Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension help me decide on suspension!

my entire suspension is totally shot

heres what im planning on

bat rear swaybar (aussie GB is taking too long)
rear poly swaybar bushings
mod rear subframe (dad is a welder)
rear strut mounts
front poly swaybar bushings
new front control arms
front swaybar links
koni struts
new pass side outer tierod (driver side is onyl 3 months old)

now heres my dilemma:

camber plates - do they replace the front strut mounts or are they just an add on?

springs - i dont know which ones to get. i would like coilovers, but im not sure if i really need them. also they are expensive. i want a mild drop but not slammed. i do like the idea of being able to adjust the coilovers though. my main concern is performance, im not going cheap on anything, right now my car is scary to drive past 50mph, can barely control it!

strut tower braces - do they really work? are they worth it?

any comments/suggestions please. is there anything i forgot that i should replace?

thanks,
Russell

Camber kits do replace the front mounts but the upper plate from SPC is junk. I suggest GC's and Konis because of the adjustability and the firm ride. You can dial it in to how you want it to look for height and still have a firm ride. bat or aussie bar is a must with the modded subframe. Poly bushings everywhere too!

The rear strut tower brace is more effective than the front...so Id say get that one first.

IMHO, you don't "need" coilovers unless you're hardcore into the show circuit. If you want a mild drop and improved performance, you have a lot of other spring choices. Stiffer/lower does not necessarily translate to "better handling." A mild drop with a mild bump in spring rate transforms this car without getting into driveline binding, roll-center, or bumpstop issues. Coupled with a high-quality strut like Koni, I think you'd be happy.

Granted, if you want to do your own experimenting, track testing, etc. then you'll want GCs, but my guess is you'd find the "ideal" race setting to be similar to what the other springs give you out of the box.

JMHO.

after finally riding in a car with GCs, damn, their effing stiff! thats with three people in the car, riding on possibly one of the chittiest streets ever. ride was VERY firm. not too much, but not for the weak hearted thats for sure.

i wish GCs were softer, id be all over those like white on rice.

i'd have to agree on the G/C Coil overs.....

i had a set in my escort....they were great...nice stiff handling but a tolerable ride...adn coilovers are for more than show and just dropping your car....you ride hight can do wonders for your handling....sut don't over do it...it took me 2 weeks fo messing around to find he sweet spots for the front and rear of the escort and when i was done it handled beutifuly....i've amazed alot of ppl with how well that car stuck....this with stock everything except the G/Cs and Tokico struts......i'd diffinatly go for the G/c espcialy cause when i was poking around their site theres a place you can enter your own spring rates or jsut tell them what you plan on doing with your car and they will pick the right ones...

"adn coilovers are for more than show and just dropping your car...."

Does not the 06 ford 500 come with coilovers and a plush ride?

IF i were you i would get H&Rs and Konis, Forget the GC and konis.

Its nice to say i have but do you really need it.