As a recent owner of a GT500, I am looking at suspension packages. For personal reasons, I am looking to stick with Ford Racing parts. I was wondering if anyone has used the SVT handling pack from Ford Racing?

I noticed the kit does not address the Panhard bar, is the drop not enough to worry about it? On my 05 GT, which is the track car, I did a Panhard, but it may have been a more aggressive drop than what the Ford Racing kit is.

Also, I would like to stick with the Ford Racing CAI kit.. Can anyone recommend a tuner that has worked with this CAI and a 500? I suppose I could get Ford's tune, but I am gathering it would still be a bit conservative.

Thanks,
Scott

 

I have the FRPP handling kit on my '06 GT and love it. You will find many people on this and other sites that don't like the kit. It isn't hard-core enough for them. And that is true. You can do better if you search around. But I feel it is a well sorted package that can be used on track as well as the street. Also I think that you will find the Shelby kit includes adjustable shocks, unlike the GT shocks, so you can set 'em up softer for the street if you like.

As to the adjustable panhard rod, try lowering the car first and see if there is an off-set at the rear. Factory settings are variable and the car may just line up perfectly afterward.

Using the Ford tune may permit you to keep the Ford warranty if installed by your dealer and is a safe tune. I find the advantage of the CAI/tune is not so much HP gain as improved throttle response and a more enjoyable driving experience. It just feels better.

Hope this helps. I am sure you will get a lot of other recommendations from others that may have more knowledge than I, but these are my experiences.

Cheers.

 

I installed the FR lowering springs and consider them to be an excellent product offering improved handling and a much better looking stance. I'm currently using them with the OEM shocks & struts but intend to upgrade to Tokico D-Specs next year. I did install a BMR panhard bar to center the rear. The springs lowered the rear by 1.5"and the front by 0.94" as measured at the wheel well (1" at the chin spoiler).

The FR CAI is an excellent product as well; I just use their Procal tune - might be considered conservative, but sufficient for my needs.

 

I have the handling kit installed on my 08 gt500 vert. Love the lower stance and the ability to change the handling to a little more firm (albeit that my wife hates the bumps!!!). I had a Granatelli adj panhard put on, but it had heim joints and they got to be too clanky for me. Replaced it with a Spohn performance adj panhard with delrey spherical joints and following a minor issue of a missing spacer, all is well with the universe again. If I had to do it again without a budget, I'd probably go a different route so I'd have adj spring perches so I could have the car corner balanced. But on a budget, this was a good way ot go.