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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 64
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Posts: 64 |
I started out by searching the forums, but couldnt find many reviews, so I was wonderin' if anyone had strong opinions for or against the BAT European handling kit? (Struts + Springs.)
My priorities are improved handling over SVT stock suspension, ease of installation/maintenance and a ride that isn't TOO horrible. Reduced quality is fine. Do you guys think it is worth it? It sounds like most people are satisfied... Does it require a mechanic who knows how to align such suspensions properly? (I'm not very good at this... yet) Who would you guys recommend I take the car to for installation, adjustment? Any and all suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks
--HRC
'00 SVT Contour #2450
'98 Contour GL (Ready for AutoX!)
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,301
Addicted CEG\'er
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Addicted CEG\'er
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,301 |
Everyone that has the BAT kit seems to like it.
If you want to try installing it yourself, there is a how-to around here somewhere. If not, take it to a mechanic.
-Ken V.
1998.5 SE Praire Tan Zetec ATX
psycho_bass@hotmail.com
Roush springs Roush rear sway bar BAT struts 17" Millie Miglia HT3 and a ton of subtle asthetic mods
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653 |
got any experienced friends? it's not too hard doing springs and struts, backs are easy and you clearly see what to do. front can take a while to figure out, but we did one of my fronts in 45 minutes. BAT kit should be just fine for you.
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,732
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Aug 2002
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ive heard nothing but good things about the bat kit, and im probably gonna get it myself
Russell
Oval Port 3L Nearly Done
MTX75 w/ Homebrew Zetec FD and Torsen Complete
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,881
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Jun 2002
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I heard its a great kit, but once it's installed, you will need to get an alignment.
1998 T-Red SVT #957
Born 5/14/1997
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 284
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 284 |
I have it, its great. not one complaint.
Totally sold out for a 90 GT vert.... 1/4 mile is almost the same as my modded svt w/n2o was...
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 41
New CEG\'er
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New CEG\'er
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The kit definitely makes your car handle better, less leaning when you corner, and less dive when you brake. The car gets lowered by about an inch so it looks better and the ride is not much stiffer than stock. If you have some mechanically inclined friends and some sort of manual (such as Haynes) you can do it yourself with their help, if not, get a mechanic. Get the car aligned as soon as the suspension is mounted, and a few months later once it settles. I got my car aligned at 'Allen Tires', they were the cheapest around my town ($40), make sure to get an alignment print-out and make sure the numbers are within stock. Good Luck. 
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 138
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 138 |
Originally posted by mi5pal:
The kit definitely makes your car handle better, less leaning when you corner, and less dive when you brake. The car gets lowered by about an inch so it looks better and the ride is not much stiffer than stock. If you have some mechanically inclined friends and some sort of manual (such as Haynes) you can do it yourself with their help, if not, get a mechanic. Get the car aligned as soon as the suspension is mounted, and a few months later once it settles. I got my car aligned at 'Allen Tires', they were the cheapest around my town ($40), make sure to get an alignment print-out and make sure the numbers are within stock. Good Luck.
Exactally!!! I did mine myself and it took about 25-30 minutes a corner. I love the results. Not too low, just perfect.
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 322
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
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I'm going with the BAT kit myself, though I have been waiting for it to come in now for over a month. Arghhh. At 110K miles, I'd say I'm pretty much overdue. Heck, I'd take the springs from a Chevette at this point and it would be an improvement. I'm also doing the bushings while I'm at it. Hopefully the kit comes in this week. I have mine on order with Joe at SP Motorsports.
I'm not very mechanically inclined myself (never do for yourself what you can pay someone to do for you). My mechanic is going to do an alignment after the install, and then check it out a month later after the suspension settles in. Just something to keep in mind, because the car will drop over the first month.
Good luck.
Jim H
95 Midnight Blue SE (Sold)
98.5 Silver Frost E1 (Sold)
'04 G35 6MT Sedan (Sold)
'01 Aurora 4.0
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 64
CEG\'er
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OP
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Originally posted by Yankees25:
My mechanic is going to do an alignment after the install, and then check it out a month later after the suspension settles in. Just something to keep in mind, because the car will drop over the first month.
Good luck.
Does it take a month, then, for the car to handle as its really supposed to? Or is it just a cosmetic drop that occurs after the first month?
--HRC
'00 SVT Contour #2450
'98 Contour GL (Ready for AutoX!)
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