mochrome

I was talking to the folks at my local Ford dealership (Gene Evans Ford) about lowering my 08 GT/CS convertible and was ready to spend the $ on parts and labor for installation of the FRPP Handling Pack M-2005-FR3.

Then the service rep calls and tells me that Ford has no handling pack for the convertible... only for the coupe. He called Ford and was advised that installion of the coupe handling pack on a convertible will result in the rear being too low due to the extra weight of a vert vs. coupe. He also says Ford is working on a handling pack for convertibles that will be available in the "near future".

Ford's description for the M-2005-FR3 pack is 2005-09 Mustang GT COUPE Handling Pack, so maybe he is correct. Actually, the only FRPP GT convertible specific suspension kit I see online is a M-5490-D Mustang GT Convertible Antiroll Kit.

However, earlier in the day I was looking at an 08 Shelby GT convertible on the dealer's floor. Ford's specs for the Shelby GT convertible state " The balanced package includes a Ford Racing Handling Pack with special-tuned dampers, unique sway bars and a 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly for improved off-the-line acceleration. The overall ride height was dropped to reduce body roll while a front strut-tower brace adds additional strength to the chassis structure"

So I'm wondering what "handling pack" did Ford use for the 2008 Shelby GT convertible? Is it in fact different than the coupe handling pack? Up until now we (myself and the service rep) thought it was the M-2005-FR3 handling pack.

Any ideas?

howarmat

Its the FRPP pack....same springs and all i believe. You can use any springs on the vert as you can a coupe really. The added lbs might make it slightly lower in the rear but will still be fine

Legion5

Yeah if anything you want it lower in the rear. Besides that issue Shelby isn't known for quality. They'd tune a short bus if it made money. You'll be fine though I called my dad who a top ten semi pro race car driver to confirm this for you. Also have you considered the Saleen handling package? It commes with a 3 year warranty and they actually placed better than Ford or Roush in head to head comparisons. I've tried both and Saleen's is better riding too.

fakesnake

I put the FRPP suspension on my car and there are no problems and there is no sag in the back at all. The spring rates are much higher so there is no drop due to the extra weight if the vert vs the coupe.

Wit05Vert

I've got the Eibach Pro springs on my vert (I think they're the same as the FRPPs), and I don't have any sag in the rear either. Looks perfect.

olvanish

If weight difference is all there is to it, then you got nothing to worry about it. I mean think about it, an average size person sitting in the back of your car will even out the weight of a Coupe and a Vert-- will that person make the car too low? No. So not unless you planning on driving around with 600lbs of EXTRA weight in the back you got nothing to worry about.

Orion_240

need to update this thread.

The 2008 Shelby GT convertible does NOT have the upgraded dampers. They are black, instead of blue, like the ones found on the coupes. If you must get high performance shocks and springs get the adjustable ones.