Winter Mods, looking for advice.
 

Anyone gonna do some mods during the downtime over the winter?
I'm looking at addressing the shelbys shortcomings in the suspension department. I would really like to lower,a mild drop, to get rid of the 4x4 look and wheel hop. I don't want a harsh ride, firm but not bone jarring as the roads around my neck of the woods are poor. Aftermarket parts are typically slanted more toward performance than comfort but comfort would be nice. Suggestions on suspension components would be great for my 08 Convertible!

1.Springs? I noticed a track pac on ebay thoughts??
2.Lower control arms
3.LCA relocation brackets
4.Camber/Caster Plates to adjust alignment after lowering.

Thanks Guys!

I went with Ford Racing springs and have not noticed a real change in the ride, mind you I do not drive it much and changed them out before I drove the car stock

For suspension I would go with this. It's a more money than springs but is a complete package. They also have just the springs if that's better for you.

http://www.fordracingpartsdirect.com...007-fr3svt.htm

As far as the wheel hop I replaced my upper control arm with a Steeda unit and it fixed it. I didn't even touch the lowers.

http://www.steeda.com/store/steeda-a...ntrol-arm.html

As far as cam/cast plates from what I've heard it isn't always needed with Ford Racing springs but there are several brands out there and I'm sure as long as you go with someone well known you should be ok.

I have been using these lowers for 2 years, and give them two thumbs up.
http://www.hotpart.com/shop/index.ph...ct_detail&p=45
Good product and great people to deal with. This is one of those rare cases where you get more than you pay for.

with the 05gt I was told by a Ford dealer no less that unless tracking the car go with springs only other wise knock yourself out lol

I have gone with the Steeda package for my GT...lowering springs, rear lower control arms, upper 3rd link, and panhard. No wheel hop, super cornering, firm but comfy ride.

That sounds like a nice setup. What was the cost for the whole works?

I will venture a guess around 2500.00-3000.00

Parts were $850, install labor $700 (including alignment)

wow nice deal. I remember at the dealership with the 05 they wanted 2200.00 and that was in 06

That's a sweet setup for that price.

Thanks for the suggestions guys keep em coming! Gonna do some more research it's gonna be a long winter!

are you looking for more power as well. I am happy with my stocker but it seems like a high % of guys are not. I don't get it but hey it's their car and not mine

I'm pretty happy with the power, however I wouldn't rule out a CAI and tune in the future. IMO I think the Suspension needs far more attention than the power.
I find the ride very smooth but when I'm driving in a high spirited mood, I experience excessive wheel hop and it just doesn't feel as planted as it should driving on uneven surfaces.

I think the irs might be in your future, akmed I kill you tehehehe

I wouldn't suggest IRS when trying to get away from wheel hop

You are right and cost is another issue

Hey, I am planning for rear lower control arms and an adjuatable upper control arm (with a stronger upper body mount), and LCA relocation bracket’s.
I don't plan on lowering the car this this winter, but will likely do that at some point too. The LCA relocation brackets are a must if you are lowering the car. They correct the LCA angle to improve the launch. These are sometimes referred to as anti-squat or instant center brackets.
Cheers,
Hugh

good info

It looks like you've done your research. Great info.

You have me interested the the Del-Sphere Pivot Joints.. Gotta do some research on those! Looks like I'm adding relocation brackets to my list also!
Thanks for the tips!

I am glad I drive it like Gramps lol

You know that is a sin right.

probably but I need my license so that's the excuse I am sticking to bwah

Just because you got it, don't mean you gotta beat the crap out of it. lol

that is bang on AP. I have always said I am keeping this one to which my wife breaks out in laughter but this is why I have always babied mine. Other than excuse 1 I have always had to buy EVERYTHING I have ever owned so that might have something to do with it. I have had people tell me " they are meant to be driven hard/flogged" but in the mean time when their car breaks down they can't figure it out

^ I don't beat the crap outta mine either but I make a point of hitting full throttle when possible. I like having the power on tap to push myself back into the seat when I want to. We don't have a racetrack so I don't race but I have to find a place to do my own little 1/4 mile blasts when possible.

Just a small update, I ordered my lowering springs, control arms and Panhard bar today! It gonna be a long winter so I will buy a part a month and start the install over the winter, by spring I should have a pretty good handling Shelby.
I decided on the Ford Racing Lowering K-Springs this should give me a estimated drop of 1.5" maybe a wee bit more due to the Convertibles weight. These springs get very good reviews from the svt gang.
For the lower control arms I went with BMR Lower Control Arms with Polyurethane Bushings, I decided to go with the steel boxed, tig welded set as the billet looks great but you can't see them anyway so function over form wins this time.
The Panhard bar was an easy one.. Steeda Adjustable Panhard Bar offered to me by a friend for a song.. cant get any better than that!
Next on the list is struts and camber/caster plates. :)

^^^ the odd hard acceleration is fine in my book but the smoke shows etc etc is more what I mean.

I hear ya snakebite... I'm no hooligan either but I can get into a spirited mood from time to time, you wont see me doing donuts or smoke shows but I have heard the supercharger whine from time to time :tup

Sounds like you are well on your way to a nice handling machine. Let us know how it all goes.

Nothing wrong with a good smoke show now and then.

depends on a persons definition of now and then, some it's every corner lol

Haha true

Redfire,
I have looked at the BMR LCA noted here. It has poly on one end and the combo on the other end. Is this the one you ordered?

$209.95 TCA022 Lower control arms, boxed, DOM, non-adj, polyurethane & spherical bearing combo.

I am considering this BMR kit.
http://www.bmrsuspension.com/?page=p...&productid=772

Cheers,Hugh

thanks for helping^^^

Hi Hugh, I ordered these.. BMR
That kit looks good!

Mike

Small update, I was board so I tackled some of the rear, Installed the springs, LCA's and Panhard Bar the K springs certainly got rid of the 4x4 look in the rear, and the panhard bar got rid of the off centered axle. I wonder why Ford didn't lower the car a little more from the start.. trends in vehicle height change too often or what?
https://www.cmoc.ca/attachment.php?a...ine=1321977066
https://www.cmoc.ca/attachment.php?a...ine=1321977066
All went well, My shelby has the Krown rust control, that gunk helped keep the bolts free but what a mess (Snakebite would have certainly snapped with the degree of filth...No pictures to embarrassed :lol)
Next up, I'm really leaning towards pulling the trigger on Tokico D-Spec Struts/Shocks and J&M camber caster plates, from what I have read with out changing out the struts/shocks I'm going to regret the decision after the first ride. Also wondering if I really need a upper control arm? Mixed reviews and more noise transmitted to the car keeps me thinking about it, after all is said my car is not road raced and seldom dragged raced, comfort is a high priority and vibrations squeaks drive me nuts :headscrat

Cheers

Looks like some nice stuff. I didn't regret doing my upper one bit but I did get a little more noise out of it. It wasn't unbearable by any means but the ride didn't seem to change to me.

I think they engineer the ride height for the non enthusiast