My son has a 1999 V6 5sp and I have a 2003 GT 5sp. I have changed springs and struts/shocks in my GT(only had 12K miles on them), and saved for my son's car. Will those components improve the handling in my son's V6, or is it a mis-match due to weight differences? Thanks
There will only be a slight difference in feel from the stock V6 setup to the stock V8 setup - the spring rates aren't that much different between the two. If you're gonna do this swap, you might want to invest in a rear GT anti-sway bar also. Your son's V6 doesn't have one, and it would be a nice compliment to the system. There should be little or no difference in ride height in the front either. I have the GT Bullitt kit on my V6, and got the advertised 3/4 inch drop all around.
there might be a more noticeable difference in the back than in the front. i have stock shocks and struts and gt springs on my 97, and the back looks good, but the gap in the front is larger than it was stock.. not sure if its b/c of the shocks and struts or because i got the springs from a coupe, it was a 2000, mine is a convertible.
there might be a more noticeable difference in the back than in the front. i have stock shocks and struts and gt springs on my 97, and the back looks good, but the gap in the front is larger than it was stock.. not sure if its b/c of the shocks and struts or because i got the springs from a coupe, it was a 2000, mine is a convertible.
The gap is larger in the front because the 4.6 block is heavier than the 3.8, and thus the front GT springs are a little stronger.
The best way to upgrade springs and shocks are to get the Bullitt setup (seems to drop the V6 evenly) or an aftermarket setup like BBK, Tokico, Bilstein, etc. Whatever you do, definitely get good sway bars front and rear! They will make a big difference.
I think the best thing to do after reading all the replies is to advise my son to save his money and modify with suspension designed for his car. Thanks for all the feedback.
I think the best thing to do after reading all the replies is to advise my son to save his money and modify with suspension designed for his car. Thanks for all the feedback.
All things considered, I think that's a wise choice. The best bang for the buck on the market is the Bullitt suspension kit. It runs about $400 depending on where you buy it, and it's a complete kit including springs, shocks, struts, and front & rear sway bars..... Can't go wrong, and your son will really notice the difference in the ride and handling after it's done.