Help Me Spend $$$.

[Bikerdrumr]

My '09 GT/CS has 125k miles on it and it's time to replace the bushings in the suspension. (Prob WAY overdue!!) So I might as well install a nice handling kit and lower it too. I plan on installing the parts myself so that will keep the costs down. I am looking to spend upwards of $1k, $2k is the absolute tops.

I am leaning towards FRPP assembled handling kit with GT500 upper strut mounts and BMR adjustable panhard rod. I'll also get LCA's; prob BMR's.

Another choice is the Eibach Pro System plus for about $500 less, which makes getting other parts more affordable.

A third choice is the BMR Level 1 Handling kit for $450 less than the FRPP, but I don't see struts and shocks with that pkg.

This is my DD and I don't race or drag this car. I'm not made of $ but I do want to replace worn out parts while I'm in there doing the work. What other parts most likely need to be replaced? The car handles pretty bad now so I'm sure whatever I install will make a world of difference.

Any advice? Any experience with either of these set-ups? Anyone wish they had replaced or upgraded something else? Any other choices out there that might be better than the others? I plan on purchasing through AM or CJPony.

Thanks!

 

[Bullitt347]

I have the BMR tubular K-member and control arms on my 08' Bullitt. Straight forward installation have had no issues with it. Did it by myself in about 2 1/2 hrs, but I had a use of the shop I work in with a lift and all my tools present.

 

[Bikerdrumr]

Nice! I'll be able to use a lift at a shop too. It pays to have friends! Is that K member just for rigidity or for suspension? I don't know much about that part and it's purpose.

 

[Bullitt347]

You end up with better access to manifold/headet bolts as well as oil pan clearance, better engine mounts, less weight, (about 20 lbs) and better control arms that give you more adjustability for front end alignment.
http://www.bmrsuspension.com/?page=products&productid=1043&superpro=0

 

[Bikerdrumr]

That's nice! I love all the BMR stuff. However, I think that's something I would consider later on because I think it'll put me over the $2k mark after the suspension kit. I guess my question involves which suspension kit I should get as well as whether I should get UCA's, LCA's, relocation brackets, or strut tower braces. Also wondering about caster camber plates.

 

[SpartaPerformance]

I have the FRPP suspension and CHE control arms.

 

[Bikerdrumr]

Thanks, Sparta.

 

[BlackBuggy]

Nice! I'll be able to use a lift at a shop too. It pays to have friends! Is that K member just for rigidity or for suspension? I don't know much about that part and it's purpose.

It's for both. It's the lower brace for the suspension; it is also a functional support for the drivetrain and steering gear.

If I had more money and time when I replaced my steering gear, I would have replaced the K member while I was in there. Those steering gear bolts were about 7-8" long and drenched in blue Loc-tite. I was not a happy camper removing them with hand tools while laying on the ground.

 

[Bikerdrumr]

Thanks, BB.

After doing some research and adding up all the pieces that I would LIKE to buy, I had sticker shock and then a realization that I'm sure all of you had: I don't REALLY have this money to spend. Lol. I'm just desperately trying to find a good reason to spend it anyway. If $ was no object, all of the site vendors would be rolling in it, and our mustangs would be insane. Hmmmm, sounds nice!

I was going to go with all BMR and Koni's, but I decided to go FRPP. This way the drop is only 1" and it can still be aligned without buying CC plates. At least that's what I understand to be the case. I'll end up buying a bumpsteer kit also with ball joint kit. But the control arms and the strut tower brace can wait. Oops! I forgot I'm also getting the FRPP GT500 strut mounts too, because the original ones are probably toast. Again, I've got an 8yo car with 124k miles.

Someone please correct me if any of the above is wrong in your experience.