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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 38
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 38 |
Im thinking about getting the BAT handling kit but I would like to get some info on it before I buy, so who has it and what difference did you notice in your car after it was installed? Is the ride pretty harsh or is it still pretty smooth. I am also running 18 wheels so do you think I will have rubbing problems? Thanks for your help.
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,202
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We have it installed on our SVT. If you do a search in the forums, there were a few people that noted their opinions of the kit. To put it short, slightly harsher ride (to be expected) which is dependant on road surface, little or no nose dive or lift under accleration or braking. Excellent cornering prowess as compared to the stock stuff. Well matched springs and struts. Take a look at our SVT in my signature.
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 767
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Posts: 767 |
I love mine...with the Aussie bar it's the best suspension setup for the price. I suggest getting it...Chris pretty much hit the nail on the head about ride quality, etc...
1998 Contour SVT E0 Silver Frost
#3623 of 6535 B-day:09/18/97
My CEG Profile
My Car's Website
My Photo Albulm
"Life is full of conflicts; it's the moments of peace that we must cherish"-Me
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 620
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 620 |
I just got mine yesterday thanks to Chris @ CTA. I'm going down to San Diego so i'll be installing them when I get back. Go through CTA  
SVT EMBLEM MOD HERE :::96:C:LX:::Black 2.5L ATX "my beater" - Shaved ? badgeless ? SE rocker panels :::99:SVT:C::: #2566 of 2760 T-RED/TAN "the bitçh" Brullen Cat-back w/ 3.5" angle-cut tips ? BAT European Suspension ? AFE Filter ? CnL 73mm MAF ? Diablosport Chip :MNQ3: ? Mirko front spilter ? Apexi SAFC (i'm scared to install! anyone in Norcal wanna help me?) ..::nyceboicreations.com::.. email:junkmail@nyceboicreations.com
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 767
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Posts: 767 |
Originally posted by nyceboi: Go through CTA I second that...Chris is very straightfoward and very helpful....Can't wait to do business with him again.
1998 Contour SVT E0 Silver Frost
#3623 of 6535 B-day:09/18/97
My CEG Profile
My Car's Website
My Photo Albulm
"Life is full of conflicts; it's the moments of peace that we must cherish"-Me
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 972
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 972 |
i third the motion, chris at cta rocks.. gave me some good trade in deal i also plan on getting some parts from him in the near future *cough* lsd & clutch *cough*
95 SE Champagne Mettalic
True Dual exhaust with X pipe and Redline mufflers
KKM Tru Rev intake
H&R Springs/KYB struts
Apex-i S-AFC
65mm Throttle Body
17" Ace Spades
4 Pt Racing Harness
Window Tint all around
New Engine @ 117k kilometers
G-Tech: 15.6 @ 91.5 MPH
"you officially kick ass"
quote from awed CEG'er after i chopped my hood and threw on scoops
RIP 98 SVT silverfrost *nov 4 2001*
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12 |
Ditto to all the comments above. I am still using the stock 15" wheel ( wilth better aftermarket tires) and I feel that with the better suspension, lower profile tires will help significantly; am planning on 215/45 17's soon.
Also, on smooth roads, there is only a slight difference in ride quality, on rough roads, there is a pretty big difference when you get in to the high end of the progressive rate springs, but the handling difference is worth it ( with your lower profile tires, expect this to bea bit rougher).
On ride height, I barely noticed any difference before and immediately after installation; probably due to my old springs having 65,000+ miles. I can see that it is taking a set now after 4000 miles on the kit.
Overall, highly recommended
'98 SE Sport, Duratec, 5 speed. BAT Euro handling Kit. K&N, PIAA.
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,794
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I have BAT struts with H&R springs and it is kinda harsh (to be expected in Michigan) but handling is amazing, that with the Aussie bar...and the car rocks...
Just call me Judge.
People suck.
Life begins at 170mph...until that point it is just boring.....
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 34
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Posts: 34 |
I installed the BAT European kit on my '95 Contour SE 2.5L. As with any good suspension kit, it took advantage of the opportunity to lower the car 1". I also installed a larger BAT suspension bar and replaced quite a few suspension bushing with urethane. I added SHO-shop strut tower braces and 17x7.5 rims with Firestone Firehawk SV50 EP in 215/45ZR17 size. The ride is rougher, but only nominally so. When I get the car to highway speed, its smooth as glass . . . it really makes you want to speed. The handling is phenomenal, the steering is much more responsive, and all the mush associated with the stock suspension is gone. This is the second car where I've used BAT products for upgrading the suspension. BAT has top grade components and they are so easy to deal with. The SHO-Shop was another matter. I like their products, but not their service. It took about 10-12 weeks to get my strut tower braces and they later sent me some wrong urethane bushings, but still made me wait until I returned the old bushing before they would send me the correct bushings, even when I had my car torn up waiting for the correct part. Were talking about $5-10 worth of parts and a customer doing repeat business. Go figure!
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 334
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 334 |
I just got mine installed today.. im gonna get my car in 30 mins...
send me a private message and i'll let you know my 2 cents on the kit.
(PS. my mechanic called and said the car rides like it's almost on rails... we'll see.....)
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