V6 Susp: Aftermarket vs. Perf Pkg

[HareBrained]

So, the basic question is: Is the performance package worth it on a V6 if a majority of the parts are going to be replaced with aftermarket components?

The perf pkg adds (* - replaced component):
- STB
- anti-sway bars *
- "Unique" springs *
- Sport program in electronic stability control (ESC)
- 19" wheels and tires *
- "Unique" calipers and perf pads
- Black Mirror Caps
- 3.31:1 rear axle gears

"Unique" components are reportedly the GT units.

Analysis:
The rear axle can be had independently, for $395, and would be purchased regardless, so it doesn't figure in the decision and is removed from the budget. That leaves the STB, Sport ESC, and GT Calipers as the remaining components from the package. The cost would be $1600 ($1995-$395) without the MCA package or $1100 with it. For that amount of money, it would be easy to get take-off/aftermarket STB and calipers. Which leaves the Sport ESC, is it worth the several hundred left in the budget? Is the ESC something that can be upgraded? Where is the ESC located? Is it a separate module, and do all ESC modes use the same components to sense the car's attitude? Can the standard V6, non-Sport, ESC be turned off (I believe the GT ESC can be disabled)?

I'm assuming the base V6 Premium Coupe already has a rear anti-sway bar, and thus the required mounts. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Note: The Perf Pkg is now required with the MCA package, which may make this analysis moot.

So, does it make sense to buy the performance package if the springs, bars and wheels/tires are going to be replaced?

 

[Kona6Stang10]

To be honest, I opted for a based out 6 for that very reason....I knew it would all get replaced in time.
My .02

You're going to get ESC either way, I have it....And yes you can turn it off, I found that holding the button down for 5 or so seconds disables traction and stability, experimentation is how I found that out (kept noticing the stability light flashing at me even with the trac off when I was getting "sideways-ish" lol Held the button down like you would in the GT and viola)
I wouldn't waste your time with ESC......and wondering if it's tunable or upgradable.....it should be off at all times in good weather conditions anyway
STB from ford is somewhat functional.....but it's more for being pretty.
Yes all v6's as far as I know, now come with a rear sway bar... at least since 05 (correct me if i'm wrong)
The 2011's already come with the GT brakes anyway......as well as sways shocks and struts.....

That's what I know as far as stock stuff goes.....I can help with aftermarket a LOT more especially in the suspension department....just PM me!

 

[Axes-Of-Evil]

To be honest, I opted for a based out 6 for that very reason....I knew it would all get replaced in time.
My .02

Yes all v6's as far as I know, now come with a rear sway bar... at least since 05 (correct me if i'm wrong)

Not all v6's come with rear sways. Mine is a 2007 base model v6 and it had no rear sway bar.... luckily Sam's bar fixed that and it made a world of difference in stiffening it up. I can't believe they sold some of these cars without rear sway bars.

 

[HareBrained]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Kona6, I agree, the ESC should be off in good weather and disabled is better improved. And you think the brakes are the same as the GT? That would be great.

It really doesn't look like the performance package is worthwhile if the springs, sways, and wheels are going to be replaced.

 

[Sam Strano]

I certainly don't think it's worth the money if you are planning on doing any changes or want to make the car the way you want anyway.....

I'd order a 3.31 axle, skip the PP.

The 2011 V-6 front brakes are the previous GT's 12.4" fronts, and we all use the same rears.

Ford's damper, spring, and shock combo is easily improved up with better parts.

Unless there is some compelling reason to get the PP. The way it looks, or maybe you want to say race in a limited modification class, I don't see any reason to spend that money that way and feel you'll end up with a better performing car with aftermarket suspension parts.

 

[Kona6Stang10]

I certainly don't think it's worth the money if you are planning on doing any changes or want to make the car the way you want anyway.....

I'd order a 3.31 axle, skip the PP.

The 2011 V-6 front brakes are the previous GT's 12.4" fronts, and we all use the same rears.

Ford's damper, spring, and shock combo is easily improved up with better parts.

Unless there is some compelling reason to get the PP. The way it looks, or maybe you want to say race in a limited modification class, I don't see any reason to spend that money that way and feel you'll end up with a better performing car with aftermarket suspension parts.

Not to mention you could hit this guy up ^^^^ and end up with a great suspension setup for around the same price as the PP car is going to cost you extra.

Also not to mention his will be far superior to the factory ford setup

 

[Kona6Stang10]

Not all v6's come with rear sways. Mine is a 2007 base model v6 and it had no rear sway bar.... luckily Sam's bar fixed that and it made a world of difference in stiffening it up. I can't believe they sold some of these cars without rear sway bars.

That's odd......I don't know why they would do that either.

Learn somethin new everyday

I plan on getting a set of sam's bars eventually!

 

[Sam Strano]

Because some cars are Pony-packages more "upmarket", and some are base, base, base cars like rental companies get or you get if you get no options (my ex-girlfriend had an '07 like that).

Just part of the option setup.

 

[Axes-Of-Evil]

That's odd......I don't know why they would do that either.

Learn somethin new everyday

I plan on getting a set of sam's bars eventually!

just skip straight to getting sam's bars. dont bother buying an inbetween thing and then upgrading later itll cost u more in the long run, plus its nice that they're adjustable. ur not stuck with any stiffness

 

[Chris B.]

The only reason I can see to get the V6 performance package is if you were concerned about the warranty. Even then, most Ford dealers don't care if you swapped suspension bits and rear gears.