Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension Suspension ideas needed

I am looking to improve my contour's handling with only spending at most 1000. I am basicly looking to have better tire contact with the ground, the idea for all suspension. The car is bone stock, with stock 15in alloy wheels and perelli p400 tires i think they are 205s? I will be doing all the labor my self or with the assistance of friends, we have free accsess to a lift. So with those things in mind, what would you do? I am changing the suspension because it feels so setchy coming into turns. I dont want it droped to the ground either, a mild drop might be ok.

thanks in advance.

Do you want adjustability? If so, Ground Controls and Konis.
No, then maybe H&Rs and Bilsteins.
Or cheaper, BAT kit or something similar (BAT springs or Roush springs if you can find them with spax struts for a bit cheaper).
Classifieds of this site is a good place to start.
Bigger rear sway bar.
Poly bushings.
If you have money left, a rear strut tower bar.
You can always upgrade the tires, it can make a huge difference.

Three words "BAT Suspension Kit". I just got one. 1" (or a tad more) drop. Doing very well on the NYC streets. Inexpensive!!!

How many miles?

Most of what you're feeling is probably from worn components: struts and bushings, mostly.

What do you use the car for?

Do you autocross? Track it? Or do you just want more stability in crosswinds, and a tighter feel on your daily commute?

Your answer to this will help us narrow it down.

But, as a preliminary, if you just replace the worn components, you'll go a long way in the right direction. If you want to go better than stock, upgrade your struts, at least, and maybe go with mildly dropped springs (a la "BAT kit").

By "worn components" I mean front lower control arms, rear bushings, strut mounts, etc. Check other linkages for play or torn boots, and replace as necessary.

You'll spend a chunk on non-sexy parts, but it makes no sense to put speed parts on top of a shaky foundation.

the car has 69xxx miles. The last 15k i have been driving instead of my mom. So it has been pushed more since i've been driving. I dont autocross it yet, but i wouldnt be against the idea. I drive up in the hills near me mostly. Taking a 90 degree turn around the neighbor hood at like 20, you feel like you are on the edge of the limits of the car, which i honestly hope are not the limit.

So I have deciced on the Bilstein T/C Sport Kit with H&R springs. Now is there anything else I should get while I am doing this? should I get caster camber plates?
Caster Camber Plates

I am also getting the 21mm bat rear sway bar.

Are there anyother suspesion compenents I should replace while I am working on this? Car has just short of 69k miles.

It would be a good idea to get the camber kits. Droping the car moves the camber further negative and it is likely that you will want to be able to adjust it to keep from having inside edge tire wear. The front struts must be removed to install them so you really do't want to go back later to put them in.

That is what my friend had said, but i figured id check in with the pros here. Should i get the plates for the front and back or just the front?

As far as I know there are none available for the rears. The rears don't seem to be as critical anyway.