Tell me how to get my L to handle like a cobra...

[SkippyMcGee]

Long story short:
What is the best way to get my L to handle like a cobra without going to crazy with the suspension mods (i.e. no bags, etc)


Long story:
I am on the verge of selling my truck as well as my daily driver s4 in favor of a 03/04 cobra... I have always loved the truck, but after driving the s4 for a few months, I have grown to LOVE driving a 6speed, as well as the handling of a smaller car on coilovers.

Seeing as how I need to sell the s4, I am beginning to worry that the L will not fill the role of a "fun weekend car" as it has in the past. I test drove a termi convertible last week and absolutly loved the thing. However, the L market is not the greatest right now, and I think it would make more financial sense to keep the big bruiser and sink some money into the suspension (right now i only have the frpp 1"/2" springs and shackles) than lose a ton on it and buy a terminator that is bound to depreciate alot in the near future as well.

I'd like to know who has owned both an L and a cobra, and to find out (even if you havent owned both) how you have all gotten your trucks to handle more like our beloved little brothers...

 

[ACSVT]

Could try finding some Ruslow 1200lb coils, some QA1s, a panhard bar, and some big sway bars to start things off.

 

[SID297]

Come over to my place, look at my L, and copy its setup. Ask Rich5150 if an L can handle like a Cobra.:beer:

 

[SkippyMcGee]

Come over to my place, look at my L, and copy its setup. Ask Rich5150 if an L can handle like a Cobra.:beer:

travis if you dont start listing your setup im going to have to perform a "member ban"... very similar to a "citizens arrest"

 

[BlackBolt9]

In my sig, go to the open track forum and ask the Mustang guys that have been on track with me if my suspension works well.

 

[svts4shawn]

Come over to my place, look at my L, and copy its setup. Ask Rich5150 if an L can handle like a Cobra.:beer:

what set up are you running?

 

[rich5150]

travis if you dont start listing your setup im going to have to perform a "member ban"... very similar to a "citizens arrest"

I'll let travis speak for himself, but as far as me..

I have an 03 Cobra vert, with full length sub frame connectors, Eibach pro-kit springs, stock sways, Bilstein struts to match the springs/springrate...and a PA Racing K member up front with spring perches.

and Travis's truck without any doubt ..would absolutely destroy my car on a road course.

It's responsive, comfortable(not stiff or the traditional lowered truck feel)...its wicked.

:rockon:

 

[NewKid]

I hate these threads.

Makes me want to hold up a bank, then start working on the L.

 

[SID297]

Ok, here's my list:

Full Hotchkis TVS
Hotchkis valved Bilstein shocks
Kenny Brown X-Factor Brace
Full Energy Suspension poly bushing kit
Metco Lower Traction Bars
Fabtech Steering Stabilizer

To be added in July:
Front and rear TCE big brake kit (going from a total of 6 pistons to 20 pistons)
DMR panhard bar
DMR Sptder brace

Maybe adding in July:
Full WMS control arm and steering kit


I may be forgetting some stuff, it's been a while since most of this stuff was installed. If I remember anything else I'll post it.:beer:

 

[SkippyMcGee]

Ok, here's my list:

Full Hotchkis TVS
Hotchkis valved Bilstein shocks
Kenny Brown X-Factor Brace
Full Energy Suspension poly bushing kit
Metco Lower Traction Bars
Fabtech Steering Stabilizer

To be added in July:
Front and rear TCE big brake kit (going from a total of 6 pistons to 20 pistons)
DMR panhard bar
DMR Sptder brace

Maybe adding in July:
Full WMS control arm and steering kit


I may be forgetting some stuff, it's been a while since most of this stuff was installed. If I remember anything else I'll post it.:beer:

wow, thank you sir... so essentially a beefed up tvs. interesting. can you post some pics of the stance?

 

[Cocoloco]

Here's some good info.that might help you out from Tim Skeleton's site:


Clicky:http://www.timskelton.com/lightning/race_prep/index.htm

 

[SID297]

Just watch this vid:

http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/showthread.php?t=413192

That's a 5/8s mile track. I was running 70+mph in the turns and over 100mph in the straights.

 

[SkippyMcGee]

Here's some good info.that might help you out from Tim Skeleton's site:


Clicky:http://www.timskelton.com/lightning/race_prep/index.htm

ive read through tim's site a bunch of times... im sure it'll help a bunch of others though :beer:

 

[SkippyMcGee]

Just watch this vid:

http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/showthread.php?t=413192

That's a 5/8s mile track. I was running 70+mph in the turns and over 100mph in the straights.

i defintiely remember that video from when you posted it the first time.

after watching all of this stuff, i am definitely strongly considering selling the s4, buying an svtfocus as a dd, and dropping about 2k in the L for suspension mods

 

[SID297]

Call LFP and get a TVS.

 

[SkippyMcGee]

Call LFP and get a TVS.

i really want to but there are 3 things standing in my way:
1) i need to get rid of the s4 first
2) if i do a suspension setup, id also want to do new shocks, new bushings, possibly new control arms, and a panhard bar (now were talking 2.5-3k just for parts)
3) i really really loved driving a 6speed vert

 

[203Cree]

i really want to but there are 3 things standing in my way:
1) i need to get rid of the s4 first
2) if i do a suspension setup, id also want to do new shocks, new bushings, possibly new control arms, and a panhard bar (now were talking 2.5-3k just for parts)
3) i really really loved driving a 6speed vert

Step 1: Sell S4

Step 2: Buy V6 5spd vert Stang

Step 3: Mod truck, DD Stang

Step 4: Profit.

:rockon:

 

[SkippyMcGee]

Step 1: Sell S4

Step 2: Buy V6 5spd vert Stang

Step 3: Mod truck, DD Stang

Step 4: Profit.

:rockon:

step 1 = ok

step 2 = BOOOOOOOO BOOOOO V6 stang BOOOOO... i dont generally like stangs, just like i dont generally like trucks. i LOVE L's and i think i love terminators. on top of that, id like to have one very nice weekend car, and 1 complete awd beater dd that gets good gas mileage (hello old subaru?!?)

step 3 = 1/2 realistic

step 4 = oh boy would i love that

 

[Cocoloco]

This is an old thread by Chris that I subscribed to when he did his suspension upgrade.
I was saving this to partially reference when I do mine.

Clicky:http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/showthread.php?t=288273

Hey,buy an ole Eagle Talon for a beater.....AWD,fast,good gas mileage?

 

[SkippyMcGee]

This is an old thread by Chris that I subscribed to when he did his suspension upgrade.
I was saving this to partially reference when I do mine.

Clicky:http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/showthread.php?t=288273

Hey,buy an ole Eagle Talon for a beater.....AWD,fast,good gas mileage?

i actually remember this exact thread as well... i believe i PMed chris back then to ask him about his setup at the time. i need to get up to tolland, ct to go for a ride and have my mind changed about the L.

i have a feeling the kicker might be the lack of manual tranny and convertible in my L. if i can get a good price for the L after selling the s4, i might have to make the switcheroo