Notices
S197 Handling Section For everything suspension related, inlcuding brakes, tires, and wheels.

GT Convertible Suspension Mods

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-29-2008, 12:01 PM
  #1  
mhconley
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
 
mhconley's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Discovery Bay, CA
Posts: 322
Default GT Convertible Suspension Mods

I've read severalmagazine articles praising the convertible for having a better handlingbalance than the coupe. They talk about the convertible'sride being more compliant and the near elimination of rear axle hop while its handlingis close tothe coupe's in the twisties.

FRPP handling packs are for the coupe only. Is this for a reason? I am investigating suspension upgrades formy convertible but I don't want to lose its stock "goodness". Has anyoneupgraded their convertible's suspension? What did you do and has it noticeably improved handling without affecting the overall balance?

Thanks!

Martin
mhconley is offline  
Old 02-29-2008, 04:05 PM
  #2  
brdm266
 
brdm266's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 41
Default RE: GT Convertible Suspension Mods

I have the FRPP kit installed on mine and I really like it. I was concerned about the coupe only installation so I called Ford Racing and they said the only difference is the converible will be a little bit (1/2-3/4") lower in the rear.
brdm266 is offline  
Old 02-29-2008, 05:33 PM
  #3  
exx1976
5th Gear Member
 
exx1976's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location:
Posts: 2,033
Default RE: GT Convertible Suspension Mods

The convertibles do have things in them that the coupes don't.. Some have K-member braces, and I think all have subframe connectors.. They needed to stiffen up the bottom of the car since there is no top of the car...
exx1976 is offline  
Old 02-29-2008, 06:55 PM
  #4  
Margarita Girl
Is the tide gonna reach my chair?
 
Margarita Girl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Nor'east
Posts: 4,389
Default RE: GT Convertible Suspension Mods

Stock subframe connectors. I went with the Roush coil springs that have a 3/4" drop front and rear. The verts are heavier in the back than the coupes.

A mod I added that made a difference is the Edelbrock strut tower brace. My car was jostled quite a bit on bumpy roads and the brace made a noticable difference. Bought mine at autoanything.com.



Margarita Girl is offline  
Old 02-29-2008, 07:15 PM
  #5  
mhconley
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
 
mhconley's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Discovery Bay, CA
Posts: 322
Default RE: GT Convertible Suspension Mods

ORIGINAL: brdm266

I have the FRPP kit installed on mine and I really like it. I was concerned about the coupe only installation so I called Ford Racing and they said the only difference is the converible will be a little bit (1/2-3/4") lower in the rear.
I imagine the handling is considerably crisper with the FRPP kit. How is the ride quality with it? Did the car remain as balanced? Any pictures of your car with the kit installed?

ORIGINAL: Margarita Girl

Stock subframe connectors. I went with the Roush coil springs that have a 3/4" drop front and rear. The verts are heavier in the back than the coupes.

A mod I added that made a difference is the Edelbrock strut tower brace. My car was jostled quite a bit on bumpy roads and the brace made a noticable difference. Bought mine at autoanything.com.
I have been eyeing that Edelbrock strut brace. It seems to be the only three point brace out there for our cars and it's pretty inexpensive. Thanks for the tip Margarita Girl!

Martin
mhconley is offline  
Old 02-29-2008, 07:48 PM
  #6  
Margarita Girl
Is the tide gonna reach my chair?
 
Margarita Girl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Nor'east
Posts: 4,389
Default RE: GT Convertible Suspension Mods

Your welcome. I don't see it in your sig, but the best mod for the money is a Cold Air Intake and SCT tune combo. I bought my Steeda combo from Brenspeed. Installed myself.
Margarita Girl is offline  
Old 02-29-2008, 08:13 PM
  #7  
drbobvs
5th Gear Member
 
drbobvs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Babylon, NY
Posts: 3,031
Default RE: GT Convertible Suspension Mods

Mods in my sig. I may go back to the coupe rear swaybar I had on there. I think the Steeda just gives me more oversteer than I'm comfortable with.
drbobvs is offline  
Old 02-29-2008, 08:43 PM
  #8  
mhconley
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
 
mhconley's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Discovery Bay, CA
Posts: 322
Default RE: GT Convertible Suspension Mods

ORIGINAL: Margarita Girl

Your welcome. I don't see it in your sig, but the best mod for the money is a Cold Air Intake and SCT tune combo. I bought my Steeda combo from Brenspeed. Installed myself.
A CAI and tune is going to be my first performance mod. I plan on most likely gettingthe Modular Depot ProFab CAI with their SCT tune.I plan toeventually take it toa localshop about an hour away that does custom dyno tuning.

Martin
mhconley is offline  
Old 02-29-2008, 09:24 PM
  #9  
exx1976
5th Gear Member
 
exx1976's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location:
Posts: 2,033
Default RE: GT Convertible Suspension Mods

Trust me, just order one from Brenspeed. He's SO good, that you'll only gain 1-2 horsepower by going to a dyno. People have tried. Ask around. By the time you pay for the dyno, any of the Brenspeed CAI kits will be cheaper.

You don't really need to worry about dyno tunes until you start getting into LOTS of bolt-ons, or FI..
exx1976 is offline  
Old 03-01-2008, 10:04 AM
  #10  
Stkjock
Retired Mod
 
Stkjock's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 7,658
Default RE: GT Convertible Suspension Mods

i have the Steeda Sportline springs, Steeda F/R sways, BMR subframes - they needed custom install due to the stock bracing, and Steeda strut tower brace - car handles well IMO
Stkjock is offline  


Quick Reply: GT Convertible Suspension Mods



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:00 AM.