New Shocks?

[sgt1020]

Would Koni or Eibach shocks be a big improvement over the Ford Racing Shocks on our cars now?

[Blown Away]

Would Koni or Eibach shocks be a big improvement over the Ford Racing Shocks on our cars now?

 

 

Tokico D- Spec are the way to go. They are adjustable so you can dial them in to your preference. I soften them up for road trips and in less than 5 minutes, they are adjusted for the track.

 

The rep from Tokico, who happen to make the Ford Racing shocks, said at the firmest setting, they are firmer than Ford Racing's.

 

 

Dan

[39Mustang]

Would Koni or Eibach shocks be a big improvement over the Ford Racing Shocks on our cars now?

 

 

Its very important to find which Shocks are best with what Springs rather than just say what are the best shocks. The other guy said Tokico and I had them on another Mustang with Steeda Sport Springs and to say it was a crappy ride is an understatement! I decided to try Eibach's complete Pro-kit with Eibach's dampers and WOW what a huge improvement! Car handles way better than my 08 Shelby GT/SC and is also why the Ford Racing suspension is coming off that one. Best idea is to catch a ride in a friend's Mustang to see how the different setups are for your taste.

[vapor08GT500]

The Tokico D-Specs work PERFECT with the Shelby GT Ford Racing springs. I recommend them 1000X over....

 

Alex

[sgt1020]

What about bilstein shocks? These are sweet for handling. My link- Bilstein Shocks Will these work with the FRPP springs?

[sgt1020]

I'm going to go with the Eibach pro damper shocks. Our FRPP lowering springs are actually made by Eibach. The Eibach shocks will work perfectly with our springs and will definitely allow the car to corner and handle better than the FRPP shocks.

[vapor08GT500]

I have loved Bilstein shocks and struts on 79-04 Mustangs, but I really feel Bilstein dropped the ball on 05+, not as smooth as they used to be. The Eibach is s still not my favorite as it is pretty darn stiff still.....I have tried every one of them on Shelby GT's and still love the Tokico the best...

 

Alex

[sgt1020]

I have loved Bilstein shocks and struts on 79-04 Mustangs, but I really feel Bilstein dropped the ball on 05+, not as smooth as they used to be. The Eibach is s still not my favorite as it is pretty darn stiff still.....I have tried every one of them on Shelby GT's and still love the Tokico the best...

 

Alex

 

 

But for performance stiffer is better isn't it? They should perform better than the FRPP shocks on the car now. I think adjusting the shocks all the time would be a pain in the @ss. Plus, Eibach is a very well known and respected name in the performance world.

[dbackg]

The Tokico D-Specs work PERFECT with the Shelby GT Ford Racing springs. I recommend them 1000X over....

 

Alex

 

 

A spring rate is how much force needs to be applied to compress the spring through a given distance. If you have a 134 lb per inch spring, then it will take 134 pounds to compress the spring 1 inch. It let's you know how firm or soft the ride will be.

 

2005-09 FORD RACING MUSTANG LOWERING SPRINGS

GT = FRPP PART # M-5300-K, lowers approx 1.5"

 

Spring Rate

Front 173-248lb/in (variable)

Rear 195-236lb/in (variable)

 

Ford factory spring rates are for the GT Mustang 2005-09: Hardtop - 165lb front / 142lb rear. Convertible - 144lb front / 122lb rear.

Good info from the another forum:

http://mustangforums...ng-allowed.html

 

S197 type springs

 

Apparently these were all tested using a very good digitalload cell based spring tester made in Germany for H&R springs.

 

Name- (part number)- lowering amount- spring rates

 

Stock/Factory GT springs (Tags= Yellow, Orange) - front: 136lb/in rear: 142lb/in

(Tags= Yellow, Orange) - front: 136lb/in / rear: 142lb/in, I have confirmed all of these rates

using a 0.000000Nm German spring tester, very soft with lots of roll and moderate understeer

 

Eibach Pro-kit (pn 35101.140) / Ford Racing (K-springs) (pn M-5300-K) 1.5/1.7 -

Front 173-248lb/in (variable) - Rear 195-236lb/in (variable)

Progressive rate front springs with a starting rate of 173lb/in a working rate of 239lb/in and max. rate 247.6lb/in at coil bind, good spring rates but ride height is a bit too low, will easily bottom out all the time with harsh ride due to the rear axle living on the bumpstops all the time due to excessive lowered ride heighting with potential to snap over steer on rough roads with suspension loaded up.

 

Eibach Sportline (pn 4.10135) 1.6/2.0 -

1.6/2.0 - tested, lost data but these spring rates are extremely high and are IMO unsafe due to almost zero rear travel before going solid and into snap oversteer, these are poser springs

 

Steeda Ultra-lite (pn 555-8206) 1.25/1.5 front: 195lb/in rear: 175lb/in

Steeda Ultra-lite (pn 555-8206) 1.25/1.5 front: 195lb/in / rear: 175lb/in,

Testing verified, front measure 198lb/in, rear measure 167lb/in and both are linear rate springs.

 

Steeda Sport (pn 555-8216) 1.0/1.25 - front: 200lb/in rear: 175lb/in

1.0/1.25 - front: 200lb/in / rear: 175lb/in, Testing verified,

front measure 205lb/in, rear measure 168lb/in and both are linear rate springs.

 

Steeda Competition (pn 555-8241) 1.0/1.25 - front: 225lb/in rear: 185lb/in

(pn 555-8241) 1.0/1.25 - front: 225lb/in / rear: 185lb/in, Testing verified

front measure 231lb/in, rear measure 172 and both are linear rate springs.

 

H&R Sport (pn 51655) 1.0/.75 -

 

H&R Super Sport (pn 51655-77) 1.7/1.9 -

 

H&R Race (pn 51655-88) 1.5/1.4 -

 

Roush Performance {sold in pairs} (pn 401294 and 401295) 1.0/1.0 -

 

Roush Extreme (pn 402331) 1.0/1.25 -

 

Tein H-tech (pn SKG12-BUB00) 0.94/1.65 - front: 163lb/in rear: 163lb/in

 

Tein S-tech (pn SKG12-AUB00) 1.5/2.24 - front: 174lb/in rear: 174lb/in

 

Vogtland (pn 950084) 1.3/1.3 - variable front: 160-240lb/in variable rear: 120-220lb/in

 

Saleen/Racecraft (pn 10-1302-B12999) 1.25/1.25 -

 

Sprint (pn 2115) 1.6/1.5 -

 

BMR Fabrication Inc. (pn SP009) 1.25/1.5 -

Front: 120-165lb Progressive

Rear: 130lb

 

Part of the M-2007-FR3SVT handling pack

 

GT500/SVT = FRPP PART # M-5300-L, lowers approx 1.25"

http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=9882

 

Does anybody know what the spring rates are?

Edited January 4, 2011 by dbackg

[sgt1020]

I'm looking at a set of Koni Yellows. They have gotten some great reviews. Will these work well with the FRPP springs?

[39Mustang]

I'm looking at a set of Koni Yellows. They have gotten some great reviews. Will these work well with the FRPP springs?

 

 

Try the Eibach's, you'll like them. They're great for everyday driving plus they will handle any track duty and like

you said 'you don't have to adjust them' makes life much easier

[07SGT4743]

I'm looking at a set of Koni Yellows. They have gotten some great reviews. Will these work well with the FRPP springs?

 

I have the Koni's on my SGT which I use for national level autocross competition. I find these work great with the FRPP springs both on the track and on the highway and adjust very quickly by just turning a knob. Several of the top competitors have also been trying AST shocks (over twice the price) and seem pretty happy with those.

 

If you want some very informed answers, contact Sam Strano at Stranoparts.com. I know he has driven on the Tokico's, Koni's, etc. He has won the SCCAF Stock National Championship from 2007 - 2009 in an SGT and this year in a 2011 GT, so he definately knows his stuff.

 

Ron

[07SGT0086]

I have the Koni's on my SGT which I use for national level autocross competition. I find these work great with the FRPP springs both on the track and on the highway and adjust very quickly by just turning a knob. Several of the top competitors have also been trying AST shocks (over twice the price) and seem pretty happy with those.

 

If you want some very informed answers, contact Sam Strano at Stranoparts.com. I know he has driven on the Tokico's, Koni's, etc. He has won the SCCAF Stock National Championship from 2007 - 2009 in an SGT and this year in a 2011 GT, so he definately knows his stuff.

 

Ron

 

 

+1 on Ron's suggestion, Sam Strano is a great guy and he will provide you with sound advice based on his actual experience with the products.

 

From my own experience, the easy to adjust Tokico D-Specs were a huge improvement over the standard SGT FRPP units because the non-adjustable FRPP struts/shocks were simply way too stiff for comfortable street driving. For Autocross use, I found that the Tokico D-Specs performed well, but the front struts were a little too soft even at "Full Firm" settings for my preferences which I corrected by switching to Koni Sport Yellows when they finally became available... all is good now with the popular choice Koni Sport Yellows.

 

And don't be afraid of adjustable struts/shocks... it just takes some time and experimentation to learn what settings make your car "happy" and suit your driving style.

 

Happy motoring,

[Mustang DAN]

I'm looking at a set of Koni Yellows. They have gotten some great reviews. Will these work well with the FRPP springs?

 

 

I have the Koni Yellows on my 08 SGT coupe with the stock FRPP K springs. I thought about changing the springs when I did the dampers, but didn't. Overall very pleased. I don't take my car to the track, but drive it every day, so I have them set full soft. They're very easy to adjust w/out getting under the car, if I ever want to autocross or go to a track. Overall the Koni's gave the car a better ride (wife appreciates) and a more "refined" handling feel. Sometimes I wish I'd done the springs too. Would like a SLIGHT increase in ride height and suspension compliance.

 

I've accepted the reality that public roads are not like race tracks, and the car must handle bumps, dips, ripples, etc without pounding my kidneys into submission. I thought about changing to the springs that Ford puts on the Bullitt version. I don't want to raise the care too much and destroy the "look and character" of the car. Still want to retain a definite "performance" ride quality. I've noticed that FRPP now sells the suspension pack for the 05-09 GT with a 5300-P spring that lowers the car 1 in instead of 1.5 in. Any thoughts/experience with those choices?

 

When I changed to the Koni's, I had the mechanic use all new fasteners from Ford, which the manuals said to do. Parts cost was about a hundred dollars. Anyone know if this is really necessary? The cost of labor, fasteners, and alignment is a bit of a deterrent to frequent experimentation.

[Frank S]

I have the "P" springs on my coupe, as well as the Koni Sports. I think it is the ideal combination. Adjustment on the Konis is not linear: that is to say, it seems to me the closer you get to full hard, the less difference a slight turn makes, and the closer you get to full soft, the more difference a slight adjustment makes.

 

The springs and shocks went on at the same time, so I have no experience with either as a distinct change. To begin with I had the shocks set at halfway between the ends of the adjustment range, which is less than two full turns, I think. The ride at that setting was a lot of jounce and not much compliance on rebound. Rebound is the only adjustment effected by the screws. After a track day - very satisfactory performance in both spring and shock aspects - I reset the shocks to full soft. It made a world of difference. In all but extreme circumstances the ride is close to a stock GT coupe's as far as comfort is concerned, but the stronger (progressive) springs reduce body lean and dive considerably.

 

I believe the "P" springs have similar rates to the "K" springs, but yield only about half the drop. Seems to me the FRPP literature says 3/4-inch front, one-inch rear, but my pretty careful measurements were 1/2 front, 3/4 rear.

 

As I said, "P" for perfect in my view.

 

(Edit: add photo credit for on-track photos - caliphotography.com)

Edited January 9, 2011 by Frank S

[fatboy]

i have a set of Bilsteins on my 2k Tundra TRD offroad. rides smooth.

 

as for my SGT (being a daily driver) i need shocks i can live with everyday. tired of the FRPP shocks beatin me up. i may like driving it more if i werent cringing everytime i see a little bump or divit in the road.

 

u guys are makin it hard for me to choose. i may go with koni's if they are easy to adjust.

 

 

i'm keeping the FRPP springs btw. and where did ya'll order koni yellows from? so many websites. or can Ford's parts dept order them?

Edited January 13, 2011 by fatboy

[andrewnagle1964]

i have a set of Bilsteins on my 2k Tundra TRD offroad. rides smooth.

 

as for my SGT (being a daily driver) i need shocks i can live with everyday. tired of the FRPP shocks beatin me up. i may like driving it more if i werent cringing everytime i see a little bump or divit in the road.

 

u guys are makin it hard for me to choose. i may go with koni's if they are easy to adjust.

 

 

i'm keeping the FRPP springs btw. and where did ya'll order koni yellows from? so many websites. or can Ford's parts dept order them?

 

 

Koni yellows are simple to adjust

 

 

 

Bought them from

Sam Strano

 

Good luck

Andrew

[07SGT4743]

Got mine from Sam Strano as well. Good prices and great advice.

[Frank S]

Got mine from Sam Strano as well. Good prices and great advice.

 

Same here; also, the fastest turnaround possible. The struts aren't always available.

[fatboy]

thanks fellas

[Lynno]

Where are the adjustments located on the Koni's and on the Tokico D-Spec? Are they on the top of the shock? I have the rear Shelby shock brace on. Would this get it the way to adjust the shocks.

[slbgtsc]

I put a set of the Koni Yellow on my SGT last year and love them. Super easy to adjust and the ride is great around town on softer setting and then plenty stiff when dialed up for track days.

[Kevin Patten]

Where are the adjustments located on the Koni's and on the Tokico D-Spec? Are they on the top of the shock? I have the rear Shelby shock brace on. Would this get it the way to adjust the shocks.

Lynno, they are on the top and no - your rear shock brace will not interfere.

 

P.S. I have a full set of the yellow Konis that I'll sell you if that's what you in need of. PM me if interested.

[blackice556]

Front feels a little less stiffer than when I purchased my 07 SGT. it now has 71K miles with no mods since.

I kind of like the stiff but bouncy ride that it had when I bought it.

How do I get that back?

[gtup1]

I replaced my FRPP shocks with a set of inverted Bilstein struts on the front and shocks on the rear and love the ride and handling. Not the cheapest game in town but not to bad. The shop I use actually made a package for Mustang drivers with FRPP springs shocks and struts in one package that made it cheaper and easier to replace everything. Yes I know we already had the springs but not to have to disassemble the front struts was worth the $150.00 dollar package difference.

Flattened the cornering a bit and definitely helped the compression.

[ShelbyDW]

Same here, did the Koni Yellows with the FRPP springs. The ride is stellar. Haven't tracked them yet on the stiff side, but I'll bet they are good in that setting as well.