Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension Biggest bang for bucks

Here's the deal (which i'm sure most of you are familiar with):

I want to improve my handling, but I got limited cash flow. I've got a completely stock suspension (see sig) now on my SE. Am I going to notice a great difference by installing a Rear strut-tower brace? I guess I'm just looking for the most bang for the buck here since I can only afford about a $200 dollar purchase at the most right now. I heard the front tower brace is more show than go, am I on the right road here?

from all ive read the rear sway bar (aussie bar) from terry is the biggest bang for your buck. i dont have 1 but im just saying what ive heard others im sure will chime in but the aussie bar will be the first suspension piece i go for when i get a job.

Rear strut tower bar. I think you can get one for like $100. No welding just but it in and away you go. That is the biggest bang for the buck IMHO.

you have 19mm rear sway bar, bigger than a SVT's. Your struts may be worn, as your car is 7-years old. Might have a look there, more than $200 but something you may seriously need and could give you a marked improvement.

Aussie bar, IMHO. The car is much more responive then it has ever been. You car might even respond better then mine did because of the stiffer SE springs (mine is a `96 GL).

You could also drop the cash on some springs but that will most likely trash the stock struts.

If your struts are damaged/leaking/worn out I would consider those. If the seal is broken (leaking) you have lost pressure and it would cause the car to be less responsive because there would be no damping action and the suspension would be able to move more then Ford intended.

Just some options, it all depends on what you are looking for. Struts would give a better ride so you would notice that all the time. Something like a sway bar or a strut tower brace would only bring you joy when you turn. They are fun too. If you do get an Aussie Bar, make sure that you buy new backing plates from Aussie. You will rip your stock stuff off the car in no time.

Poly bushings, if you don't already have them, on your rear bar. Then rear strut tower bar. easily under 200$, i did the same for less than 50$...

The poly bushings helped the stock sway bar (19mm)a little which was OK for under $20. I thought the rear strut brace made a huge difference in the handling and was a great upgrade for the $$s.

hmmm, eventually, i'll have to do both sway bar and strut tower brace. The motor mounts where another thing I was considering. I could do SVT motor mounts (with inserts) and a 22mm sway bar w/poly bushings for ~$200. I might go that route. I'm still not sure if I'm going to notice the bigger difference if I get the sway bar or tower brace.... hmmm