Getting a handle on your SVO

[Dick]

After reading the great article "Getting the handle on your SVO" I have a few questions maybe someone can answer.
First, it recommends replacing the stock rubber bushings with polyurethane bushings. Which bushings and where can I purchase them??
Second, what 4 point G-Load brace do you recommend??
Third, what sub-frame connectors do you recommend??

[svobud]

Start off with this...call SVPU or Motion Dynamics for the bushings. They're both listed in the LINKS section.

Both would also be able to suggest a 4 pt brace and subframes.

Personally - I don't have a 4 pt...and never miss not having it. I do like Poly bushings, but by replacing ALL rubber bushing with Polys ..it can make things a bit unbearable on a Street Car.

Sub Frames - Global, Kenny Brown, MAC, etc...pretty much the same. I prefer the BOX style with seat bracing. The box offers a snugger fit tot he car for ground clearence and the seat bracing protects against the floor pan ripping.

[bigwingsaleen]

get a grip!

I don't know of a 4-pt G-load brace made for the SVO...I used a standard Kenny Brown performance but it needs to be modified a little to clear the oil pan better.

Sub-frames I would suggest the t-style that bolt in to the seat bolts as well as the front and rear subs, I used the Kenny Brown Performance pieces.

Energy suspension makes SVO specific poly bushings. SVPU should have them available for ya!

[SVOeric]

I had a thead a few months ago on sub-frame connectors...

After much research, I am having SVPU install a set of Global west sub-frames for me the week before the reunion.

I like the round ones better (some people don't) --Plus I like the length on global wests, vs others.  They are a little longer, and attach to a better part of the frame of the car.


I also have polly bushings on every part of the front suspension of my car.  With my struts set on full soft, my wife commented on how much nicer my SVO rides than she thought it would, and that it would not be bad to take a long trip in. (especially since it gets nearly 30 mpg)


  

 

[svo1fast4]

I make and have sold severial sets of subframe connectors.They and made from 1"x2" 1/8 wall steel tubing.They are bent to fit the mustang unibody.They fit from the trans xmember back to the rear torque box.They are $65.00 plus shipping.http://home.ntelos.net/~robntina/subframe_pic.jpg

[gbeaird]

You _can_ use the front lower control arm brace that comes off the 86-87 Turbo Coupe. I suspect the one on the Mark VII LSC will work, too. I got one from a junk yard for next to nothing. Pull the j-nuts and bolts, too, as there are none on the SVO. It bolts right up. Seems to help some, but, of course, nowhere near as nice as a 4-point, but may pass tech at an autocross.

Oh yeah, and the TC sway bar is bigger and works nicely, too. Get it off the same car. :-)

Gene Beaird
86 2R SVO
Pearland, Texas

[CP86SVO]

For a G-load brace, I've been using a Maximum Motorsports 4 pt. brace. It fits perfectly and works extremely well, tightening up the front end.

I also use a Maximum Motorsports full length subframe connectors as well. The whole car feels rock solid. Even the doors open and close easily when the car is on the hoist now. I used the MM subframes as I have their panhard bar and torque arm as well. I use Global West subframes on my 88 5.0 L coupe with terrific results as well. Subframes are probably the best bang for the buck, IMO.

For bushings, I recommend the Global West delrin/aluminum specific for the SVO for the fronts. My SVO rides very smoothly with these bushings, with very little increases in NVH. The precision in the front end is amazing!

In the rear, I wouldn't put polyurethane in the upper arms. It'll increase the binding in the rear which may lead to snap oversteer at the limit. Just use new SVO upper arms, M-5500A. It's somewhat OK to use polyurethane in the lowers, but if have the money, go for a non-binding rear arm. Maximum Motorsports makes a good one,and it's great of you may want to upgrade your rear suspension in the future (i.e. panhard rod, torque arm). Otherwise, I use Global West rear arms on my 88 5.0 L coupe with great results as well; very little bind, better lateral location, good axle location for acceleration and still very low NVH...

Hope this all helps! Willie