Sportline springs on stock struts/shocks

[Xcessiv]

Hi everyone.

I know that the topic has been covered often, in fact I've read all of them. I'm still unsure about installing Sportline springs on stock struts/shocks (everything stock except springs) but I don't have the money to invest on a whole suspension setup. My '01 GT only has 14 000 miles and I wouldn't want to decrease the struts/shocks life by a 50%+ factor. Is it a myth or a reality? Will everything last 2-3 years without a single problem? On the other hand, I don't like the pro-kit drop (no enough for me) so I will simply not drop my Stang if I don't go with Sportline.

One more question, how much do typical C&C plates go for and are they necessary? Will my alignment be ok without them? I found some "almost new" Sportlines for 150$ CAD but they were previously on a convertible Stang. Are they the same as the coupe ones?

Sorry for posting so many questions, your help would be appreciated.
Regards,
Yan

 

[XStanger]

I have had sportlines for a year and I have not one issue. Shocks are fine, tire wear is fine, but I also left my isolators in so that may have something to do with it.

 

[cryptic]

Sporline Springs;

I don't know about the wear on yur stock struts/shocks, but he springs you have will not wok on your coupe. The spring rate is different for verts.
CC plates you can get from between 190-250.

 

[Xcessiv]

I don't know about the wear on yur stock struts/shocks, but he springs you have will not wok on your coupe. The spring rate is different for verts.
CC plates you can get from between 190-250.

Ok I guess the spring rate for convertibles is higher, won't it just sit a bit higher? Is there any other difference beetween the two?

 

[cryptic]

Springs;

Yes the rate is higher due to the weight of the vert being more, so I guess yes it would sit a bit higher. So maybe you could still use them

 

[Xcessiv]

So the drop should be beetween the one of typical sportlines and pro-kits? Will I need C&C plates and eventually other struts/shocks then?

 

[cryptic]

Springs

I'm not sure, I've read mixed threads, you should get cc plates for the geometry of your front end to be in allignment, but as far as the shocks/struts your stock should be fine unless you are planing for even better handling, you might want to get adjustables.

 

[Xcessiv]

cryptic: thanks! Does anybody have more information about convertible springs on a coupe and using sportlines on stock shocks/struts?

Regards

 

[Xcessiv]

TTT. The guy is now selling his practically new convertible Sportlines for 100$ CAD (they sell for about 400$ CAD here). The really cheap price would pay for the required C&C plates. Now I just need to know:
1) Will convertible springs still allow me to get a nice drop or if it'll be more similar to a pro-kit?
2) Did anybody else test Sportlines + C&C plates + everything else stock? Did you have any problem with this setup?
3) Will Steeda 3 bolt C/C plates do the job?

Regards

 

[Darkhorse845]

You should be fine.When the stock
shocks and struts start to show
signs of wear just replace them!

 

[Xcessiv]

One more important question before making the move... Alot of people keep telling me how Sportlines on stock shocks/struts will make the ride DANGEROUS with worse handling and alot of instability suspension wise with some SERIOUS wheel hop. I know that only changing springs will modify the whole geometry and affect the stock suspension, but won't the handling be at least a bit better than before?

 

[KAILUAZ]

That combo isnt dangerous, I have sportlines with stock everything and no CC plates. The only issue with stock struts/shocks is they are not designed for the lowered springs, so they are not "tuned" for the travel range that the lowered springs give. This would be a big deal if you raced the car and needed the suspension dialed in properly, other wise you will be fine.
Go fot it, my car handles great in the turns now!!!

 

[Darkhorse845]

With your Eibach Sportlines just replace
the stock struts and shocks with the
Mach 1 struts and shocks.

 

[Xcessiv]

Thanks for the info guys. Some people having done the same thing on another car (ex.: Eclipse, Focus and so on) also told me that this combo was especially dangerous when taking curves on bad (bumpy) roads. Did you notice major handling decrease in this specific situation?

Regards,
Yan