Considering a Superformance have lots of questions

[vatdevil]

3. Again I know it is frowned upon but I think in the end I am going to want a modern tire. To me that means 17" rims. Does anything have to be done to the suspension to make 17" rims work? Alignment, spring rates.....

No changes required to convert rim size. The larger rim will generally up the spring rate, as tires will be lower profile with stiffer sidewalls.


5. What is the weak spot of the car?

They're not the best handling from the factory, more of a highway cruise setup. I've changed a lot on my car to better the handling for Autocross and track.


7. Can shoulder belts be easily retrofit into the car.

Yes, mine are 5 points installed at Olthoffs shop.

[Detroit Bill]

Originally Posted by vatdevil

3. Again I know it is frowned upon but I think in the end I am going to want a modern tire. To me that means 17" rims. Does anything have to be done to the suspension to make 17" rims work? Alignment, spring rates.....

No changes required to convert rim size. The larger rim will generally up the spring rate, as tires will be lower profile with stiffer sidewalls.


5. What is the weak spot of the car?

They're not the best handling from the factory, more of a highway cruise setup. I've changed a lot on my car to better the handling for Autocross and track.


7. Can shoulder belts be easily retrofit into the car.

Yes, mine are 5 points installed at Olthoffs shop.

What have you done to the suspension?

[jhv48]

Originally Posted by Detroit Bill

What have you done to the suspension?

You'll want single/double adjustable shocks and stiffer springs. Cobra valley has just what you need.
The side pipes that spf provides are really restrictive. If you have more than 350 horsepower, you'll want to replace them with free flowing pipes at least 2 1/2" inside diameter. Stock pipes are around 1 3/4" inside. Very quiet and restrictive.
The 17" wheels fit with no problem. Other than that, they're good to go.

[Detroit Bill]

Originally Posted by jhv48

You'll want single/double adjustable shocks and stiffer springs. Cobra valley has just what you need.
The side pipes that spf provides are really restrictive. If you have more than 350 horsepower, you'll want to replace them with free flowing pipes at least 2 1/2" inside diameter. Stock pipes are around 1 3/4" inside. Very quiet and restrictive.
The 17" wheels fit with no problem. Other than that, they're good to go.

Can you explain single/double adjustable shocks? What does it do to the ride?

From everything I have read people are wearing earplugs driving these cars. They need less restrictive exhaust, it seems they hardly have exhaust?

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by Detroit Bill

Can you explain single/double adjustable shocks? What does it do to the ride?

"Double adjustable" shocks allow you to "tune" the shock in both rebound and jounce. For track use or VERY spirited road work they give an advantage. For normal cruising and occasional hotfooting the standard configuration works just fine. I would guess less than 20% of Superformance owners upgrade the suspension, shocks or sway bars.

Originally Posted by Detroit Bill

From everything I have read people are wearing earplugs driving these cars. They need less restrictive exhaust, it seems they hardly have exhaust?

Some people like a louder exhaust and some need every extra horsepower they can find. Again, the majority of SPF owners are fine with the factory system. There are some very nice aftermarket systems available like the Firefly setup. You will gain power and can specify the noise level with these but they are slightly pricey.

If noise is a concern consider the "Roadster" model with undercar/rear exiting exhaust. I have several customers who have specified this and I can put you in touch for their experiences with it.

Feel free to call with any questions, if we can't answer them we can refer you to a customer with a car like you may be considering and they can offer you help.

We also have a New York registered resale car available. Indigo Blue with white stripes and a Ford Racing 392 CID/475 HP through a TKO600 .82 OD trans.

[jhv48]

The stock shocks and springs are fine but can be a bit bouncy. The adjustable shocks and heavier springs can tune the ride to your satisfaction. I, personally, didn't like the softness so I upgraded to the adjustable shocks and heavier springs. If you're a heavy guy and/or often take a passenger with you, you might prefer a beefier setup. I'm not, but I always travel with my wife as a passenger so the total cabin weight is always about 310 lbs.

As for the side pipes, if you spend big bucks buying a high horsepower engine, the stock side pipes will effectively choke its performance. If you go with a sub 400 horse engine, the stock pipes should be fine. Mine had an inside diameter of 1 3/4" and were very quiet. I swapped them for some 3" diameter pipes so that my 550 horsepower engine could exhale efficiently. Seemed to make a heck of a difference in the seat of the pants feel.

Once again, the stock spf is fine as it comes. These are just some of the things I've noticed and addressed in my 20,000 miles of driving one.

[kayakjack]

Originally Posted by Detroit Bill

From everything I have read people are wearing earplugs driving these cars. They need less restrictive exhaust, it seems they hardly have exhaust?

Detroit Bill,

I have a Superformance Roadster. Undercar exhaust. If you wish to discuss it's sound (or anything else) please send me a PM.

I do not wear earplugs.

You might also consider taking up Mark IV on his offer to check out the car he has for sale. You will learn a lot. Hey, it might be the one.

Jack

[vatdevil]

Originally Posted by Detroit Bill

What have you done to the suspension?

Cobra Valley adjustable sway bars with solid links
Olthoff Bilstein shock and spring package
Howe Racing adjustable height ball joints
Adjustable tie rod ends
Solid diff mounts
Poly Olthoff engine/trans mounts
And working on replacing the squishy factory control arm bushings

Keep in mind I race this car and that these changes do sacrifice road comfort a bit.

[rodneym]

NYG's comments remind me of that show, 'Kids Say The Darndest Things'.