Suspension Build, '03 GT

03BullittClone · 01-18-2005, 10:12 AM

This is the suspension build-up I am putting together for my '03 GT, with the aim being drag racing it a little more in the coming year(s). I plan on going to the track probably 5 - 8 times in the 2005 season. Without going into brand names right now, have I forgotten anything? Am I wasting my time and $ with anything I am including?
-upper and lower contol arms (adjustable, or non-adjustable?)
-subframe connectors
-jacking rails
-front struts
-rear shocks
-lowering springs
-caster/camber plates
What do you think?????
:confused1

MEAT · 01-18-2005, 12:37 PM

I'm still new to the mustang scene but you should look into the Maximum Motorsports suspension packages they have. I think thats what im gona do when I get the funds.

Islander03GT · 01-18-2005, 01:22 PM

Look at Maximum Motorsports.

Don't waste your money on the jacking rails, just get basic full length subframe connectors.

Go with solid upper and adjustable lower control arms.

Here's what I'm going with:

Eibach Pro Kit Springs
Strange 10 way adjustable shocks/struts
Maximum Motorsports Camber Caster Plates
Maximum Motorsports Full Length SFC's
Ford Racing Upper Control Arms
Maximum Motorsports Drag Race Adjustable Lower Control Arms
Energy Suspension Coil Spring Isolators

This is a good street/strip setup. Remember a full drag race setup is gonna suck throug the corners. Thats why adjustable shocks/struts are a good thing to spend the cash on.

Blue02GT · 01-18-2005, 05:28 PM

Well I ran at the track(s) 22 times in 04, 158 passes.
Here is what I use.
Steeda double adjustable uppers
Steeda lowers
Maximum Motorsports full length frame connectors
Steeda Sport springs
Tokico adjustable drag struts
stock rear shocks
Weld Draglite rear wheels with 275/15/50 Nitto drag radials
1.789 sixty foot with an automatic tranny.
Mine is also my daily driver and takes the curves just fine.

spike_africa · 01-18-2005, 06:06 PM

hey blue what convertor are you rocking out with with?

Blue02GT · 01-18-2005, 06:56 PM

PI 3500 stall speed, best thing I put on the heap yet.

03BullittClone · 01-19-2005, 06:22 AM

Blue02GT, I still have a row-your-own. If I continue to build this car in the way I want to, that will change at some point. But for now, it's still a daily driver also. But, believe me, I appreciate the info from you.

2000 STEEDA · 01-19-2005, 07:04 AM

Blue, is your car street driven? I have a 2600rpm stall and am looking to go 3000 - 3500. I just dont want to be hurting on the street.

spike_africa · 01-19-2005, 07:30 AM

i rana 3,000rpm nitrous holeshot on my f150 no problems on the street as long as you keep it a lockup convertor its all good.

03BullittClone · 01-19-2005, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03BullittClone

This is the suspension build-up I am putting together for my '03 GT, with the aim being drag racing it a little more in the coming year(s). I plan on going to the track probably 5 - 8 times in the 2005 season. Without going into brand names right now, have I forgotten anything? Am I wasting my time and $ with anything I am including?
-upper and lower contol arms (adjustable, or non-adjustable?)
-subframe connectors
-jacking rails
-front struts
-rear shocks
-lowering springs
-caster/camber plates
What do you think?????
:confused1

Back to the subject. I will be joining you in your bragging rights this summer, but for now, I am still looking for input. I am about to plunk down 2 to 3 LARGE, and for a guy that is still paying for college for his kids, that amount ain't no joke for me.
:icon_joke

Blue02GT · 01-19-2005, 04:00 PM

The suspension on mine is mild, I drive it everyday to and from work. I drive to NMRA events 600 miles away then race it and drive it home. Most of my mod's are not expensive. I did the springs first because I can't stand Mustang's looking like a Jeep. I did the uppers and lowers together, then the frame supports. Last I did the drag struts. You can get cheaper ones then the Tokico's. Strange makes good drag struts and shocks. All together I got about 1200 bucks in suspension mod's. It's all perfectly streetable, car rides fine. The Steeda sport springs lowered it 1-1/2" in front and 1" in back. They reduce roll and the car handles better than stock. If you go with an all out drag suspension you will loose your cornering, I didn't want that. The adjustable struts are great I have them set at 5 for maximum street performance then at the track I drop to 1 and get good front end lift and weight transfer. Just takes a small screwdriver and 30 seconds. My car is my primary transportation so I don't have anything too crazy done to it other than the 4.30's. And even those are not bad with overdrive.

03BullittClone · 01-20-2005, 06:23 AM

Great input! Thanks very much. And, yes, Strange is on my radar.
:thumbsup:

WhiteDevil · 01-20-2005, 01:09 PM

-non-adjustable upper and adjustable lower contol arms
-Full length subframe connectors
-struts & shocks
-lowering springs
-caster/camber plates (99% not necessary with steeda sports springs)
-sticky tires
When you really get a good grasp of how to launch with this setup all installed, you should be netting very impressive 60's

03BullittClone · 01-21-2005, 01:53 PM

Some more good input! We have some suspension-savvy Stangers on this forum; it's a great place to hang out. Keep 'em comin'!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

2000 STEEDA · 01-21-2005, 03:18 PM

Buddy, that amount is no joke for a lot of us, lol.

WhiteDevil · 01-25-2005, 07:43 AM

lol, thats my long term goal

I only have the sticky tires, subframes, and lowering springs out of that list myself, finishing off my power first. One check at a time

01-18-2005, 10:12 AM	#1 (permalink)
03BullittClone Switching Gears.... Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Suburban Chicago Posts: 215	Suspension Build, '03 GT This is the suspension build-up I am putting together for my '03 GT, with the aim being drag racing it a little more in the coming year(s). I plan on going to the track probably 5 - 8 times in the 2005 season. Without going into brand names right now, have I forgotten anything? Am I wasting my time and $ with anything I am including? -upper and lower contol arms (adjustable, or non-adjustable?) -subframe connectors -jacking rails -front struts -rear shocks -lowering springs -caster/camber plates What do you think????? :confused1 __________________ Looking REAL Hard at an '06 Shelby!!!

01-18-2005, 12:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
MEAT Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Jacksonville, Fl Posts: 54	I'm still new to the mustang scene but you should look into the Maximum Motorsports suspension packages they have. I think thats what im gona do when I get the funds. __________________ 02TruBluGT: miles per hour 283, MPH race heads, MPH blower cams, saving for KB2.2

01-18-2005, 01:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
Islander03GT Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Simi Valley, Ca Posts: 717	Look at Maximum Motorsports. Don't waste your money on the jacking rails, just get basic full length subframe connectors. Go with solid upper and adjustable lower control arms. Here's what I'm going with: Eibach Pro Kit Springs Strange 10 way adjustable shocks/struts Maximum Motorsports Camber Caster Plates Maximum Motorsports Full Length SFC's Ford Racing Upper Control Arms Maximum Motorsports Drag Race Adjustable Lower Control Arms Energy Suspension Coil Spring Isolators This is a good street/strip setup. Remember a full drag race setup is gonna suck throug the corners. Thats why adjustable shocks/struts are a good thing to spend the cash on. __________________ John V 06 Honda Accord SE- Daily Driver 83 Jeep Cherokee W/T- Off Road Toy 02 Mineral Gray V6 Vert- Girlfriends No more: 03 GT- The Problem Child

01-18-2005, 05:28 PM	#4 (permalink)
Blue02GT Ex Mini Smack King Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: St. Louis Posts: 868	Well I ran at the track(s) 22 times in 04, 158 passes. Here is what I use. Steeda double adjustable uppers Steeda lowers Maximum Motorsports full length frame connectors Steeda Sport springs Tokico adjustable drag struts stock rear shocks Weld Draglite rear wheels with 275/15/50 Nitto drag radials 1.789 sixty foot with an automatic tranny. Mine is also my daily driver and takes the curves just fine. __________________ True Blue 2002 GT Premium 4r70W 1/8 8.205@ 84.780 1/4 12.874@ 107.20 Bolt on's n/a NMRA #7703 Dyno'd at Modular Depot 251 hp. 291 Tq. 4.30's, 3500 Stall converter, Steeda upper & Lowers, Tokico drag struts, M & M frame connectors, P & A valve body, C&L plenum, Accufab 75mm TB, Jet Hot Long tubes, Hooker O/R X, Steeda catback,SCT tune,Steeda pullies.

01-18-2005, 06:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
spike_africa Administrator Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Orlando,Florida Posts: 7,200	hey blue what convertor are you rocking out with with? __________________ Dustin 2002 GT Mustang 5-Speed Drag Radials,Sprayed,Powershifted WOOO HOOOO!

01-18-2005, 06:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
Blue02GT Ex Mini Smack King Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: St. Louis Posts: 868	PI 3500 stall speed, best thing I put on the heap yet. __________________ True Blue 2002 GT Premium 4r70W 1/8 8.205@ 84.780 1/4 12.874@ 107.20 Bolt on's n/a NMRA #7703 Dyno'd at Modular Depot 251 hp. 291 Tq. 4.30's, 3500 Stall converter, Steeda upper & Lowers, Tokico drag struts, M & M frame connectors, P & A valve body, C&L plenum, Accufab 75mm TB, Jet Hot Long tubes, Hooker O/R X, Steeda catback,SCT tune,Steeda pullies.

01-19-2005, 06:22 AM	#7 (permalink)
03BullittClone Switching Gears.... Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Suburban Chicago Posts: 215	Stall Blue02GT, I still have a row-your-own. If I continue to build this car in the way I want to, that will change at some point. But for now, it's still a daily driver also. But, believe me, I appreciate the info from you. __________________ Looking REAL Hard at an '06 Shelby!!!

01-19-2005, 07:04 AM	#8 (permalink)
2000 STEEDA Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Baton Rouge Posts: 326	Blue, is your car street driven? I have a 2600rpm stall and am looking to go 3000 - 3500. I just dont want to be hurting on the street.

01-19-2005, 07:30 AM	#9 (permalink)
spike_africa Administrator Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Orlando,Florida Posts: 7,200	i rana 3,000rpm nitrous holeshot on my f150 no problems on the street as long as you keep it a lockup convertor its all good. __________________ Dustin 2002 GT Mustang 5-Speed Drag Radials,Sprayed,Powershifted WOOO HOOOO!

01-19-2005, 04:00 PM	#11 (permalink)
Blue02GT Ex Mini Smack King Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: St. Louis Posts: 868	The suspension on mine is mild, I drive it everyday to and from work. I drive to NMRA events 600 miles away then race it and drive it home. Most of my mod's are not expensive. I did the springs first because I can't stand Mustang's looking like a Jeep. I did the uppers and lowers together, then the frame supports. Last I did the drag struts. You can get cheaper ones then the Tokico's. Strange makes good drag struts and shocks. All together I got about 1200 bucks in suspension mod's. It's all perfectly streetable, car rides fine. The Steeda sport springs lowered it 1-1/2" in front and 1" in back. They reduce roll and the car handles better than stock. If you go with an all out drag suspension you will loose your cornering, I didn't want that. The adjustable struts are great I have them set at 5 for maximum street performance then at the track I drop to 1 and get good front end lift and weight transfer. Just takes a small screwdriver and 30 seconds. My car is my primary transportation so I don't have anything too crazy done to it other than the 4.30's. And even those are not bad with overdrive. __________________ True Blue 2002 GT Premium 4r70W 1/8 8.205@ 84.780 1/4 12.874@ 107.20 Bolt on's n/a NMRA #7703 Dyno'd at Modular Depot 251 hp. 291 Tq. 4.30's, 3500 Stall converter, Steeda upper & Lowers, Tokico drag struts, M & M frame connectors, P & A valve body, C&L plenum, Accufab 75mm TB, Jet Hot Long tubes, Hooker O/R X, Steeda catback,SCT tune,Steeda pullies.

01-20-2005, 06:23 AM	#12 (permalink)
03BullittClone Switching Gears.... Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Suburban Chicago Posts: 215	Blue02GT Great input! Thanks very much. And, yes, Strange is on my radar. :thumbsup: __________________ Looking REAL Hard at an '06 Shelby!!!

01-20-2005, 01:09 PM	#13 (permalink)
WhiteDevil 1/4 mile junkie Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 86	-non-adjustable upper and adjustable lower contol arms -Full length subframe connectors -struts & shocks -lowering springs -caster/camber plates (99% not necessary with steeda sports springs) -sticky tires When you really get a good grasp of how to launch with this setup all installed, you should be netting very impressive 60's __________________ WhiteDevil 2003 Silver GT Audio/Visual 2 12" Massive Audio RW's Kicker 800.4 & Hifonics ZX7500 amps Diamond/Infinity audio highs Mach 1 chin spoiler & Grill delete Steeda Sports Springs Mods BBK Tuned Length Headers Magnaflow O/R X-pipe Magnaflow Catback 17x10.5 & 17x9 Chrome Cobra R's 315x35x17 Nitto 555r DR's FRPP 3.73 gears w/ brothers speedcal Pro50 Short Shifter BBK aluminum U/D Pulleys Awaiting Install MM Full length Subframes Next Cams/Nitrous

01-21-2005, 01:53 PM	#14 (permalink)
03BullittClone Switching Gears.... Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Suburban Chicago Posts: 215	Suspension Input Some more good input! We have some suspension-savvy Stangers on this forum; it's a great place to hang out. Keep 'em comin'! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: __________________ Looking REAL Hard at an '06 Shelby!!!

01-21-2005, 03:18 PM	#15 (permalink)
2000 STEEDA Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Baton Rouge Posts: 326	Buddy, that amount is no joke for a lot of us, lol.

01-25-2005, 07:43 AM	#16 (permalink)
WhiteDevil 1/4 mile junkie Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 86	lol, thats my long term goal I only have the sticky tires, subframes, and lowering springs out of that list myself, finishing off my power first. One check at a time

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