GT Handling Pack...

[stang_ed]

I have a 09 GT Premium Coupe that is 100% stock with 18 inch wheels and approximately 1,000 miles. This is my first Mustang although my GF has a 07 GT convertible. I am interested in adding a handling kit and CAI. I will never take it to the drag strip so am only interested in a boost in handling and rwhp. Definitely not interested in a blower.

Question 1: The handling kit lowers the car. I am advised that with 18 inch wheels I cannot use chains in the snow. Currently live where there is no snow but that could change in a few months. There are two kits, one that lowers 1.5 inches and another that lowers 1 inch. Which is preferred for 18 inch wheels? Any disadvantage with the 1 inch lowering kit?

Question 2: If I have Ford install the CAI with the Ford tune, has anyone had problems with the Ford new car warranty? I know I can install the CAI as I have all the necessary tools but am interested in keeping the warranty in effect. Has anyone had warranty problems with an aftermarket CAI and modest tune?

 

[stangman11]

1. In regards to your suspension concern first of all no matter where you are I really dont think chains are necessary in the snow. At most put a set of studded snow tires on the car and use a set of cheap old mustang wheels just for the winter, for example a set of 6cylinder wheels so that you dont trash those nice 18s. Second if your running 18s throughout the year I would personally just lower it the 1 in it will give you a nice stance better handling overall and you wont risk scraping your tires on the wheels wells over harsh bumps. The 1 in kit is also better because you wont need to intall a caster camber kit for your alignment. If you go around 1.5 to 2in your going to need to purchase a caster camber kit to ensure your alightment is straight so you dont wear tires.

2. No matter what manufacturer warranty you have ANY aftermarket part installed on a vehcile when brought to the dealer for a warranty concern will void the warranty. So it sucks but to be safe you should wait for the warranty to expire if you intend to use it, or if you dont care throw it on.

 

[stang_ed]

Thanks Stangman. Good information.

 

[stangman11]

Hey no problem man let me know what you end up doing, and good luck with the car.

 

[40oz]

2. No matter what manufacturer warranty you have ANY aftermarket part installed on a vehcile when brought to the dealer for a warranty concern will void the warranty. So it sucks but to be safe you should wait for the warranty to expire if you intend to use it, or if you dont care throw it on.

^ this is total BS. Federal law mandates that the manufacturer prove the modification in question caused the particular issue before any warrantee work may be denied. And only that particular piece may have the warantee voided. It is not permissible to void the warantee on the entire car due to a modification such as seat covers or aftermarket exhaust.

While it ultimately comes down to a decision by a service manager, in my experience Ford dealers typically don't care about most mods. If you are having issues with the way the car is running, they will likely insist on a factory tune be restored as part of step 1, but some Ford dealers DO install tunes to the computer, and consider it a matter of course that doesn't violate any warantees.