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Do I have the wrong struts for my SVT??

P

playpool

CEG'er
Joined
Jul 6, 2007
Messages
30
Hi,

I just redid all the suspension on my Contour SVT. I went to O'Reillys and told them i have an SVT but they told me that the standard v6 struts and springs are the correct ones. I asked several times to be assured that there was no difference from theirs to OEM svt struts. The car to me just does not seem like it handles as well as the original worn suspension. I did get the Monroe Sensatracs with Moog springs. The car sits higher and just does not seem to handle turns the same. Is it me or did I get the wrong parts here. I am concerned that I should have bought KYB or Bilstein. Oem springs even. Hopefully someone can set me straight. Thanks much.
 
moog and monroe dont make SVT suspension parts, your car handles more like a non SVT V6 Contour now.

if you want new SVT stuff you need to go straight to ford. No ifs ands or butts, and things are considerably more expensive.

Which is why most people get upgraded springs and get an aftermarket strut because the car handles better than stock and it costs less than getting new OEM stuff
 
From what I've read SVT and nonSVT struts are the same the big difference is in the sway bars. When I did my suspension I went with KYB struts and MOOG springs and at first it sat very high but did eventually settle down
 
AliasJerk said:
moog and monroe dont make SVT suspension parts, your car handles more like a non SVT V6 Contour now.

if you want new SVT stuff you need to go straight to ford. No ifs ands or butts, and things are considerably more expensive.

Which is why most people get upgraded springs and get an aftermarket strut because the car handles better than stock and it costs less than getting new OEM stuff
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Thats what how I feel. What is the point of an SVT if you go to the parts store and they list the same parts as a standard v6?
 
I got sensa trac on my silfro :shrug: I had moog springs but sat a lil high and was a bit stiff so i put my oem back on and for a DD i like how it rides :shrug:......
 
playpool said:
Thats what how I feel. What is the point of an SVT if you go to the parts store and they list the same parts as a standard v6?
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prats stores are not the most intelligent they just regurgitate what is on the screen.... they assumed all v6 contours get the same stuff because that is what the computer tells you..

rockauto.com does sell the original Motorcraft SVT struts for like $75 a piece. sorry for your experience. you may be able to reclaim most of your handling with svt springs however they do not list svt springs I would check with BATinc.com

good luck
 
from my understanding all rear struts are the same. the SVT had unique front struts after 98.5 that where valved differently. Since then the parts numbers have combined with the standard front strut part number.

from my understanding the monroe struts are just equal to stock. chances are they ride softer then stock struts. if you want to keep the similar feel go to BAT and get a set of their struts.
 
Update

Update

I called my local Ford Dealership today and asked them if there is a difference between the SE and SVT struts and springs. I was told yes so I am pretty upset. Before I was confident taking turns at higher speeds. I was on the Interstate and took the same turn at 60 mph with my new set up. Almost hit the wall. The car handled way better with my worn out struts and springs. Not happy but I hope the parts store recognizes this as a problem and refunds my money and some sort of credit since I wasted my time putting this suspension on. I wanted a nice sporty comfortable ride. I was not trying to nickle and dime this car. It cost me nearly 700.00 for the struts, springs and sway bar link.
 
Well, I called O'Reillys and explained my problem. They are actually going to make good and refund my money while giving them the used parts back. Now I need to order new suspension. I need a nice ride along with sporty ride. I drive about 200 miles a day. What other suggestions do you guys have.
 
AliasJerk said:
moog and monroe dont make SVT suspension parts, your car handles more like a non SVT V6 Contour now.

if you want new SVT stuff you need to go straight to ford. No ifs ands or butts, and things are considerably more expensive.

Which is why most people get upgraded springs and get an aftermarket strut because the car handles better than stock and it costs less than getting new OEM stuff
Click to expand...


I figured they would be more expensive there too but actually are the same price. Front struts 100.37, Rear 91.00, Front springs 86.00 Rear springs 84.00 Ford Svt direct Oem replacement.
 
playpool said:
I figured they would be more expensive there too but actually are the same price. Front struts 100.37, Rear 91.00, Front springs 86.00 Rear springs 84.00 Ford Svt direct Oem replacement.
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I did my whole suspension setup for a smidge under $350 including springs struts and strut mounts and bearings. I got Eibach springs with a stock strut. Its all about shopping around, internet is your best friend.

Might I suggest Rockauto.com and our 5% discount code for the future?
 
Yes, the struts are valved differently. The fronts were made softer and rears stiffer to handle more like a sporty euro car.

After a certain year (not sure when) the design of the struts for svt and non-svt became the same, I assume to cheapen and simplify manufacturing. If you look at team ford parts, the part numbers are the same for struts.

Ride height of SVT and non SVT were exactly the same IIRC.
 
playpool said:
Well, I called O'Reillys and explained my problem. They are actually going to make good and refund my money while giving them the used parts back. Now I need to order new suspension. I need a nice ride along with sporty ride. I drive about 200 miles a day. What other suggestions do you guys have.
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unless you want to go oem the bat kit is a good pick
 
Ok BAT kit it is. I am lame and have no idea what that means but how do I order it?:crazy:
 
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