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Topic: Sn95 rear springs performance (Read 1905 times) previous topic - next topic

Sn95 rear springs performance

I have set of rear springs of a v8 sn95 in my shed. I was thinking about putting them in(with spacers) to lower my rear slightly. Most threads talk about ride height differences, but I want to know about drive-ability. I know they are softer than our stocks but is it noticeable? Does it ride nicer or feel like the suspension bottoms out. I'd also want to know about drag racing, does the softer suspension hurt your time? Thanks guys

Keith
1988 Thunderbird sport
2004 Ford F150 Lariat
2008  Chevrolet Cobalt Sport
2007 Suzuki DR-Z400S dual sport/Supermoto
1988 Thunderbird LX - sold
1988 Mercury Cougar XR-7 with GST kit - gone

Sn95 rear springs performance

Reply #1
Subscribing.

Lol......Ive had 2 sets laying around for a long time and finally convinced myself to install a set this past weekend. The biggest issue is not how soft because the spring rates but because of load rating. The 03GT springs I used are the same spring rate as the Turbocoupe around 25O......I have no idea of the load rating but unsprung they were about an inch shorter. I ended up almost maxing out the spring perch on the CHE lowers which gave me about a 1.5" tire to fender gap with a full tank of gas and no passengers.

Performance wise, I can't say. I only went for a short drive around the block and it felt pretty good. I don't know how well they will work for drag racing because your sitting on alot of preload with not alot of travel left. Although, when coming to a hard stop I didn't  notice any increase in lift outback. I am going to run like this for a bit then install the 03 Vert springs I have to see what works better. Saying that....... I am only doing this to keep from cutting the stockers which I am likely going to end up doing.

Sorry not much help.....That's my experience so far.

John

Sn95 rear springs performance

Reply #2
I've got 96 Mustang GT springs in the rear of my Thunderbird. I had to crank the adjusters on the Maximum Motorsports lowers about half way up to get the car to sit level front to back (I did use poly spring isolators top and bottom).

As far as ride goes I can't say I notice a huge difference from the factory LX springs. It's harsher, yes, but that could also be from the spherical bushings in the Maximum Motorsports lowers.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Sn95 rear springs performance

Reply #3
The only SN-95 rear springs that are close to the TBirds/Cougars in load rating are the V8 vert ones. Even then, they're a bit lacking.

That being said, I've used them several times in personal cars.
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon

Sn95 rear springs performance

Reply #4
Hey Chuck, any chance you know the difference is between XR3C5560-EA (EAR) coupe and the XR3C5560-GA (GAR) vert springs.

I can't seem to find much info and really don't want to waste my time swapping the GAR springs in if they aren't much different from the EAR springs on the car now.

John

Sn95 rear springs performance

Reply #5
well jokes on me, I thought I had rears in there but apparently not. Found 3 sets of fronts tho. now I'm contemplating cutting a half coil on my stocks. I only want about a half inch drop, I know that's definitely not the right way to do things tho. I might buy stockish rears like these https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-cc827/overview/year/1996/make/ford/model/mustang not sure the difference between these cargo's, convertibles and GT's though.
1988 Thunderbird sport
2004 Ford F150 Lariat
2008  Chevrolet Cobalt Sport
2007 Suzuki DR-Z400S dual sport/Supermoto
1988 Thunderbird LX - sold
1988 Mercury Cougar XR-7 with GST kit - gone

Sn95 rear springs performance

Reply #6
I have 95 Cobra coils on mine. Rears have Global West .500" spacers on stock control arms and fronts have 1/4 coil cut. I never drove the car stock so I dont have anything to compare but this thing rides firm but nice. Handling is on par with my old SCCA prepped XR4Ti.

Brian R.
88 2.3t Ranger
83 TC  gt40p motor,Vortech,TFS1 cam,long tubes,MS PnP,T5,8.8,17x9 Cobra 17s

 

Sn95 rear springs performance

Reply #7
Wanted give an update on my initial thoughts now that I've had a chance to do some driving on them.

So far for me there is a definite performance advantage allowing the car to hook alot better. That was instantly noticable. The TC rears are too stiff and cause alot of tire spin. If your into corner carving...... I can't really comment other than it seems to come out of turns with heavy throttle much better.

John