 sections. I've known Sam for a few years through autocrossing (he's a multi-time National Champion, I just play at it a little), and I think you'll find him to be helpful.


Norm