Suspension and Brake upgrades for '85 GT

[Red85GT]

I'm planning to upgrade my '85 GT. Want to run the 17 x 8 Bullitt or Cobra wheels. I've been looking at the Maximum Motorsports chassis and suspension parts. Their stuff seems to be pretty straight forward to install. Are there any other mfgs I should look at for suspension systems? For the brakes I'm not sure which way to go. The Ford M2300K set up looks like it might be the ticket or possibly the similar Baer system. This car will be street driven with an occasonal open track day. Whatever system I chose should perform, be durable, be able to be installed with a reasonable ammount of effort, and have good support for replacement parts.
Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[procharge94]

This will help you out greatly. http://corner-carvers.com/wiki/index.php?PlasticSpoon

[blue00gt]

I run all Maximum Motorsports suspension stuff on my car (torque arm, panhard, k-member, etc..) and can tell you that the difference is nothing short of amazing. Their parts are also very well designed and durable, which is important for a street driven car. My car is my daily driver and while it handles insanely, it's still not too harsh or unbearable on the street.

[Red85GT]

Hey- thanks for the info. Most of the Ford folks around here are only interested in going in a straight line. I have a couple more questions. Does the torque arm make a lot of difference? It will probably be one of the last items to add. Also- anyone have any opinions on the Baer Brake system. I'm going to have to do something and the Baer stuff looks like it might be the way to go.

[procharge94]

The torque arm, or something equivalent, is a must if you are trying to get that rear axle under control. I am going with an Evolution Motorsports Tri-link, http://www.evolutionmsport.com/evmCa...37114d2298bc96 . I have dealt with Evolution Motorsports on a few occasions, and they have been incredibly helpful and appear to produce quality parts. I am running their adjustable rear lowers and have no complaints.

As for Baer brakes, they are a good, reliable company. I feel they are over priced for what their kits consist of. You can easily put together the same kit on your own for much less. Just use ebay and look for what other people are selling due to upgrades.

[blue00gt]

The torque arm does make a huge difference. In fact, if you modify the suspension in steps like I did you will find that the rear has so much added traction with the torque arm that it will make the car want to understeer out of corners when you get on the accelerator. This is easily overcome with the right spring/damping and swaybar settings.

As for Baer brakes, I run the 13" Track Kit up front and the 12" Rear Touring Kit out back. I am very happy with their performance and reliability and with the right pads they don't overheat and fade even after some hard laps on DOT R-compounds (my car isn't that light, either with the '03 cobra motor, 6-speed, extra weight from HD torque arm, full interior, etc). I like Hawk HPS pads for the street and their more aggressive pads for the track.

[Red85GT]

Ok- Sounds like the same setup I have been looking at. Did the Baer stuff go on easy? I want a well designed system that I don't have to scrounge a bunch of extra parts for.

[drudis]

I went with the Griggs front end, and I built my own t-arm/panhard rear suspension
(MANY photos on my homepage).

I recommend MM/Griggs for track, and Steeda 5-link for street.

Brakes with either PBR (M2300K) or Baer or $$$ Brembo calipers. Its up to you and your wallet...

[4Isleeper]

I have '86 4 eye with full griggs suspension. I love this setup. I respect MM products. But, look at who wins the most? I live in santa cruz mountains and eros pull over then try to catch me... bye,bye