Suspension Upgrade

98GTBlkConv · 02-13-2003, 09:05 AM

I have a stock 1998 Mustang GT convertible, and I am looking for suggestions on suspension upgrades. I don't feel that the stock suspension is "tight" enough, and I would like to make it perform better without making the ride rigid. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

BLACK85GT · 02-15-2003, 03:07 PM

I would start off with better struts and shocks, koni is nice. Then you can do subframe connectors. Better Upper and lower rear control arms help alot also. Also a strut tower brace would stiffen it up. Convertibles allready have the engine bay brace underneath, so you dont need that. You could even change the springs to stiffer rate. I am in the process off doing all this to my car.

98GTBlkConv · 02-16-2003, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BLACK85GT
I would start off with better struts and shocks, koni is nice. Then you can do subframe connectors. Better Upper and lower rear control arms help alot also. Also a strut tower brace would stiffen it up. Convertibles allready have the engine bay brace underneath, so you dont need that. You could even change the springs to stiffer rate. I am in the process off doing all this to my car.

Thanks for the reply! It seems I have been getting a lot of people reading my post, but nobody seems to want to respond. Anyway, is there an all-in-one kit I should buy, or should I replace the components piece-by-piece? I have seen kits advertised for around $1500, but don't really want to spend that much money right now. Any thoughts?

BLACK85GT · 02-16-2003, 07:55 PM

You dont have to buy a kit. I priced them and it seemed it was not much cheaper. I would just start off with struts and shocks all the way around. You will notice a difference right away. KYB are decent for the price. Look at texasmustang.com
Koni are real nice but are more expensive. They are adjustable though. My car had them but I replaced with KYB just for the cost. The koni's where 15 years old and one finally started leaking.

Then you can get the strut tower braces, etc as you go along. Easier on the wallet that way.

SteveK · 02-17-2003, 03:28 PM

I agree with the original post. Stock suspension is garbage, it allows too much pitch, back end wags at every transitional move, too much nose dive, aggressive entry into a bumpy corner while brake pedal on the floor leaves you floating....etc.

The $1500 kit you are referring to sounds like G-Trac kit. That type of set up is the best you can do. I would never steer (no pun intended) a person away from that.

If you are a budget racer, get KYB adjustables (~$450), Lowering springs (FRPP, or Eibach)($250), Camber/Caster plates ($125). And sticky tires ($450).

With this, I reduced my time from 1:38:xx to 1:34:xx at Blackhawk Farms Raceway (2 mile track).

tireburner163 · 02-18-2003, 01:01 PM

IMO sub-frames would be a great first mod. They will really stiffen the chassis up, especilyy a vert.

02-13-2003, 09:05 AM	#1
98GTBlkConv Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Virginia Posts: 6	Suspension Upgrade I have a stock 1998 Mustang GT convertible, and I am looking for suggestions on suspension upgrades. I don't feel that the stock suspension is "tight" enough, and I would like to make it perform better without making the ride rigid. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

02-15-2003, 03:07 PM	#2
BLACK85GT Registered Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Tampa,FLORIDA Posts: 340	I would start off with better struts and shocks, koni is nice. Then you can do subframe connectors. Better Upper and lower rear control arms help alot also. Also a strut tower brace would stiffen it up. Convertibles allready have the engine bay brace underneath, so you dont need that. You could even change the springs to stiffer rate. I am in the process off doing all this to my car. __________________ 5.0, Holley heads, 1.7 Scorp Rockers, Stealth intake, Holley 600 carb, Holley Mech. Fuel pump, MSD 6Digital, MSD distributor, Hotchkis upper/lower rear control arms, FMS B Springs, 3:73 (8.8) rear. Production # 9,377

02-16-2003, 07:55 PM	#4
BLACK85GT Registered Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Tampa,FLORIDA Posts: 340	You dont have to buy a kit. I priced them and it seemed it was not much cheaper. I would just start off with struts and shocks all the way around. You will notice a difference right away. KYB are decent for the price. Look at texasmustang.com Koni are real nice but are more expensive. They are adjustable though. My car had them but I replaced with KYB just for the cost. The koni's where 15 years old and one finally started leaking. Then you can get the strut tower braces, etc as you go along. Easier on the wallet that way. __________________ 5.0, Holley heads, 1.7 Scorp Rockers, Stealth intake, Holley 600 carb, Holley Mech. Fuel pump, MSD 6Digital, MSD distributor, Hotchkis upper/lower rear control arms, FMS B Springs, 3:73 (8.8) rear. Production # 9,377

02-17-2003, 03:28 PM	#5
SteveK Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Round Lake, IL, USA Posts: 51	I agree with the original post. Stock suspension is garbage, it allows too much pitch, back end wags at every transitional move, too much nose dive, aggressive entry into a bumpy corner while brake pedal on the floor leaves you floating....etc. The $1500 kit you are referring to sounds like G-Trac kit. That type of set up is the best you can do. I would never steer (no pun intended) a person away from that. If you are a budget racer, get KYB adjustables (~$450), Lowering springs (FRPP, or Eibach)($250), Camber/Caster plates ($125). And sticky tires ($450). With this, I reduced my time from 1:38:xx to 1:34:xx at Blackhawk Farms Raceway (2 mile track). __________________ Steve K. 98 GT w/ 3.73 Your car is fast, are you?

02-18-2003, 01:01 PM	#6
tireburner163 It's a lot like a race car Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Meridian, MS Posts: 4,130	IMO sub-frames would be a great first mod. They will really stiffen the chassis up, especilyy a vert. __________________ 1987 Buick T-type 1998 HD Electra Elide

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Suspension upgrade.	Dark_5.0	Modular Madness	4	08-30-2002 12:59 PM
Help! 'Stang needs suspension upgrade! Please recommend shock/spring combo!	daveGT	Windsor Power	10	07-18-2002 03:11 PM
Suspension upgrade necessary?	mysweetlx	Windsor Power	3	04-09-2002 01:12 PM
Suspension Upgrade	66 Racer	Classic Mustangs	10	08-07-2001 12:16 AM
Front suspension upgrade	Dave Z	Windsor Power	0	07-26-2001 07:24 AM