First Drive: GreenLeafPrime & Sqidd's suspension setup and more...
What makes my experience different from others is because I am not coming off a stock suspension. I switched from H&R Sportline springs to Sqidd's recommended Steeda springs (although I got the Sport instead of the Ultralites because I have a convertible), I also already have Steeda Lower Control Arms. So the other parts I had installed from GLP were GT500 shocks, and GT500 front sway bar. All work was done by Brenspeed in Pierceton Indiana. Lucky me they are just 40 minutes away from where I live.
In addition to the suspension mods. I also had Brenspeed install a Kook's 1 3/4" headers with 3" collectors, and mated it to Magnaflow's 3" Magnapacks.
Okay here it goes...
I immediately felt how higher the car sits off the ground as soon as I sat in it. It definitely feels less jarring over bumps and road imperfections. Remember, I had the very stiff Sportlines in there before. When turning hard, it does feel like it leans just a tad bit more than before but nothing drastic though. It still feels like it's on rails and very confidence inspiring. For the ground clearance and comfort that I gained, that is well worth the little sacrifice. Now I don't have to cringe on every bump I hit. It's a lot more relaxing to drive the car. I don't have to dodge every road imperfection anymore.
For the oversteer and understeer feel. I took her to my favorite deserted play areas I am very familiar with. Where I always drive the same hard way all the time. Well... she's a little bit more loose than before, but not in a horrifying "OMG I'm gonna die!" way. It was a smooth and well controlled drift. AGAIN: The H&R Sportlines springs are an inch lower than the Steeda Sports. Plus the H&R's rates are stiffer than an old man's back.
Conslusion: I love it!!!
If I live in the Orlando Florida are, I would've kept the stiffer H&R's. But the roads here in Fort Wayne Indiana are full of surprises, especially right after winter.
Here's my dilema:
Sqidd was right (again of course) about the 3" exhaust being quieter than a traditional 2.5" exhaust. The 3" Magnapacks are so much quieter than my old Pypes Mid-mufflers that I think I might be pushing the car harder through the corners than I usually do. Which could be causing it to drift more. At first I was disappointed with the sound, but now, it's growing on me. It's quieter, but it sure sounds a whole lot better. Maybe, I'll post a video sometime. It growls almost like the old 2 valve engine. I will experiment on an SLP Loudmouth or Corsa later.
Did I lose some low end torque with the 3" exhaust?
Not sure, but she feels quite very strong to me.
Well, at least I can say this... I raced a Yamaha R6 for just about a quarter mile and spanked him. We started at about a slow 20 mph rolling start. Disclaimer: It was 4th of July noon, there were no cars in front of us at all.
As far as ground clearance.. I had 3 adults in the car and my 6 year old cruising around near fireworks time and on areas where I would normally hear it bottom out, we were just fine. I would hear the pipe that goes over the axle hit the axle on really bad bumps, but that's acceptable when moving from 2.5" to 3" exhaust pipes. I'd still try to adjust them more later.
What now?
Well... I have all these parts that were taken off to sell. AFM members get first dibs. Next week they all go on eBay.
H&R Sportline Springs
JBA ceramic coated shorty headers
Pypes Mid Mufflers
Bassani x-pipe with hi-flow cats
GT shocks
GT front sway bar
GT500 springs
GT500 strut tower brace
Pricing follows.
Haven't done any research on pricing yet.
Pics pics pics! Of course I have them.
2007 GT Convertible •5 spd •450 rwhp 445 rwtq •Saleen Supercharged •C&L Racer CAI •Brenspeed Custom Dyno Tuned •3.73 FRPP •MGW Shifter •CHE K brace & torque limiters •Kooks 1 3/4" LT Headers 3" collectors 3" off road x-pipe •3" Magnaflow Magnapacks •18" FR500 Wheels •275 Rear Tires •GT500 Fuel Pump •Steeda Sports Springs •GT500 shocks struts front sway bar •Steeda LCA & pan hard bar •Slotted/Drilled Rotors •more... Stock exterior for
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