have any suspension kits been skidpad tested?

[wicked93gs]

I see a ton of suspension kits for the classic mustang, from simple stock upgrades to full blown coil over conversions with IRS...I was just wondering whether any of these companies have any skidpad numbers to back up their $7000+ kits....or whether we are just supposed to take them at their word for the better handling admidst all the techno babble...I want numbers so I can see whether I should just get something like a grab a track kit, or go with an insanely expensive coilover conversion...skidpad and slalom numbers would be nice

 

[66forfun]

I understand it to be "stick with one company" for best results when making your selection of parts. cant remember any tests.

 

[LMan]

Im not so sure

great skidpad = great handling.

Real-world handling is all about transitions and stability from one dynamic to another....a steady-state skidpad number is only one part of a very large picture.

I would put more credence in autocross/slalom results, road course results, and especially opinions of those you trust and if possible, drive some examples yourself. What equates to 'great handling' for one guy isnt the same to another - some like it tight, some like it loose

 

[jerry S]

Where I live, there is this long, banked curve where two freeways meet. I can do the curve 15 mph faster in my mustang than I can do it in my wife's Audi S4. Click on "my garage" under my sig to see my suspension modifications.

 

[CarFreakGT]

I understand it to be "stick with one company" for best results when making your selection of parts. cant remember any tests.

I'm trying to take an "integrated system" approach like that. I'm putting together parts for a front-end rebuild as $$$ allows, and I'm trying to go w/ as much from one supplier as I can. I looked into ORP, TCP and Global West. I ordered my ORP spring perches today, and can't wait to check 'em out. I hear a lot about the quality of their pieces, several guys on here run them in autocross and/or road races, and their vintage race legal (in case I ever get that inclination). Prices were all fairly similar, but ORP now has a 'middle-of-the-road' priced autocross UCA and LCA that agree w/ my budget a little more. And, it sounds like they should be more than enough for street needs as well as be able to take some pretty serious auto-x abuse.

I have to say this, too. I have been impressed so far in my interactions w/ John Dinkel (stangnet: opentracker). He has been a pleasure to deal w/ so far, and I like the fact that he is often on the forums here. Gives me the sense that he is very accessible. He actually spotted my thread a couple of days ago RE: control arms and gave some good info. I'm anxious to get my perches and judge the quality for myself--I expect that I won't be disappointed. If you're looking to do some suspension upgrades, you owe it to yourself to at least check ORP out. That's my plan. Check out my sig for my 'plan of attack.' I hope to have all of my pieces together by the end of the year.

Good luck! Bryan

 

[wicked93gs]

yes, I'll definately be getting all my parts from one company...the question is simply which one? as for numbers...I am honestly more interested in slalom numbers than skidpad numbers...but any numbers I can find would be good...I am not familiar with ORP however...have a link?

 

[Blue Oval Man]

www.opentrackerracingproducts.com I think you will be impressed with the quality of the products offered. I will be ordering the spring perches and auto X upper control arms very soon. The nice thing is that they give you a stock look but definately not stock performance.

 

[BIG-MAC]

A number of years back some mag had an article on a complete Global West suspension in an early Mustang that did 1.0g on the pad.

 

[Jester67]

A number of years back some mag had an article on a complete Global West suspension in an early Mustang that did 1.0g on the pad.

They get my vote.

 

[66Runt]

I did a little testing a couple of weeks ago

I added an Auto Meter D-PIC.

Long story short, I was pulling 0.99G on a local backroad without pushing too hard. There is plenty more left. Still don't have a roll bar, and would much rather be on a real track where someone can scrape up the body parts
As it sits now, it will pull a solid 1G, maybe a hair more.
Mod's are on the website in the signature. Doesn't take a lot of money, just well spent money.

Good luck with your project.

 

[yeloxr7]

I have to say this, too. I have been impressed so far in my interactions w/ John Dinkel (stangnet: opentracker). Good luck! Bryan

Is he the same John Dinkel who used to write for Road & Track magazine?

 

[wicked93gs]

thanks 66runt...thats helpful, while the gtech and auto meter things suck at calculating HP and acceleration, they are fairly accurate for skidpad measurments, I am no closer to making a decision...but you guys have given me much to think on

 

[66Runt]

Glad to hear it!

(IMO) you are being really smart by not jumping on "brand-X" bandwagon.
Take your time and do lots of study. I had the oportunity to meet John in person last year at the Shelby mini-nats. I talked with a bunch of guys who actually race their cars, and got some really good information. Mustang people just seem to be really open and helpful, more than any other group I've been involved with.
From my own experience, John's experience, and the other racers I talked with, I was able to put together a package that I am exceptionally happy with.
Convertibles are a bit different to setup, and as this car is a multi-role vehicle it is a compromise in pretty much every fashion. Your choices should be a little less complicated. Of course that doesn't really make the decisions any easier.

Best of luck, I look forward to hearing what you do and how it works.

 

[wicked93gs]

one thing that interests me is the mustangs plus chasis strengthening kit...I want the chasis as stiff as I can get it without adding a roll cage...not sure about anyone's experience with that kit though, I would take the extra 60lbs if I could significantly stiffen the chasis...anyway, that would be my starting point, next up would be the front suspension...I am liking a lot of the global west and open tracker products, how much did your entire setup cost you runt? as for the rear suspension, I'd like to do something to go to a coil spring rear, but cant stomach a price tag of $4k, though I admit that I think the Heidts IRS conversions is just short of genious...I love the inboard disc brakes and the U-joint axles...I like how by using inboard discs they transferred the weight from unsprung weight to sprung weight,it might just be worth buying eventually, in the meantime maybe just some upgraded leaf springs and a drop?

 

[wicked93gs]

also wondering if anyone has any experience with mustang II front end conversions...I know its been around quite a long time, just wondering how the handling is in comparision with a stock mustang...or if possible with something like global west

 

[66Runt]

I've got just under $3,400.00 for the entire suspension package. Front to rear, including subfame setup. Too many little bills to separate everything out.
Finally sat down last weekend and put everything in a spreadsheet. Came out better than I thought... I must have lost some bills ;-)

 

[CarFreakGT]

Is he the same John Dinkel who used to write for Road & Track magazine?

I have no idea. Shoot him a PM, I'm sure he'll respond.

 

[CarFreakGT]

Mod's are on the website in the signature. Doesn't take a lot of money, just well spent money.

Good luck with your project.

Which ORP UCA did you go with, Runt? Why did you prefer the Global West LCA?

 

[66Runt]

The uppers are the racing version

At the time John was absolutely swamped. He hadn't opened his shop yet. In order to get the car done without causing him too much work, he suggested I get the GW lowers. For this car I wanted the boxed LCAs to match the Boxed UCAs for more of a stock look (the overall theme being a GT350).

 

[Rusty67]

The mustangs plus chasis strengthening kit, from what I've heard, is just a bunch of sheat metal. You could provably look at it and use your car as a template to make the same exact stuff. I havn't heard anything good or bad about it other then that.