Coilovers and MII front end

[G.R.]

I have a Mustang II frontend, 289, currently I have coilover Aldens, non adjustable, springs are 10'', rate is suppossedly 350(?). They are aprox 16'' fully extended, fully compressed aprox. 11 5/8.

Alden wants almost as much to rebuild as getting new shocks such as QA's or Carrerras. The car has always ridden/driven very harsh.

What are your thoughts on spring rate and shock size?
This is basically a driver and rarely sees track or strip time.

Thanks

[kountzecobra]

I have Carreras. Don't remember the spring rate. Call their tech line and talk with them. They know the business.

[Ron61]

G.R.,

I use QA1s all around and like them. They are 12 way adjustable. The Carreras are also very good and I considered them before the QA1s. In my case it was mainly how quickly I could get the set. I talked to both tech lines and they both told me pretty much the same so I don't think you will go wrong with either brand. Iam not sure how the Carreras adjust but the QA1s have a small knob at the bottom that you turn a click at a time to stiffer on soften the rebound. I run mine on 4 around the streets. Anything above 8 and it is like riding on a straight axel with no springs.

Ron

[Mike Simard]

Here's a spring rate calculator:
http://www.engineersedge.com/spring_comp_calc_k.htm

If you were a noob like me, I'd ask if you were sure you haven't been driving around on your bump stops;-)

[40k Later]

Call or visit Heidts website, they specialize in Mustang II. I bought a pair of chrome ride height adjustable coilovers (Carrera) 400# spring rate. I have a 460 and alot of extra weight at the front, A/C, pressure adjustable power steering, dual electric fans, 12" rotors, huge sway bar, factory upper and lower control arms, etc... The ride is a little harsh. Of course once you install chrome springs you cannot return them for a softer pair as they are immediately scuffed once you compress the suspension so I'll have to put up with it. 300# will probably do the trick. Chrome springs and shocks were $460.00 with shipping. Check out my gallery for a close up, installed

[G.R.]

Contacted QA1/Carrera techline and with the techs help and advice(Carter)after a good hour on the phone with him I went with his recommendation of using QA1 adjustable 5855 shocks with a 225# spring based on my cars frontend weight of 1375# weight.
He told me to try out the springs and if they felt too light or I experienced problems then to return them and go with a variable rate 225/450 spring.
He recommended the QA1 over the Carrera based upon my needs and the way I use the car basically I street drive, maybe track time once or twice a year, no auto X or drag strip.


Thanks for the help