New User/New Owner - Springs question

[flappy3]

Hey all, new Stang owner here ('04 GT - competition orange). I've been lurking for a couple of months, trying to learn as much as possible.

I would like to do some basic mods to my car, and I have a question about lowering springs: it seems as if Eibach pro-kit and sportline are the popular choices around here. In doing a search, I also found a brand called Vogtland (German, apparently). Anybody heard of these? Good? Junk? They are about the same cost as Eibach pro-kits, so that is not an issue. Any substantial difference?

BTW, here's a pic of the car. I picked it up yesterday (awesome feeling), but there's 6 inches of snow on the ground this morning! Oh well, snow melts . . . eventually.

http://www.gboxdesign.com/car/mustang.html

 

[white99gt]

Hey all, new Stang owner here ('04 GT - competition orange). I've been lurking for a couple of months, trying to learn as much as possible.

I would like to do some basic mods to my car, and I have a question about lowering springs: it seems as if Eibach pro-kit and sportline are the popular choices around here. In doing a search, I also found a brand called Vogtland (German, apparently). Anybody heard of these? Good? Junk? They are about the same cost as Eibach pro-kits, so that is not an issue. Any substantial difference?

BTW, here's a pic of the car. I picked it up yesterday (awesome feeling), but there's 6 inches of snow on the ground this morning! Oh well, snow melts . . . eventually.

http://www.gboxdesign.com/car/mustang.html

Welcome aboard.That new orange rocks .

I have run sportlines for over 4 years with no problems.Just make sure if you get sportlines you get a good set of shocks.

Steeda also makes some good springs.Just depends on how low you want to go.I have no scraping problems except on BIG speed bumps and then the mufflers is the only thing that has ever touched.

Longtubes also work fine with sportlines.

 

[jeff1414]

I would go with the sportlines the pro-kit is not enough at least for me it wasn't. Nice car

 

[flappy3]

I would go with the sportlines the pro-kit is not enough at least for me it wasn't. Nice car

I was really thinking about the sportlines, too. However, it's my understanding that if you go lower than 1.75", you need new camber/caster plates. I think the sportlines go 2", and I'm really not too hot on spending the extra cash right away. Something to think about, though.

 

[PezKing]

yeah, i was kind of wondering the same thing about the caster/camber plates. i really like the H&R cup kit (shocks, struts, springs). it lowers the car about 2 in all the way around, and i was wondering if i'd need C/C plates....

 

[nickthegenius]

Don't discount the Ford Racing "C" springs. They are manufactured by Eibach for Ford and the drop is around 1.25", but the spring rates are a little different than the ProKit. You can find them as low as $109.

 

[BlkDragon]

I've got Steedas, and while the drop is good I'd like a touch more. I already picked up a pair of Bilsteins and will be ordering a set of H&R SS. I think that will give me the drop I'm looking for.

 

[flappy3]

Don't discount the Ford Racing "C" springs. They are manufactured by Eibach for Ford and the drop is around 1.25", but the spring rates are a little different than the ProKit. You can find them as low as $109.

Good point, especially cost-wise. No matter which way I go, I suppose it would be a good idea to get shock/struts, too. Or are the stock ones sufficient?

 

[hognutz]

I would say shock/strut upgrade should be manditory. CC plates will help your car handle better as well. it changes the mounting point of the strut to a spherical bering. the are not just a waste of money that is needed if you lower your car to much.

here is my .02. you need at least 1.5 drop to look lowered. now if you go to much you are just asking for a harsh ride. I would have loved to go with a 2" drop but peopel complain about the harsh ride. I just purchased h&r ss springs becaue I could not find many complaints and they are 1.6-1.75drop. I am going to run bilstein S&S.

I guess bottom line is do you want to change your looks or your ride. I you want your car to handle better I would do shocks/struts, springs, cc plates, and subframes. this kind of take you out of the "gt" handling more to the cobra, saleen, roush level. for say 1k not bad considering what they want for the cars I mentioned.

 

[blueovalguy]

I used the H&R supersports with Pro3i C/C plates. No complaints here.

 

[nickthegenius]

I have the H&R Supersports on my car and I love the way it rides. I was looking for a budget setup and went with OEM Mach I shocks. They are slightly revalved Tokico Premiums. It handles great, but isn't rough riding in the least bit. I suggested the C-Springs though, because I don't think you can beat the price and you don't absolutely have to have c/c plates.'

BTW, my H&Rs lowerd my car about 2.25"F/2"R. It has settled since this pic which was taken the day after installation.

 

[Sleepy1]

Congrats on the new car, Competition Orange just plain kicks a$$. I like my Steeda Sport Springs. Not too low, but definitely noticable.

 

[flappy3]

I have the H&R Supersports on my car and I love the way it rides. I was looking for a budget setup and went with OEM Mach I shocks. They are slightly revalved Tokico Premiums. It handles great, but isn't rough riding in the least bit. I suggested the C-Springs though, because I don't think you can beat the price and you don't absolutely have to have c/c plates.'

BTW, my H&Rs lowerd my car about 2.25"F/2"R. It has settled since this pic which was taken the day after installation.

Looks great. Love the wheels too. I appreciate everybody's input; it's clear that I have a lot to learn yet, but this board has a lot of knowledgeable people.

What I have gotten from this is that if I'm going to do it, I'd rather do it right. I know some of the differences in suggestions have to do with personal preferences as well as performance and cost. I guess that makes the stang such a great car in that you have options.

 

[StangClear]

Congrats on the Stang. I have a 03 GT and installed the Steeda Sport Springs and the Mach I Tokico shocks from Ford Parts Network. It dropped it around 1 1/4" and the ride is perfect. It all depends what you are looking for, I just like the way the Steeda's look. Just my 2 cents.