• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

AutoX Suspension set up 03GT

  • Thread starter Thread starter dmdesilva
  • Start date Start date Sep 15, 2011

dmdesilva

New Member
Sep 15, 2011
8
0
1
Belle Mead, NJ
Sep 15, 2011
#1
  • Sep 15, 2011
  • #1
Hi,

I just overhauled the suspension on my 03GT with the Maximum Motorsports max grip box. Pretty much everything is adjustable and I am very new to suspension set ups. I am looking for some guidance as to set up options for autoX. The car is not a daily driver but will be driven to the events. I am looking for an aggressive set up but still highway drivable. I will most likely be looking to adjust:

Caster
Camber
Swaybar
Panhard bar
Toe (i might leave this stock)

I am taking the car to a shop on Monday (9/19), and they said to check around and come in with some suggestions. Any help you guys can provide would be a real help!

Thanks!
 
J

jegg

Member
Mar 17, 2004
106
0
16
Sep 15, 2011
#2
  • Sep 15, 2011
  • #2
As far as specs....I have no clue...

I would bring it to a reputable allignment shop that specializes in road racing/autox.
 

bhuff30

Founding Member
Dec 11, 2001
6,037
35
129
Olathe KS
Sep 15, 2011
#3
  • Sep 15, 2011
  • #3
An auto-X alignment will wear your tires out VERY quickly if you do much street driving. You may want to learn to do your own alignments. I built a tool using a level and a couple set screws.

Anyway, for pure auto-X, you would want around -3* of camber and a slight toe out for better turn in (and a darty highway experience). Sway bars you will just have to play with yourself and find the right combination. Caster, I don't remember exactly, but it doesn't have a big effect at the slow speeds of auto-X.

When I did the auto-X stuff, I found a method that worked very well... I would run a street alignment on the car, then when I arrived at the track, I would max out the negative camber (was between -2.5 to -3 deg maxed out). Because of the geometry of the mustang, giving the car extra negative camber ends up giving you a bit of toe out without even touched the tie rod ends.

As a general rule, mustang suspension (pre 05) doesn't work. It sounds rediculous, but you are better off limiting suspension travel as much as possible by running the stiffest springs you can tolerate. You'll find a lot of people run upwards of 1000-1200 lb/in springs in the front. If you are going to get serious, I highly suggest reading the mustang performance handbook 2, by mathis. You'll find recommended alignment settings, and similar suggestions to what I just said.
 

dmdesilva

New Member
Sep 15, 2011
8
0
1
Belle Mead, NJ
Sep 19, 2011
#4
  • Sep 19, 2011
  • #4
Thanks for the suggestions. I ended up going with -2.5 camber and 6.5 caster. I will fool around with the panhard bar once i run the car for the first time. This car isn't my DD anymore so I went with a pretty aggressive set up. Hopefully it works out on the track!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

New to me 98 Cobra
  • bird_dog0347
  • Feb 25, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
26
Views
1K
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Mar 24, 2026
FastDriver
Tightening upper control arm bushings at ride height dilemma… need some help
  • AnthonyA1234
  • Dec 27, 2024
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3
Replies
51
Views
5K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Feb 27, 2025
General karthief
2
Suspension SetUp
  • 23Newb
  • Jul 29, 2023
  • 2.3L (N/A & Turbo) Tech
  • 2 3
Replies
50
Views
6K
2.3L (N/A & Turbo) Tech Sep 4, 2023
23Newb
2
SOLD SOLD!!!! 1993 Notchback Roadracer For Sale. She's a beast!
  • Boydster
  • Apr 25, 2025
  • Fox Body Mustangs For Sale (1979-93)
Replies
0
Views
1K
Fox Body Mustangs For Sale (1979-93) Apr 25, 2025
Boydster
S
Fuel Spits sputter pops and bangs under load. Help wanted
  • sickntired
  • Mar 23, 2024
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
22
Views
3K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Apr 1, 2024
sickntired
S
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?