TheStigSC

So, while I am pleased with the way my car handles, I really want to get the most out of it. I feel like she can do much better so I'm curious as to what setups you guys are running. Staggered? Not staggered?

Currently, I am on Ford Racing's Suspension kit (with the shocks, springs, coils, sways, etc.) and I also have the Roush LCAs in the rear. I am currently running Sumitumo's (255s all the way around). Not sure if my front sway is too tight or the 255s in the front are just too much but sometimes it feels heavy turning. I know its a heavy car but instead of kicking the a$$ out a little, she just feels tight. I'm gonna be getting some new tires soon (looking at Dunlop StarSpecs) and was just curious as to what some of you track/road course guys are running tire wise on your S197s, if any of you have recommendations for suspension adjustments, or if anyone has recommendations for a reputable alignment shop for our cars geared toward backroad and track set up. Please let me know, any input and advice is greatly appreciated.

PS: Anyone running 8in wide rims, and if so, how wide are your tires? Don't know how much people go past the "recommended" max on 8in.

UPRSharad

Wider wheels and stickier tires will be a huge upgrade for you. In addition to that, I'm running a full UPR suspension setup with Koni Yellow and my '06 corners like it's on rails.

Side note, your KB setup might benefit from GT500 specific springs...

Norm Peterson

Not staggered, and my 255/45-18's are on 18 x 9.5" wheels.

At some point, the front control arm bushing compliance becomes the bigger part of a heavier turn-in feel, but you aren't there yet if you're running 255-wide tires on rims that are only 8" wide.

If you want to lose some of the "heavy" feel, you don't want to go with a tire that recommends more than 8" wide wheels without moving up to the wider wheels. If anything, you'd really want wheels that are up around the max recommended width for the tire size that you're considering. In no case, narrower than the "measuring width". This means at least 9" wide wheels, and likely a little wider still.

Don't use the wheel/tire combinations seen in Stock class autocrossing as guidance for street use. What you can get away with for 60 seconds at a time on tires that won't last 1000 miles is irrelevant anyplace but running through the cones.


Norm

notsofast

Dunlop Durezza Star Specs are a great all-purpose non-R compound track tire. I just got the newer upgraded version which I'll run on the track this weekend (and likely in rain the whole time). I used the previous version of the tire on my 99 M3 track car before upgrading to R-comp tires. The Star Specs offer very good grip, even on a wet track, and are very predictable as they approach their limit. Reasonably good longevity as well considering how they were used.

UrS4

See sig for suspension set up. Works well for my needs. Going to see how it does on the track in the next couple weeks.

TheStigSC

Thanks for the replies guys. So has anyone ever experienced the Ford Racing set up? It sounds like it may not be the best performing set up.

As far as tires, anyone have opinions on staggered? Like maybe going down to 245s in the front and staying 255 or going 265 in the rear?