Any suggestions for a smoother daily driver?

camposl69

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I have a 2011 GT500 non-SVTPP, and I didn't like the large gap in the wheel wells so I lowered it with a Ford Racing Handling Kit (springs and shocks) which lowered it all around about 1.25in. I also installed 20x10 and 20x9 Black Mamba wheels (Super Snake replicas) with Michelin PSS 275/35/20 rear and 255/35/20 front.
The look is exactly what I wanted. However, the ride suffered a lot! It is very firm and rattles my bones! Does anyone have any suggestions on getting a smoother daily driver? Maybe a different suspension kit that is kinder to my body.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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Catmonkey

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See if the car is sitting on the bump stops. If these weren't addressed when you lowered the car, it's going to be harsh. You need some amount of suspension travel. I also think Ford's performance struts and shocks are valved on the heavy side. If you bought the adjustable versions, try dialing them down.
 
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Pribilof

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See if the car is sitting on the bump stops. If these weren't addressed when you lowered the car, it's going to be harsh. You need some amount of suspension travel. I also think Ford's performance struts and shocks are valved on the heavy side. If you bought the adjustable versions, try dialing them down.

+1

Cut the bump stops and call BMR if that doesn't help. I put their drag springs on mine with Vikings and it was a pleasure to drive in the city.
 

PistolWhip

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I’ve been considering air ride. When I first did the suspension in my car (going on 8 years ago now) I had a very different agenda. Now I want to be able to enjoy driving the car more often, but I also love the stance it has right now. I think the best compromise would be air, but the cost is really making me second guess it. I’ve had the car for 9 years and put 13k miles on it in that time, so I keep wrestling with the idea of spending $4k on a suspension for a car that I’d be lucky to put another 5k miles on (if that).
 

RedVenom48

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Viking Warrior DA shocks in the rear, reinstall your stock GT500 struts in the front as a start. Youll have to swap the new springs into the old struts up front.

Springs set the ride height, but too stiff a spring will also cause problems with ride quality. My car came with the SVTPP pack and the damn thing was too stiff. Didnt hook up right at the drag strip either. My car currently has the stock front PP struts and springs, but the magic was in the rear. Viking Warrior DA rear shocks, Viking 150# springs sitting on BPS adjustable spring perches.

Im the weirdo that loves the stock SVTPP ride height, and the BPS perches got me back to it with the shorter Viking springs. My car has to be streetable in addition to being adjustable for racing. To me, my ride quality is perfect now.

As others have stated, your lack of suspension travel means youre going to bottom out more. Even with modified bump stops, its just going to be the new normal for you. #thatlowlifetho
 

merkyworks

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I've had stock SVTPP springs and struts and the ride wasn't terrible. Then went to a decent racing coilovers and when driving the car hard they felt amazing but when taking it easy the ride was harsher then SVTPP suspension. Wanting something slightly lower than SVTPP setup but not wanting it slammed I decided on Eibach pro-kit and Bilstein struts/shocks. I'm very happy with this setup as its slightly lower, takes turns nicely and rides very well.
 

PistolWhip

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I have those springs with D-specs. I think Bilstiens are in my future. I just can’t justify the cost of air ride for a car I drive a dozen times a year.
 

mysticsvt

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That’s what I did, but now my GT500 that I’ve owned for 9 years now only has 13k miles on it... LOL

I’m trying to drive the thing more...
I hear ya, I have less than 10K on my 15.....Truck is like 6K....18. LOVEEEEE MY TRUCK THOUGH! :)
 

PistolWhip

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I hear ya, I have less than 10K on my 15.....Truck is like 6K....18. LOVEEEEE MY TRUCK THOUGH! :)

Yeah me too. I went from a loaded 13’ FX4 SCREW with an eco boost to an 18’ XLT Sport SE SCREW with a 5.0 and I couldn’t be happier. I enjoy the truck so much I kind of don’t feel like bothering with the Shelby half the time.
 

merkyworks

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And this is why I DD my Shelby, to fun a car to own and not enjoy it! To each there own though :)
 

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