 How can i do my Suspension "Right" and stay within budget?
The holidays are over and the budget has been balanced. I have got about $2 - 3 Grand (w/ install) to do the Suspension on my 2007 GT Convert. I want to do the job "Right", so i figure its best to do it in one shot and try to use "matched" components for best results. I want the car to handle well but i have limitations and must compromise performance for ""street-ablity"
The Car is used primarily on weekends but i do put miles on it. I have had it for 10 months, put on 8k miles. The car has seen the Autocross track a hand full of times thus far and i plan on getting to the drag strip. I am looking to set the suspension for better over all handling and "cornering". The Vert is garage kept but the garage entrance has a very steep entrance, i have measured about 2 inches until my front bumper scrapes the floor upon entrance. The Suspension set up has to be "street-able" as i drive in NYC a lot and the roads are rough, the rest of my driving is done on curvy country roads.
- I have been doing a lot of research and i am leaning towards Steeda products, i like that they provide a full line of suspension components and the springs are not TOO low. I want to go with "Sports" springs over "Ultra lights" because i am looking for a more firm ride than what the factory provides, i hear the ultra lights are close to OEM in stiffness. The lowering is not too extreme, 1" up front & 1.25 Rear", i should be able to get into the garage without contact.
- A Panhard Bar to center the wheels after lowering and stiffen up the rear.
- I am leaning towards D-Specs because i like the option of "tweak-ability", although i understand D-Specs are not a "True" adjustable system. I am not opposed to Coil over suspension but i am already having trouble staying in budget.
- Body Roll is one of my biggest complaints about the Mustang, i really want to get that under control. I am leaning towards Steeda because it seems that matching Anti sway Bar diameter and Spring rates are a science and they have already done the math.
- Control Arms seem like place where i can cut corners but i need to get Adj Upper Control Arms to set pinion angle, so i may as well get the lowers. Cuz wheel hop does suck.
- I have to Get Strut Mounts & Camber adjustments. I could go "Camber Bolts" but i think the NYC pot holes will knock them out of alignment frequently. Looks like thats another Steeda products, Mounts with +1/-1 camber adjustments.
- Lowering the vehicle changes the suspension geometry, so to do it right you gotta get the "Bump Steer" Kit to compensate for the changes. Are the X5 Ball Joint kits necesary? What about the front Contral Arm relocation kit?
So this is what i have got so far,
Springs - Steeda Sport ($250)
Shocks/Struts ($600)
Front Anti Sway Bars ($200)
Rear Anti Sway Bars ($350)
Lower Control Arm ($300)
Adj Upper Control Arm ($200)
Strut Mounts/Camber Plates ($300)
Panhard Bar ($150)
Bump Steer Kit ($150)
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Parts Total $2,500
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My next issue is the install, i can have a "friends" shop do the Install cheap, but my local Speed Shop would charge $70 an hour. Does this type of install benefit from Mustang experienced mechanics? I know the suspension needs to be adjusted but i can always take it to the speed shop post install and get it adjusted in 1 hours @ $70 instead of 8 hours at that rate. But if i did go with the Speed Shop it would take about 8 - 9 hours and cost rougly
Install $700
+
Parts Total $2,500
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Total $3,200
This figure is already over budget, where could i cut some corners?
What do you guys think?
Any constructive thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks for reading.
__________________ 2007 GT Convertible Premium 5 spd || FRPP HotRod Cams || Full Steeda Suspension w D-Specs || Brembo GT500 || Steeda CAI & Delete plates|| Flowmaster || Magnaflow catted X Pipe || MGW Shifter || Tuned by RealSpeed || | 
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