Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension Suspension Changed: Roush/KYB to BAT

I changed my stock SVT suspension about 12,000 miles ago to the Roush springs and KYB GR-2 struts. With the condition of the roads here I decided I wanted something smoother so just bought the BAT kit. Problem is, there's no difference in ride harshness although the BAT kit is less "bouncy" by a small margin. Is there something OEM the garage may have thrown out on the Roush install? I seem to recall Terry mentioning something to be careful about on suspension changes?? Needless to say, if you want a practically brand new set of Roush/KYB's for around $350 US send me a PM (brand new they're around $520).

The BAT kit will "loosen up" with some miles. I thought mine was a bit harsh as well...but after 2000 miles...very nice. Also..the Yokohama Intermediates I was running also were very harsh riding. When I went to the Pireli 6000s...WOW! So that's what a smooth ride is like! Tires have an interplay with struts when considering ride comfort.

Bounce is controlled by the shocks! The BAT/Bilstein struts do a better job of handling the Higher rate springs. The KYB's are factory replacment for standard Contours!

-Andy

Hope you are right about the ride becomming less harsh, with some more mileage. The ride is a bit bouncy on one piece of hiway I take going to work. I was surprised that the 17" wheels and the lower profile tires would give you the better ride. Is it on par with you snow tire /wheel combo?

I hope you're right mcgainer. I guess the cold weather ain't helping the shock fluid any. Also, I figure the tires are important too - will have to check out those P6000's.

Thx for the reply.

Are the KYB's adjustable? If so i would be very interested.

Originally posted by ANDYW:

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Bounce is controlled by the shocks! The BAT/Bilstein struts do a better job of handling the Higher rate springs. The KYB's are factory replacment for standard Contours!

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Couldn't have said that better!

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No the KYB's are not adjustable. Just a stock replacement comparable to the standard Contour strut.

Originally posted by LBVSVT:

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I hope you're right mcgainer. I guess the cold weather ain't helping the shock fluid any. Also, I figure the tires are important too - will have to check out those P6000's.

Thx for the reply.

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I was a little "oh sh*t" when I 1st took the SVT for a ride after the BAT kit. My cd was skipping all the time. But really and trully...it mellowed out nicely! I remember at 1st...how I felt the struts (being gas charged) felt like they were rebounding to fast after a bump. Now...its nice! I was also surprised how smooth and supple the 17"s ran with a 45mm sidewall. It just goes to show you how the right tire (for the intended application) and the right suspension (I think that's called matching) really can make or break your ride.

The Good Year GS-Cs, Dunlop 8000s, and Yokaham Int 100s all ran stiff and loud and would almost "slap" the bumps/cracks rather than roll over them. The All-Seasons, and the Pireli 6000s (not the voloce's) have a solid 1 piece rib that runs down the center of the tire, and this helps the tires "roll-over" the bumps/cracks.

To conclude this epic, you'll be very happy in say 2000 miles.

Tho I will say...I'm going with GCs and adjustable struts next time I do this...

No they're not. AFAIK the Koni's are the only adjustable ones out there for our cars and they cost.

There does exist a 24-way adjustable strut out there...

Leda makes them, but IIRC, they run about $250-300 per corner. I'd only consider them for SERIOUS track/race use, otherwise the adjustability is simply beyond what you should ever need for the street.

They also do their own springs.