OEM GT susp vs v6 susp.

[johnnyv8]

Hey guys,

I own a 06 gt w/ some bolt ons and stock suspension. The other day, I took my brother car out for a drive (bone stock vert 05 v6) & I felt like the car handle just as good if not better then my GT. I know these car's are not corvettes & Z's (atleast not w/ stock susp) but I'd fig my car still would handle better.

I know my car has more power and weight to deal with and maybe his car just feels better but really isnt. What do you guys think?

 

[Sam Strano]

I think I'd like to know why you think it felt better? His car has some difference... mostly softer everything, srpings, shocks, and smaller rear swaybar too. Weight wise, his shouldn't be any lighter... a cast-iron V-6 vs. an aluminum V-8 isn't exactly a big difference--and the convertible has extra bracing and the motor and stuff for the top. Usually they weigh a bit more, not less.

I'd wager his car has fewer miles on it so your shocks and struts are more worn. Just a hunch, could be wrong. Really I'll honestly say I'm surprised that you find it handles as well, but it wouldn't be way far off.... But I'll say it's not hard to make your car (and his too) a lot, lot better. Right now you are comparing different stock apples to aftermarket oranges.

 

[Gray Ghost GT]

I'm confused too. You're comparing the performance of a 2006 GT vs. a 2005 V6 and believe the V6 model with softer suspension components with similar weight has an advantage of the OEM GT components. Can you explain what you felt and experienced while driving the two cars that helped you reach that conclusion?

 

[johnnyv8]

Hey sam, your def right about the miles. The vert has 35k and my GT has 75k. I'm not comparing anything to aftermarket. I'm just comparing my stock car w/ his stock car. I guess its hard to explain other then it seems the vert can take a turn just as fast as my gt. I don't push my gt or the vert to any kind of limit but when I hit a apex, I'm on it. I'm just surprise I feel as though I can take a turn just as fast in the 6.

Correct ghost, I feel as though my bro v6 handles just as good if not possible better then my GT. I understand that my car should handle better and maybe it does. I'm no pro, I was just woundering if anyone had these thoughts.

 

[Gray Ghost GT]

You likely have worn OEM shocks at 75K. I highly recommend a set of Koni STR.T shocks and a set of Vogtland Sport 1.2" springs. When replacing your shocks and struts, might as well do the springs at the same time. You'll notice a HUGE improvement in handling that your brothers car won't be able to compare to.

 

[frank s]

Tires and wheels the same? Bet not. World of difference. If not the same, swap one with the other and report back.

 

[johnnyv8]

Ya, are those shocks too harsh on the road? I was looking at the Roush shocks, I've heard great things about them on the track and on the road.

My tires are more worn out then his but they are a better softer tire (pirelli sottozero) vs I think he has hankook 700 or whatever pep boys gives you.

 

[Gray Ghost GT]

Ya, are those shocks too harsh on the road? I was looking at the Roush shocks, I've heard great things about them on the track and on the road.

"too harsh on the road" is very subjective - every individual has a personal preference for how firm they like their ride on the street and track. I heard some Roush shocks are actually made by Bilstein - just confirm if you decide to place an order with them. Koni's are also excellent. I don't think they would be too harsh on the road.

 

[zxmarekxz]

the weight distribution might be better in his v6 vert, but I dont know if that would help much. Could be that the seat position is different and the car feels stiffer...

 

[Sam Strano]

Ya, are those shocks too harsh on the road? I was looking at the Roush shocks, I've heard great things about them on the track and on the road.

My tires are more worn out then his but they are a better softer tire (pirelli sottozero) vs I think he has hankook 700 or whatever pep boys gives you.

You need better shocks, first and foremost. Skip the Roush stuff, unless you don't want a lifetime warranty and killer shocks.

Regardless of who makes them, they are build to a spec. Bilstien made a lot of GM shocks that worked pretty badly because of the valving GM specified went in them. Roush certainly aren't that way, but when you have so many great choices for not a lot of money and with things like lifetime warranties, and options like adjustable damping I just think it's not wise to buy a product based on name alone. Though if you were going to do that, Koni is a huge name---I mean they make shocks that go on McLaren F1 cars.

STR.T's are $399 a set, that's all 4 with a lifetime warranty too.

 

[johnnyv8]

You need better shocks, first and foremost. Skip the Roush stuff, unless you don't want a lifetime warranty and killer shocks.

Regardless of who makes them, they are build to a spec. Bilstien made a lot of GM shocks that worked pretty badly because of the valving GM specified went in them. Roush certainly aren't that way, but when you have so many great choices for not a lot of money and with things like lifetime warranties, and options like adjustable damping I just think it's not wise to buy a product based on name alone. Though if you were going to do that, Koni is a huge name---I mean they make shocks that go on McLaren F1 cars.

STR.T's are $399 a set, that's all 4 with a lifetime warranty too.

OOOO, McLaren...I'd trade my left nut for that...sh*t, & my right lol. Im in the process of buying H & R lowering springs (lower the GT an inch). I don't know much about shocks, I just heard good things about the Roush products and the cars. Even the British TV show Top Gear likes the Roush Mustang & that says a lot if any one watches that show.

I'd like a set of shocks that can make the car handle better but I only want very little sacrifice for ride quality. I don't want the ride quality of a Corvette or a 350/370z were my back wants to kill me every time I hit a bump.

 

[Sam Strano]

I carry H&R springs too.

Top Gear is entertainment, it's not really a car show. They dynoed a GT500, it make less than 500 at the wheels, and then said it should be called a GT445 (or something like that). Not exactly where you want to be going for setup information.

The ride will improve with any high quality, well valved shock because it will take bumps much better, less harshly. But lowering springs will make the car stiffer, firmer. There is a difference between firm and harsh, so it's a matter of what you can live with. The BEST ride are stock springs and killer shocks.

 

[johnnyv8]

I carry H&R springs too.

Top Gear is entertainment, it's not really a car show. They dynoed a GT500, it make less than 500 at the wheels, and then said it should be called a GT445 (or something like that). Not exactly where you want to be going for setup information.

The ride will improve with any high quality, well valved shock because it will take bumps much better, less harshly. But lowering springs will make the car stiffer, firmer. There is a difference between firm and harsh, so it's a matter of what you can live with. The BEST ride are stock springs and killer shocks.

Ya, I remember the dyno. I think they do that kind of stuff on purpose, there just not a fan of us. They even had an episode were they took a v6 mustang and called it a GT.

Do you have the H/R that lowers ur GT an inch? Or more? How do you like them? Were do you recommend to shop for shocks?

 

[Sam Strano]

Johnny--I sell all those parts.... All of them. H&R, Koni, etc. etc.... I do have H&R's, and they lower the front 1", but the rear only about .75", which makes the rake worse and most don't like that, so I don't often sell them.

Check out my website man... www.stranoparts.com

See the "official site vendor" under my name. You can also call me with any questions. This is what I do. I also happen to own a Mustang (my 2nd one personally) and I own the company too.

 

[johnnyv8]

what do you mean by makes the "rake worse" w/ the h/k springs? I dnt have any $ 2 really spend right now, but i'll def ck ur site out. whats good set of shocks for a everyday car at a good price?

 

[Sam Strano]

You know how these cars tend to sit a little tail up? When you drop the nose further than the tail, that gets worse. Most folks want the car level, not nose down.

Shocks, I'd recommend Koni STR.T.

 

[nuclearmuscle523]

I shouldn't have fed the trolls

And the v6 has an aluminum engine btw it's very light, fully dressed, I can lift it. The vert is outfitted with subframe connectors, And since it's a v6 the rear end weighs less(7.5) with different rear springs, the transmission is smaller, has half the exhaust system(makes a difference trust me), and that's all I can think of currently.

 

[johnnyv8]

I don't understand your example, because they actually do road test cars and discuss it's handling abilities, but your example is like pointing out that they also stuck a cows head in james may's car.

And the v6 has an aluminum engine btw it's very light, fully dressed, I can lift it. The vert is outfitted with subframe connectors, And since it's a v6 the rear end weighs less(7.5) with different rear springs, the transmission is smaller, has half the exhaust system(makes a difference trust me), and that's all I can think of currently.

Are you sure the 6 is an aluminum block? I do think the mileage plays a big rule if not the biggest role in this. I do like Top Gear, but they are very unfair and basis toward American cars however there starting to come around. The fat guy actual brought the Ford GT and he loves the ZR1. Plus there's a American Top Gear out now too, I watch one episode so far, pretty good, I feel as though the cast good be better.


I will def check out ur site sam when I have the money lol. but theres other things that have to be done to the GT 1st. I have a transmission sitting @ a friends house lol.

I may consider picking up a pair of oem "new take off" shocks to hold me over. I'd image 2010 GT shocks are the same as my 06 correct? I just saw some1 on here selling a set.

 

[zxmarekxz]

Top Gear is entertainment, it's not really a car show. They dynoed a GT500, it make less than 500 at the wheels, and then said it should be called a GT445 (or something like that). Not exactly where you want to be going for setup information.

exactly, thats when I stopped watching them.

repped

 

[nuclearmuscle523]

I shouldn't have fed the trolls.
I shouldn't have fed the trolls.
I shouldn't have fed the trolls.
I shouldn't have fed the trolls.
I shouldn't have fed the trolls.