Springs, Auto-X, and More...

1FocusedHokie · Sep 6, 2005

Okay. Currently I have Progress Sport springs installed. Happy with the looks of the car and can't complain too much about the handling, especially since I got the springs for free. I also have KYB GR-2 Dampers, SVT Rear Sway, and misc. Prothane bushings (rear sway/endlinks, coil spring iso's, bump stops).

Over the Fall/Winter, I'm thinking about acquiring some new parts. I want to replace the springs for something a bit more Auto-X friendly, but not much more of a drop. Something between 1.5" and 2" is preferred. I know the H&R Race Springs seem to be the 'recommended spring' for Auto-X, but I think it may be a bit too low for me. When recommending a spring, also consider that it will be run on these KYB dampers. They are a little better handling than stock and (as from KYB's site) we're designed (if desired) to be paired with Eibach springs.

Also, how much would other bushings help me out? I'm already in STS because of my current mods, so I might as well max out the car for the class if it'll help me out (and my pocket can afford it). What about strut bars?

Lastly, I'm probably going to need an alignment, so would grabbing a set of Camber/Caster plates for the front and bolts for the rear do me well?

Help is greatly appreciated!

carlfreddy · Sep 6, 2005

First, your shocks will be the weak link in your suspension. I know KYB likes to tout the GR2 as better than OEM, but in reality they are more like a "premium OEM replacement" shock.

I run in a class where I can't change springs (H Stock), but the H&R Race springs seem to be exceedingly popular among Focus autocrossers.

Yes, camber plates would help. If not, run to the Ford dealership and grab some crash bolts for the front.

pitchblack23 · Sep 6, 2005

Apex 1.5" springs are highly recommended for autocross, but hard to find. There was some talk a while back of FJ Werks producing some similar springs, designed for autocrossers who want an attractive but daily driveable setup. Are your KYBs adjustable?

Urethane sway bar endlinks are a good thing. Urethane rear sway bar bushings are good if you get an aftermarket sway bar. The OE rubber bushings are better if you're still got the stock one. I like my urethane front control arm bushings, but be aware that they will need replacing eventually, as the urethane will wear away. Keep in mind that the more urethane you add, the more "communicative" your suspension will be. This can be good or bad, depending on your preference.

Camber is probably up to you. Your springs probably aren't low enough to cause any problems with uneven tire wear. If you're serious about autocross, you'll get the camber kits to increase your negative camber, not reduce it.

If not, run to the Ford dealership and grab some crash bolts for the front.

Ford has informed me in the past that there is no such part.

Egz · Sep 6, 2005

If you only have the money to buy springs or dampers, replace the dampers first! If your budget is tight, the KYB AGX dampers will work, but most of us prefer something like Koni or Spax or Gaz.

Auto-X-ZTS · Sep 6, 2005

Yep...next to tires, good dampers are the single most important componant on the car (notice that I said on the car and not in the car---take some instruction if possible as well...that does wonders for going faster).

1FocusedHokie · Sep 6, 2005

Hmmm... sounds good. How are the Spax adjustables? I don't think I can afford Koni Yellows, but after the holidays, I may be able to swing for some Spax.

Also, I'll keep my eyes open for some Apex. Egz, if you see any around, I'd appreciate it if you could IM me!

And I'll definitely look into instruction. There's a Focus-owner who's a licensed instructor back at home that I may call next spring.

Oreo · Sep 7, 2005

McNews just posted that they had a few sets of Apex left.

carlfreddy · Sep 7, 2005

Ford has informed me in the past that there is no such part.

Bolt W500550-S309
Nut W703217-S309

Ford doesn't call it a "crash bolt" per se, but that's what you need for the front.

1FocusedHokie · Sep 7, 2005

Heh. Well, thank you for all the help. I'll keep this in mind for my *next* car. I found out that my first Focus ('00 ZX3) is for sale again and since it was my first car that I owned, I think I wanna buy it back. I'll finally have that 'project' car I've wanted.

Springs, Auto-X, and More...

1FocusedHokie

carlfreddy

pitchblack23

Egz

Auto-X-ZTS

1FocusedHokie

Oreo

carlfreddy

1FocusedHokie

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