What do you think of this...?

Phlea96gt · 08-18-2001, 09:19 AM

I have been looking to perform a suspension upgrade on my 1996 GT for a month or two. Here is what I think I will go with:
Eibach Springs, and Monroe Shocks and struts.

Reasoning:

This is what Roush used in the Mustangs built for Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving.

I figure this setup will be a good sturdy setup, with not to harsh a ride..and if nothing else it is a good stage one upgrade.

By the way my goal is to have a decent neutral handling car, that I might eventually do some autocross in.

Thoughts or opinions...?

--------------------

drudis · 08-20-2001, 08:41 AM

Thats what I started with on my Mustang.

The 1996 Mustang has rates of 400-500#. Get springs that are 10% stiffer (like 440-550#), and you will be pleasantly surprised with the nice ride and improved handling.

------------------
Darius Rudis
Roadracer: Home built t-arm/panhard suspension powered by an S-trimmed motor :-)
My Mustang Page

Skankin · 08-21-2001, 10:57 AM

The problem with the strut suspension is that lowering changes the angle of the control arms. You lower the centre of gravity (good), but you lower the roll centre a lot more (bad). This produces more body roll, and the geometry gets even worse. Consequently, it's best to increase the spring rate.

I went with the FMS B springs (425-525 & 200-300), and the fronts are just too soft (even just as a daily driver). Too much roll & brake dive... I'd recommend at least 600#. I cheaped out with the KYB shocks & struts too... so that's all comming off.

The ride/comfort is more dependent the dampers, so I wouldn't go too cheap. The monroe sensi-track (or whatever) are supposedly quite plush, and should work with modest spring rates.

If you go heavier up front, you'll need a better strut though. The cobra R bilsteins are a deal at $275 a pair from www.oemfordparts.com or www.buyfordmotorsport.com

The H&R springs are supposed to be quite good. Check out the rates at www.maximummotorsports.com

Here's another good link: http://home.satx.rr.com/davidmroe/sp...ufacturers.htm

You might consider just doing the front now, with 95R springs (700-850#) $145, and 2000 R Bilsteins $275. Then doing the rear later, ditching fords quadra-bind setup, and going for a torque-arm & panhard bar combo.

08-18-2001, 09:19 AM	#1
Phlea96gt Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Herndon, VA, USA Posts: 16	What do you think of this...? I have been looking to perform a suspension upgrade on my 1996 GT for a month or two. Here is what I think I will go with: Eibach Springs, and Monroe Shocks and struts. Reasoning: This is what Roush used in the Mustangs built for Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving. I figure this setup will be a good sturdy setup, with not to harsh a ride..and if nothing else it is a good stage one upgrade. By the way my goal is to have a decent neutral handling car, that I might eventually do some autocross in. Thoughts or opinions...? --------------------

08-20-2001, 08:41 AM	#2
drudis Moderator Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Livonia, MI, USA Posts: 1,194	Thats what I started with on my Mustang. The 1996 Mustang has rates of 400-500#. Get springs that are 10% stiffer (like 440-550#), and you will be pleasantly surprised with the nice ride and improved handling. ------------------ Darius Rudis Roadracer: Home built t-arm/panhard suspension powered by an S-trimmed motor :-) My Mustang Page

08-21-2001, 10:57 AM	#3
Skankin Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,349	The problem with the strut suspension is that lowering changes the angle of the control arms. You lower the centre of gravity (good), but you lower the roll centre a lot more (bad). This produces more body roll, and the geometry gets even worse. Consequently, it's best to increase the spring rate. I went with the FMS B springs (425-525 & 200-300), and the fronts are just too soft (even just as a daily driver). Too much roll & brake dive... I'd recommend at least 600#. I cheaped out with the KYB shocks & struts too... so that's all comming off. The ride/comfort is more dependent the dampers, so I wouldn't go too cheap. The monroe sensi-track (or whatever) are supposedly quite plush, and should work with modest spring rates. If you go heavier up front, you'll need a better strut though. The cobra R bilsteins are a deal at $275 a pair from www.oemfordparts.com or www.buyfordmotorsport.com The H&R springs are supposed to be quite good. Check out the rates at www.maximummotorsports.com Here's another good link: http://home.satx.rr.com/davidmroe/sp...ufacturers.htm You might consider just doing the front now, with 95R springs (700-850#) $145, and 2000 R Bilsteins $275. Then doing the rear later, ditching fords quadra-bind setup, and going for a torque-arm & panhard bar combo.