GT Suspension Mods and Tires
01-05-2015, 09:26 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Georgia
Posts: 11
GT Suspension Mods and Tires
I've got an '08 GT coupe that is stock with exception of Hurst shifter. It has 18 inch, Ford rims.
I am thinking of Ford Motor Sport spings and sway bars but I think Eibach makes a kit. Any feedback? Any other braces to consider? I'd like to keep everything FMS but that can be pricey. Not opposed to other brands like Eibach but I don't want to put cheap crap on there.
My car is a daily driver and I drive "... sporty" but not too aggressive. I am really looking to get the best handling the car can deliver (curvy roads as opposed to straight line drag times). So, reducing body roll and getting better turn-in with lower center of gravity is more important to me.
Suggestions?
Finally... Tires? I bought mine used and it has crappy Sumitomo's on it. They will be worn out soon. I am thinking GoodYear Eagles or Bridgestone? I don't need the stickiest ones out there, but not the harder all-season radials either.
I know this is covered (somewhat) on the stick posts and I'll look there too, but my questions are a little more specific based on described use/driving style.
JKC
PS Loving this car.
I am thinking of Ford Motor Sport spings and sway bars but I think Eibach makes a kit. Any feedback? Any other braces to consider? I'd like to keep everything FMS but that can be pricey. Not opposed to other brands like Eibach but I don't want to put cheap crap on there.
My car is a daily driver and I drive "... sporty" but not too aggressive. I am really looking to get the best handling the car can deliver (curvy roads as opposed to straight line drag times). So, reducing body roll and getting better turn-in with lower center of gravity is more important to me.
Suggestions?
Finally... Tires? I bought mine used and it has crappy Sumitomo's on it. They will be worn out soon. I am thinking GoodYear Eagles or Bridgestone? I don't need the stickiest ones out there, but not the harder all-season radials either.
I know this is covered (somewhat) on the stick posts and I'll look there too, but my questions are a little more specific based on described use/driving style.
JKC
PS Loving this car.
01-05-2015, 09:46 AM
#2
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 743
Well, this is what I did and would recommend... Eibach Pro Lowering kit (lowers about 1 1/2 "), Tokico shocks, Steeda Heavy Duty, front and rear sway bars , Steeda adjustable panhard bar and panhard brace,
I found the Nitto 555's (not sticky ) to be a good wearing tire for regular daily street driving. And, with the changing your springs, you will need a wheel alignment
I found the Nitto 555's (not sticky ) to be a good wearing tire for regular daily street driving. And, with the changing your springs, you will need a wheel alignment
Last edited by 07 GT E UPP; 01-05-2015 at 12:46 PM.
01-05-2015, 11:26 AM
#3
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Florida
Posts: 732
JCreasy,
What is your budget? We have some great packages that can take your vehicle to the next level ... it just depends on how dialed in you want to take it.
Also, we have a facility in Valdosta, GA ... not sure where you are located but we have install packages too.
Email me your info & we can start looking at packages & pricing to see what we can do for you. You won't be disappointed in Steeda
You can email me at tim@steeda.com.
Best Regards,
TJ
What is your budget? We have some great packages that can take your vehicle to the next level ... it just depends on how dialed in you want to take it.
Also, we have a facility in Valdosta, GA ... not sure where you are located but we have install packages too.
Email me your info & we can start looking at packages & pricing to see what we can do for you. You won't be disappointed in Steeda
You can email me at tim@steeda.com.
Best Regards,
TJ
01-05-2015, 08:55 PM
#4
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: PA
Posts: 750
I have a combination of Steeda and BMR on my suspension. I love the way my car handles compared to stock. It is very planted, minimal roll and basically does everything I ask of it. I'm also running Nitto tires.
01-05-2015, 11:04 PM
#5
I've got an '08 GT coupe that is stock with exception of Hurst shifter. It has 18 inch, Ford rims.
I am thinking of Ford Motor Sport spings and sway bars but I think Eibach makes a kit. Any feedback? Any other braces to consider? I'd like to keep everything FMS but that can be pricey. Not opposed to other brands like Eibach but I don't want to put cheap crap on there.
My car is a daily driver and I drive "... sporty" but not too aggressive. I am really looking to get the best handling the car can deliver (curvy roads as opposed to straight line drag times). So, reducing body roll and getting better turn-in with lower center of gravity is more important to me.
Suggestions?
Finally... Tires? I bought mine used and it has crappy Sumitomo's on it. They will be worn out soon. I am thinking GoodYear Eagles or Bridgestone? I don't need the stickiest ones out there, but not the harder all-season radials either.
I know this is covered (somewhat) on the stick posts and I'll look there too, but my questions are a little more specific based on described use/driving style.
JKC
PS Loving this car.
I am thinking of Ford Motor Sport spings and sway bars but I think Eibach makes a kit. Any feedback? Any other braces to consider? I'd like to keep everything FMS but that can be pricey. Not opposed to other brands like Eibach but I don't want to put cheap crap on there.
My car is a daily driver and I drive "... sporty" but not too aggressive. I am really looking to get the best handling the car can deliver (curvy roads as opposed to straight line drag times). So, reducing body roll and getting better turn-in with lower center of gravity is more important to me.
Suggestions?
Finally... Tires? I bought mine used and it has crappy Sumitomo's on it. They will be worn out soon. I am thinking GoodYear Eagles or Bridgestone? I don't need the stickiest ones out there, but not the harder all-season radials either.
I know this is covered (somewhat) on the stick posts and I'll look there too, but my questions are a little more specific based on described use/driving style.
JKC
PS Loving this car.
01-07-2015, 11:24 AM
#6
I've got an '08 GT coupe that is stock with exception of Hurst shifter. It has 18 inch, Ford rims.
I am thinking of Ford Motor Sport spings and sway bars but I think Eibach makes a kit. Any feedback? Any other braces to consider? I'd like to keep everything FMS but that can be pricey. Not opposed to other brands like Eibach but I don't want to put cheap crap on there.
My car is a daily driver and I drive "... sporty" but not too aggressive. I am really looking to get the best handling the car can deliver (curvy roads as opposed to straight line drag times). So, reducing body roll and getting better turn-in with lower center of gravity is more important to me.
Suggestions?
Finally... Tires? I bought mine used and it has crappy Sumitomo's on it. They will be worn out soon. I am thinking GoodYear Eagles or Bridgestone? I don't need the stickiest ones out there, but not the harder all-season radials either.
I know this is covered (somewhat) on the stick posts and I'll look there too, but my questions are a little more specific based on described use/driving style.
JKC
PS Loving this car.
I am thinking of Ford Motor Sport spings and sway bars but I think Eibach makes a kit. Any feedback? Any other braces to consider? I'd like to keep everything FMS but that can be pricey. Not opposed to other brands like Eibach but I don't want to put cheap crap on there.
My car is a daily driver and I drive "... sporty" but not too aggressive. I am really looking to get the best handling the car can deliver (curvy roads as opposed to straight line drag times). So, reducing body roll and getting better turn-in with lower center of gravity is more important to me.
Suggestions?
Finally... Tires? I bought mine used and it has crappy Sumitomo's on it. They will be worn out soon. I am thinking GoodYear Eagles or Bridgestone? I don't need the stickiest ones out there, but not the harder all-season radials either.
I know this is covered (somewhat) on the stick posts and I'll look there too, but my questions are a little more specific based on described use/driving style.
JKC
PS Loving this car.
Hey Jcreasy,
Glad to hear that you are loving the car! What's there not to love?
To be honest, if you are looking to stay with Ford/Ford Racing I would highly recommend pulling the trigger on the Ford Racing Assembled Handling Pack
This kit will come with absolutely everything you need to start carving up the curvy roads!
The kit includes Front Struts (pre-assembled), Rear Shocks, Lowering Springs with jounce stops, Front Sway Bar with bushings, Rear Sway Bar with bushings, Adjustable Rear Panhard Bar, and Front Strut Mount Upgrades.
Staying with an all in one Ford Racing kit would be my recommendation based on what I think you are looking for. If you are not, feel free to reach out and we can continue discussing this!
In regards to tires, the door is essentially wide open in regards to options. I personally am a huge fan of Nittos (both the 555's and the Invos) but there are many great options out there!
Are you mainly looking for a sticky tire around the corners, or a tire that will last you a few seasons?
Hope this helps and I look forward to hearing from you.
-Will
01-07-2015, 10:53 PM
#7
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Redding, CA
Posts: 4,552
OP, Just make sure that if you replace springs with a lower ride height you get different shocks/struts. I got the Tokicos and I really didn't expect to feel a difference when I adjusted them for different driving conditions. But it really was something that made a huge difference.
01-08-2015, 08:34 AM
#8
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Georgia
Posts: 11
Thanks, Will.
I think that is what I am looking for and I appreciate your input. I know there are other vendors out there, but if I get something factory matched, at least I know I am in decent shape. (I could probably get a better package by piecemealing it from different sources, but I just don't have the bandwidth to do that research).
Like I said, handling and responsiveness is more important to me than a straight line hook up. Road Atlanta or Sebring.
My point of reference is coming out of a Porsche 996. This car does not accelerate as fast as the 996 (which surprises me), but handles pretty darn well (which also surprises me for a live rear axel). If I can get the car to turn-in and respond just a little bit tighter, I'd be perfectly content.
On tires, I had Michellins on the 996 that wore out every 15k. I finally went to a Continental DWS that are kind of a blend between performance and all season. They have an aggressive tread pattern but harder compound. I put 30k on them with about half wear.
So, I am looking for a tire that looks good and sticks reasonably well (handles rain), but has a reasonable tread life. Frankly, I don't get the car sideways (or even close). I'll take curves sort of zippy, but I've never even approached the limit (sideways at least) with the stock chassis set up.
When I was a kid, GoodYear Eagles came in different compounds and I had the HR rated, which lasted much longer and did fine for me. The ZR's (I think) that came on IROC Z's and 300ZX's wore out quickly.
Again, it is more about "... feel" to me and connecting with the road, as opposed to the ultimate speed lap.
Thanks, again, for your feedback and any other comment.
Regards,
JKC
I think that is what I am looking for and I appreciate your input. I know there are other vendors out there, but if I get something factory matched, at least I know I am in decent shape. (I could probably get a better package by piecemealing it from different sources, but I just don't have the bandwidth to do that research).
Like I said, handling and responsiveness is more important to me than a straight line hook up. Road Atlanta or Sebring.
My point of reference is coming out of a Porsche 996. This car does not accelerate as fast as the 996 (which surprises me), but handles pretty darn well (which also surprises me for a live rear axel). If I can get the car to turn-in and respond just a little bit tighter, I'd be perfectly content.
On tires, I had Michellins on the 996 that wore out every 15k. I finally went to a Continental DWS that are kind of a blend between performance and all season. They have an aggressive tread pattern but harder compound. I put 30k on them with about half wear.
So, I am looking for a tire that looks good and sticks reasonably well (handles rain), but has a reasonable tread life. Frankly, I don't get the car sideways (or even close). I'll take curves sort of zippy, but I've never even approached the limit (sideways at least) with the stock chassis set up.
When I was a kid, GoodYear Eagles came in different compounds and I had the HR rated, which lasted much longer and did fine for me. The ZR's (I think) that came on IROC Z's and 300ZX's wore out quickly.
Again, it is more about "... feel" to me and connecting with the road, as opposed to the ultimate speed lap.
Thanks, again, for your feedback and any other comment.
Regards,
JKC
01-09-2015, 07:23 AM
#9
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: FL
Posts: 3
@JCreasy
If you are looking for better handing I would recommend to check out our front and rear sway bars from Steeda paired with our Sport springs.. I have them personally on my car and it is a night and day difference as well as tested against the other brands.. I also have a bumpsteer kit with x11 ball joints from Steeda. Our items are extremely well known with a lifetime warranty . Many Sema cars use our items as well as the Need For Speed Movie Mustang.
As far as tires - If you want traction I would say go for NT05 tires
But if you want a daily drive tire that is excellent in the wet or the dry pavement that handles well I would go with Nitto INVOs.
Front and Rear Sway bar kit with endlinks- http://www.steeda.com/steeda-mustang...-kit-555-1064/
Front and rear sway bar kit WITHOUT endlinks- http://www.steeda.com/steeda-05-10-m...-kit-555-1065/
Bumpsteer kit- http://www.steeda.com/steeda-mustang...-kit-555-8106/
Balljoints- http://www.steeda.com/steeda-x5-must...ints-555-8108/
Selection of tires- http://www.steeda.com/2005-2010-mustang-tires/
If you need anything please let me know. I am currently running some deals on suspension items so if you are interested in more info shoot me an email: John@steeda.com or give me a call and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have - 954 960 0774
Thanks and all the best,
John
If you are looking for better handing I would recommend to check out our front and rear sway bars from Steeda paired with our Sport springs.. I have them personally on my car and it is a night and day difference as well as tested against the other brands.. I also have a bumpsteer kit with x11 ball joints from Steeda. Our items are extremely well known with a lifetime warranty . Many Sema cars use our items as well as the Need For Speed Movie Mustang.
As far as tires - If you want traction I would say go for NT05 tires
But if you want a daily drive tire that is excellent in the wet or the dry pavement that handles well I would go with Nitto INVOs.
Front and Rear Sway bar kit with endlinks- http://www.steeda.com/steeda-mustang...-kit-555-1064/
Front and rear sway bar kit WITHOUT endlinks- http://www.steeda.com/steeda-05-10-m...-kit-555-1065/
Bumpsteer kit- http://www.steeda.com/steeda-mustang...-kit-555-8106/
Balljoints- http://www.steeda.com/steeda-x5-must...ints-555-8108/
Selection of tires- http://www.steeda.com/2005-2010-mustang-tires/
If you need anything please let me know. I am currently running some deals on suspension items so if you are interested in more info shoot me an email: John@steeda.com or give me a call and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have - 954 960 0774
Thanks and all the best,
John
01-12-2015, 09:46 AM
#10
Thanks, Will.
I think that is what I am looking for and I appreciate your input. I know there are other vendors out there, but if I get something factory matched, at least I know I am in decent shape. (I could probably get a better package by piecemealing it from different sources, but I just don't have the bandwidth to do that research).
Like I said, handling and responsiveness is more important to me than a straight line hook up. Road Atlanta or Sebring.
My point of reference is coming out of a Porsche 996. This car does not accelerate as fast as the 996 (which surprises me), but handles pretty darn well (which also surprises me for a live rear axel). If I can get the car to turn-in and respond just a little bit tighter, I'd be perfectly content.
On tires, I had Michellins on the 996 that wore out every 15k. I finally went to a Continental DWS that are kind of a blend between performance and all season. They have an aggressive tread pattern but harder compound. I put 30k on them with about half wear.
So, I am looking for a tire that looks good and sticks reasonably well (handles rain), but has a reasonable tread life. Frankly, I don't get the car sideways (or even close). I'll take curves sort of zippy, but I've never even approached the limit (sideways at least) with the stock chassis set up.
When I was a kid, GoodYear Eagles came in different compounds and I had the HR rated, which lasted much longer and did fine for me. The ZR's (I think) that came on IROC Z's and 300ZX's wore out quickly.
Again, it is more about "... feel" to me and connecting with the road, as opposed to the ultimate speed lap.
Thanks, again, for your feedback and any other comment.
Regards,
JKC
I think that is what I am looking for and I appreciate your input. I know there are other vendors out there, but if I get something factory matched, at least I know I am in decent shape. (I could probably get a better package by piecemealing it from different sources, but I just don't have the bandwidth to do that research).
Like I said, handling and responsiveness is more important to me than a straight line hook up. Road Atlanta or Sebring.
My point of reference is coming out of a Porsche 996. This car does not accelerate as fast as the 996 (which surprises me), but handles pretty darn well (which also surprises me for a live rear axel). If I can get the car to turn-in and respond just a little bit tighter, I'd be perfectly content.
On tires, I had Michellins on the 996 that wore out every 15k. I finally went to a Continental DWS that are kind of a blend between performance and all season. They have an aggressive tread pattern but harder compound. I put 30k on them with about half wear.
So, I am looking for a tire that looks good and sticks reasonably well (handles rain), but has a reasonable tread life. Frankly, I don't get the car sideways (or even close). I'll take curves sort of zippy, but I've never even approached the limit (sideways at least) with the stock chassis set up.
When I was a kid, GoodYear Eagles came in different compounds and I had the HR rated, which lasted much longer and did fine for me. The ZR's (I think) that came on IROC Z's and 300ZX's wore out quickly.
Again, it is more about "... feel" to me and connecting with the road, as opposed to the ultimate speed lap.
Thanks, again, for your feedback and any other comment.
Regards,
JKC
Hey JKC,
Sorry about the delay in response!
I completely understand what you are saying, especially coming from a 996.
In regards to a street tire that can handle rain, but still handle a beating around the corners and in a straight line, I would go with a Nitto Invo. I would shoot you in a link to make it easy for you but I'm not sure what wheel size you are running
I run them personally on all of my Mustangs and I feel like they are the perfect balance. I daily drove my 2014 Track Pack 5.0 for about 7 months until winter hit and I bought my jeep (Need to keep the Mustang away from the salt on the roads!). During the time I daily drove the Mustang, They handled great, and I still have probably 75% tread life left. I love them!
Hope this helps and let me know if you have any questions! I'm just a PM away!
-Will
