Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension New Spax adjustables & BAT sport springs

Hey all,
Just got these babies installed, they are amazing. Seriously I can't even tell you how much better this car feels. My stock SVT suspension setup felt like a boat on a river compared to this setup. One of the best things is the range of adjustment the Spax struts provide - 36 levels/notches of adjustment. Acceleration lurch is gone, brake dive is gone, and I wish I had kept my accelerometer because the lateral g-forces... well let's just say my tires are going to hate me.

Honestly I can't see going above 18 clicks (towards the hard side of things), as 18 is very stiff. If you go over the wrong surface things can get rough... I found you don't compromise much performance by dialing things down to 8-9. FYI if you go to the softest setting as you dial it down you can feel the car soften up -- Duh-george, I know, but it's kind of neat to go from "I can't push the car down" @ 18 to pushing it down and having it gently rise back up again @ 1 click.

The install was performed at a friend's place with a full lift so we were able to extract tidbits from the install how-to and improvise. I can give more details if someone wants, but the two things which stood out were: 1, if you do have a lift, getting a 2x4 and whacking the rear struts from the other side of the car to get them out was a ton easier than pulling the compressed strut towards your family jewels (as the how-to mentions) 2, to dramatically speed up things get yourself access to air tools or maybe buy a hydraulic spring compressor (if it'd fit).

I was really worried the drop would be too much. I would have preferred no drop at all but the 1" drop is nothing to be worried about whatsoever if you're considering picking up a set of the BAT sport springs. The car looks aggressively lower but is NOT slammed, in fact it looks just a bit sportier than stock which is exactly what I was looking for. The only negative thing is pretty small, but it's still an annoyance: the single adjustment knob provided is just barely too big (the knob is too wide) to fit over the rear strut adjustment spots. Even a ratchet + an adapter + the 5/16s socket is too tall. <shrug> A small annoyance for all the fun I've already gotten out of this setup.

Overall I'm very happy with the money I spent on these. Having adjustable firmness is awesome and the springs do an amazing job. A+++

When doing the rear struts, you can just pull them off. They have the strut hat holding the spring, it doesn't bounce or nuthin. When you pull them off they dont fly at you or anything, they just come down. Unless you're a complete retard, you won't hurt yourself.

How much did that setup cost you if you don't mind me asking? Looking to do mine this weekend, would you happen to have any pics yet?

Were are these Spax adjustables sold at? All I can find online are the Focus sets. These aren't the same are they?

The Spax adjustables are $150 per corner and I bought mine here: http://www.batinc.net/contour.htm

No website ordering but the people were friendly on the phone and made sure I got the right stuff. As far as I know that's pretty normal for BAT 'round here... :]

edit: how soon would you want pics? I'd like to wait until I can give it a wash.

I thought we were advised not to use Spax struts with lowering springs...at least in the suspension FAQ

Because I want to get the Spax struts in the classifieds because my backend keeps slamming down a rubbing with my Roush springs.

Non-adjustable spax are better than just an OE replacement. They are fine for moderate drops. I run them with roush springs.

I think Im just gonna buy 1 B.A.T strut a month for 4 months

Helps me buy them instead of racking up a credit card bill too high to pay

So see you in 4 months with nice new struts!!

"I think Im just gonna buy 1 B.A.T strut a month for 4 months"

An okay idea but you might want to ask if they will be matched struts.