watts link on a GT500

majustin1 · 06-29-2008, 09:54 AM

Does anyone have any experience with this suspension system on a GT500? I am thinking of going with the system from Saleen, but i know the front end weighs more and I am not sure how much extra compensation is needed as far as parts and tuning.
If the watts link isnt a good idea, what is everyone running as far as suspension mods. The shelby has the power (and potential) but I would like a lowered great handling car, like the Dan Gurney edition saleen. That thing hooks like crazy, no wheel hop, and handles like it is on rails. That is what i am looking for.

2cokeman · 06-29-2008, 05:53 PM

You can easily get rid of the wheel hop and keep the stock suspension, there is not a whole lot wrong with the factory set up IMO.......

airforceus · 06-29-2008, 06:27 PM

I am going with the FRPP handling pack next spring with some improved LCAs, maybe UCA, and panhard. I'm hoping to add on the Alcoa's at the same time....hence it not happening til next spring

To super snake or not to super snake is the question....

2cokeman · 06-29-2008, 06:48 PM

IMO I prefer the look of the GT500 factory specs. to the Super Snake.....

majustin1 · 06-30-2008, 08:19 AM

I really want a fantastic handling car though. I have driven 4 different gt500s, 1 shelby gt, my 07 with just lca's for suspension, and two 08 Dan Gurney edition saleens with the watts link set-up. I want the handling of the watts link; its just what i am looking for. It was nice and responsive without being to harsh. Ithad the stock control arms, not that i would mind changing the stock ones out. i took a nasty 25mph 90 degreecurve in at 50 and coming out i was doing 70. The car oversteered a little bit at the end, butit had great sticking power.

The handling improvement along with a slightly lowered stance is what i am lookign for.
It would be great to get a real comparision of how the watts link compares to the frpp set-up (or others - not griggs though to much $$$

)

SBKRider · 06-30-2008, 09:22 AM

Lowering the car, Steeda Sport Springs, changed the camber angles on the front wheels.I am sure the springscaused mine to stop the wicked push it had when trail braking or just entering turns with any speed.

I have LCA's, relocation breakets, Adj. UCA, Adj. Panhard from Steeda on the rear. It doesn't hop at all and performs well everywhere. I have driven Saleen Extremes with Watts and was really impressed. I have to admit though, once I got my suspension mods on, the handling characteristics felt much the same as the Saleen. It felt a little lighter but mine is just as planted and I couldn't be happier. It is on rails. No body roll, no nose dive or ass droppin, it just turns hard and exits harder.

I'd have to drive them back to back on a road course to really make a decision but on public roads, somewhere near the limit, my mods are more than enough.

majustin1 · 06-30-2008, 02:26 PM

Thats some good info and how i figured it would be.
one more qustion - What kind of rubber r u guys running? The saleens have Pirelli p-zero corsa285/35/zr19 and they hooked great, so greatthey picked up every rock on the road[:@].

Thanks for the info

SBKRider · 06-30-2008, 02:43 PM

Stock rubber for me. They hook poorly although, I do not have too much of a problem with their lateral stability. The F1's have pretty good contact patches on the outer perimeter for that purpose.

That Pirelli tire I have experienced on both Extreme's and on Mercedes CLS63 AMG. The Benz is a heavy car but the Pirelli's still grip well. They are soft and flatspot if the cars sits 12 hours or less in some cases. Also, they do pick up everything on earth. Fantastic street tire.

From what I have read, more agressive rubber like the Nitto road race street radial offers lateral stability in addition to the fantastic straight line grip. Although, most people I have seen use drag radials instead.

majustin1 · 07-02-2008, 12:31 PM

Do you guys have any luck running drag radials on the street. I have thought about usinga nitto or MT ET street.I dont drive it a whole lot, definitely not in the rain; but i didnt know how they would handle while cornering in spirited driving.