SVT spring swap - Page 12 - Focaljet

**fishjam40** · 08-27-2002, 06:35 PM

FINALLY! They have arrived! [img]graemlins/party.gif[/img] After all the backordering, my patience has been rewarded...now to install.. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

**xappie** · 08-28-2002, 07:38 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by sherych:
Hi everyone, I searched, and searched, but can't find the answer. I understand many people are doing SVT springs/ S2 dampers combo. But what about doing SVT springs and SVT dampers? The problem is that there is no part number for the rear SVT dampers!?? if anybody done this and have a part number can you post it?? and what is the difference between SVT dampers and S2 dampers?
thanks in advance<hr></blockquote>

Rear shock absorber - AST-39

**sherych** · 08-29-2002, 12:56 AM

Hi everyone, I searched, and searched, but can't find the answer. I understand many people are doing SVT springs/ S2 dampers combo. But what about doing SVT springs and SVT dampers? The problem is that there is no part number for the rear SVT dampers!?? if anybody done this and have a part number can you post it?? and what is the difference between SVT dampers and S2 dampers?
thanks in advance

**humphrey** · 08-29-2002, 05:15 PM

So I just finished reading the entire thread, including all of the links to other threads and what not, and the information here is incredible. But I still have some questions. I read that there were a few sedan owners interested in the swap, but i never saw anything saying they did the swap. I am a sedan owner, and am EXTREMELY intersted. I do, however, have some reservations. Did any sedan owners actually do the swap? If yes, what do you think? And, any pics?

Jeff

**S2r** · 08-29-2002, 06:11 PM

xappie - i came out of the deal with 109 for the springs and 50 bucks for labor at the local VIP .. they did my struts, i didnt have the spring compressor so i took both of them (off the car) and carried them to vip, they swaped springs and wala! Easy!! The dealership wanted 200 bucks to do it for me.. i made itout with an extra 150 in my pocket still [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img] like Michalxi said, its soo easy..

Sorry i dono about the sadans dude.. and i dono about the SVT with stock dampaners.. i dono if it will be as good as a S2 with svt's springs

**humphrey** · 08-29-2002, 07:55 PM

I'm not exactly looking for ultimate performance here. I just want a little better setup than what I have already, wihout breaking the bank, and without lowering the car too much. My car is still the family car, but every once in a while I do have it by myself, and I like to put it through its paces. Now if you're talking about the life of my stock dampers being shortened significantly when the springs are swapped, then maybe I should reconsider. any thoughts??

Jeff

**MichaelXi** · 08-30-2002, 01:52 AM

I don't know if any sedan owners have done it, but since the suspension is the same on a Street-Edition and an S2, I'd say the ZX-3 vs Sedan improvements would be comparable.
If you DON'T have a Street-Edition, there would still be improvement over stock, but for the money, I'd Add the SVT or S2 dampers, (I'm not sure of the cost difference, but the SVT's ARE a bit better), and Sway-bars,(SVT and S2 share the same parts here), plus the Poly-U rear end-links at the same time.(Save the double-labor)...
For the money, it's a GREAT step-up, as was the Poly-U Prothane "Tranny mount" and Front Control-Arm Bushing Swap. The improvement for the money spent was really NICE!!! [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]
I'd recommend the ENTIRE swap for someone who wants to make their car more firm and responsive on a "Budget".
[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

**MichaelXi** · 08-30-2002, 01:57 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by humphrey:
Now if you're talking about the life of my stock dampers being shortened significantly when the springs are swapped, then maybe I should reconsider. any thoughts??

Jeff<hr></blockquote>
Because the drop is only roughly 3/4", the dampers will not wear out EXCESSIVELY more quickly, but don't underestimate the value of nice, stiffer dampers for pavement-cornering.
For the money, I'd do the dampers too, but if money is tight, and you can deal w/ double labor, (ie. cash, or doing it yourself, TWICE), then you'll be fine retaining the stock dampers for now. Your results will be slightly lessened, but you'll still see a slight improvement.
[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[ 08-30-2002: Message edited by: michaelxi ]

**humphrey** · 08-30-2002, 09:41 AM

So is there a difference, pricewise, between a full set of SVT dampers and a set of S2's/Street Edition's?(assuming the latter are the same). Since money is kinda tight, i'm trying to keep this project as cheap as possible. If it is cheaper to get the S2's, i'd opt for those.

Jeff

**MichaelXi** · 08-30-2002, 01:51 PM

Someone said around $40 each for the S2 dampers.
(I forget which thread....)
I don't know the SVT damper price, but it's probably in the "SVT Parts #'s" thread in the SVT Forum.
[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

**S2r** · 08-30-2002, 09:57 PM

i dont think the rear SVT dampaners are out and or i dont think the part # is avaliable... [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

**MichaelXi** · 08-30-2002, 10:01 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by S2r:
i dont think the rear SVT dampaners are out and or i dont think the part # is avaliable... [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] <hr></blockquote>

I could swear I read a Part # in a post w/in the last week....I just don't remember what thread or Forum..... [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]
[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

**S2r** · 08-30-2002, 11:07 PM

Heh well if i could find it... there would be a nother set of svt springs and svt struts on their backlogged way [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

**humphrey** · 08-30-2002, 11:26 PM

Well, just to let you know, once some cash finds its way into my life again, I'm going with the Street Edition/S2 dampers and the SVT springs.

Jeff

**MichaelXi** · 08-31-2002, 02:52 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by S2r:
Heh well if i could find it... there would be a nother set of svt springs and svt struts on their backlogged way [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] <hr></blockquote>

OK, I'm Mistaken. On page 7 of this thread, someone talked of swapping the fronts to SVT struts, but were intending to use the S2 rear Shocks....
I don't know how this would affect balance. Surely part#'s are available SOMEWHERE!!!
We need to get an SVT owner to dismount his rear wheels, and look at the stickers...
[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

**Blue01Street** · 08-31-2002, 07:19 AM

As you can probably tell by the name I drive a 2001 Street Edition (Read that as 4 dr Sedan).
I did the swap 2 weeks ago and I am VERY happy with the results. The stance is much improved and the handling is noticeably better.
Changing all 4 springs and the front bumpstops was less than a 3 hour job. I'm running 18" wheels with 215/35 tires and not a hint of any rub.
The best part of the story just happened yesterday. My wife took it into the dealer for warranty work on the turn signal.
It wasn't cancelling after a right turn. On the way to the dealership the thing started working again, but she took it in anyway.
They told her that the problem was probably the alignment. [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]
So they did a 4 wheel alignment under warranty. [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

**S2r** · 08-31-2002, 09:17 AM

omg thats great! Dealerships can be a riot!...
Blue01street: Can you tell me what kinda rims your using? i am getting 18" with 215 40 and i am worried about rubbing... what offset is on your rims??! Thanks

**MichaelXi** · 08-31-2002, 01:48 PM

Hmm... That's odd. I recently had an alignment done. Roughly 1deg of neg camber in the front, and about 1/8" toe out.
About a week later, my turn signals have stopped turning themselves off after turning....
[img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

**UltegraSTI** · 08-31-2002, 07:46 PM

man this thread is dope...i inquired bout those springs way back in june, apparently the guy w/ford didnt want 2 sell them that bad b/c he never got back 2 me.

-Ult

**fishjam40** · 08-31-2002, 08:00 PM

Well me and my pappy just finished the spring and bumpstop swap today, it took roughly 3 hours or so, and we had air tools to compress and decompress the springs... [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Even though I didn't get a full set up with shocks or dampers or sway bars, with simply springs the turning response is so much better! At one point in my first spin in the car, I wasn't used to the response and while turning crossed way over the double yellow line.. [img]graemlins/lol.gif[/img] don't worry no one was coming. I may get out and take some pics to put up soon whenever the springs are in their final settling heighth.. [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img] it was worth the 'backordered' wait!

**Blue01Street** · 08-31-2002, 08:23 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by S2r:

Blue01street: Can you tell me what kinda rims your using? i am getting 18" with 215 40 and i am worried about rubbing... what offset is on your rims??! Thanks<hr></blockquote>

My rims are 18" X 7.5" 42mm offset. There is more clearance between the dampers than with the stock 16" rims.

The overall wheel diameter with the 35 series tires is within .1" of the stock 205/50/16.

The 215/40/18 tires will have almost 1/2" taller sidewall which means almost 1" larger overall height. You might have a problem with more than 2 people in the car.

**Mike-SVT** · 09-01-2002, 10:25 PM

this is a great thread and its good to see so many of you getting good results with stock Ford parts.

Now you folks know why us SVT Focus owners grin so much when we are driving our cars. SVT did a superb job with those springs - handling AND a decent ride quality.

Straight line performance is good but handling is what makes a car FUN...
MGM
Sonic Blue SVT with audiophile

**MichaelXi** · 09-04-2002, 03:00 AM

I bought the Prothane kit from Tonq D. It camd w/ rear bushings and endlinks.4br />Due to the factory bar havhng the "Flat-Spots", I nnly used the end-links. As far `s I knov, no aftermarket co. yet makes a bushing set whhch includes the!"Flat-Spots" to properlx work w/ "Factory" bars of ANY type.
[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

**PointFocus** · 09-04-2002, 03:42 PM

I just posted in the SVT parts thread that I have ordered the SVT rear shocks. I will have a verified part # by around the 9th or 10th and will post it in that thread. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

**1BadEgg** · 09-05-2002, 07:43 AM

[quote] Originally posted by Ed_Cloud9:
[qb]Looking for info I probably overlooked.

Is there a company that makes urethane bushings for the S2 sway bars?

What isthe part number for the S2 sway bar end links? [quote]

Ed.

www.newedgeperformance.com aka Tony

[ 09-05-2002: Message edited by: 1BadEgg ]

08-27-2002, 06:35 PM	#276
fishjam40 TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Boiling Springs, SC Posts: 718	Re: SVT spring swap FINALLY! They have arrived! [img]graemlins/party.gif[/img] After all the backordering, my patience has been rewarded...now to install.. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

08-28-2002, 07:38 PM	#277
xappie TEAM Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Toronto Posts: 282	Re: SVT spring swap <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by sherych: Hi everyone, I searched, and searched, but can't find the answer. I understand many people are doing SVT springs/ S2 dampers combo. But what about doing SVT springs and SVT dampers? The problem is that there is no part number for the rear SVT dampers!?? if anybody done this and have a part number can you post it?? and what is the difference between SVT dampers and S2 dampers? thanks in advance<hr></blockquote> Rear shock absorber - AST-39

08-29-2002, 12:56 AM	#278
sherych TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Connecticut Posts: 250	Re: SVT spring swap Hi everyone, I searched, and searched, but can't find the answer. I understand many people are doing SVT springs/ S2 dampers combo. But what about doing SVT springs and SVT dampers? The problem is that there is no part number for the rear SVT dampers!?? if anybody done this and have a part number can you post it?? and what is the difference between SVT dampers and S2 dampers? thanks in advance

08-29-2002, 05:15 PM	#279
humphrey TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: delray beach, fl Posts: 195	Re: SVT spring swap So I just finished reading the entire thread, including all of the links to other threads and what not, and the information here is incredible. But I still have some questions. I read that there were a few sedan owners interested in the swap, but i never saw anything saying they did the swap. I am a sedan owner, and am EXTREMELY intersted. I do, however, have some reservations. Did any sedan owners actually do the swap? If yes, what do you think? And, any pics? Jeff

08-29-2002, 06:11 PM	#280
S2r TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: (Steve) Portland, ME Posts: 887	Re: SVT spring swap xappie - i came out of the deal with 109 for the springs and 50 bucks for labor at the local VIP .. they did my struts, i didnt have the spring compressor so i took both of them (off the car) and carried them to vip, they swaped springs and wala! Easy!! The dealership wanted 200 bucks to do it for me.. i made itout with an extra 150 in my pocket still [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img] like Michalxi said, its soo easy.. Sorry i dono about the sadans dude.. and i dono about the SVT with stock dampaners.. i dono if it will be as good as a S2 with svt's springs

08-29-2002, 07:55 PM	#281
humphrey TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: delray beach, fl Posts: 195	Re: SVT spring swap I'm not exactly looking for ultimate performance here. I just want a little better setup than what I have already, wihout breaking the bank, and without lowering the car too much. My car is still the family car, but every once in a while I do have it by myself, and I like to put it through its paces. Now if you're talking about the life of my stock dampers being shortened significantly when the springs are swapped, then maybe I should reconsider. any thoughts?? Jeff

08-30-2002, 01:52 AM	#282
MichaelXi Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Venus Via Knoxville, TN Posts: 24,095	Re: SVT spring swap I don't know if any sedan owners have done it, but since the suspension is the same on a Street-Edition and an S2, I'd say the ZX-3 vs Sedan improvements would be comparable. If you DON'T have a Street-Edition, there would still be improvement over stock, but for the money, I'd Add the SVT or S2 dampers, (I'm not sure of the cost difference, but the SVT's ARE a bit better), and Sway-bars,(SVT and S2 share the same parts here), plus the Poly-U rear end-links at the same time.(Save the double-labor)... For the money, it's a GREAT step-up, as was the Poly-U Prothane "Tranny mount" and Front Control-Arm Bushing Swap. The improvement for the money spent was really NICE!!! [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img] I'd recommend the ENTIRE swap for someone who wants to make their car more firm and responsive on a "Budget". [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

08-30-2002, 01:57 AM	#283
MichaelXi Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Venus Via Knoxville, TN Posts: 24,095	Re: SVT spring swap <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by humphrey: Now if you're talking about the life of my stock dampers being shortened significantly when the springs are swapped, then maybe I should reconsider. any thoughts?? Jeff<hr></blockquote> Because the drop is only roughly 3/4", the dampers will not wear out EXCESSIVELY more quickly, but don't underestimate the value of nice, stiffer dampers for pavement-cornering. For the money, I'd do the dampers too, but if money is tight, and you can deal w/ double labor, (ie. cash, or doing it yourself, TWICE), then you'll be fine retaining the stock dampers for now. Your results will be slightly lessened, but you'll still see a slight improvement. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] [ 08-30-2002: Message edited by: michaelxi ]</p>

08-30-2002, 09:41 AM	#284
humphrey TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: delray beach, fl Posts: 195	Re: SVT spring swap So is there a difference, pricewise, between a full set of SVT dampers and a set of S2's/Street Edition's?(assuming the latter are the same). Since money is kinda tight, i'm trying to keep this project as cheap as possible. If it is cheaper to get the S2's, i'd opt for those. Jeff

08-30-2002, 01:51 PM	#285
MichaelXi Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Venus Via Knoxville, TN Posts: 24,095	Re: SVT spring swap Someone said around $40 each for the S2 dampers. (I forget which thread....) I don't know the SVT damper price, but it's probably in the "SVT Parts #'s" thread in the SVT Forum. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

08-30-2002, 09:57 PM	#286
S2r TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: (Steve) Portland, ME Posts: 887	Re: SVT spring swap i dont think the rear SVT dampaners are out and or i dont think the part # is avaliable... [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

08-30-2002, 10:01 PM	#287
MichaelXi Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Venus Via Knoxville, TN Posts: 24,095	Re: SVT spring swap <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by S2r: i dont think the rear SVT dampaners are out and or i dont think the part # is avaliable... [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] <hr></blockquote> I could swear I read a Part # in a post w/in the last week....I just don't remember what thread or Forum..... [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

08-30-2002, 11:07 PM	#288
S2r TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: (Steve) Portland, ME Posts: 887	Re: SVT spring swap Heh well if i could find it... there would be a nother set of svt springs and svt struts on their backlogged way [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

08-30-2002, 11:26 PM	#289
humphrey TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: delray beach, fl Posts: 195	Re: SVT spring swap Well, just to let you know, once some cash finds its way into my life again, I'm going with the Street Edition/S2 dampers and the SVT springs. Jeff

08-31-2002, 02:52 AM	#290
MichaelXi Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Venus Via Knoxville, TN Posts: 24,095	Re: SVT spring swap <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by S2r: Heh well if i could find it... there would be a nother set of svt springs and svt struts on their backlogged way [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] <hr></blockquote> OK, I'm Mistaken. On page 7 of this thread, someone talked of swapping the fronts to SVT struts, but were intending to use the S2 rear Shocks.... I don't know how this would affect balance. Surely part#'s are available SOMEWHERE!!! We need to get an SVT owner to dismount his rear wheels, and look at the stickers... [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

08-31-2002, 07:19 AM	#291
Blue01Street TEAM Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Klamath Falls, Or Posts: 395	Re: SVT spring swap As you can probably tell by the name I drive a 2001 Street Edition (Read that as 4 dr Sedan). I did the swap 2 weeks ago and I am VERY happy with the results. The stance is much improved and the handling is noticeably better. Changing all 4 springs and the front bumpstops was less than a 3 hour job. I'm running 18" wheels with 215/35 tires and not a hint of any rub. The best part of the story just happened yesterday. My wife took it into the dealer for warranty work on the turn signal. It wasn't cancelling after a right turn. On the way to the dealership the thing started working again, but she took it in anyway. They told her that the problem was probably the alignment. [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img] So they did a 4 wheel alignment under warranty. [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

08-31-2002, 09:17 AM	#292
S2r TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: (Steve) Portland, ME Posts: 887	Re: SVT spring swap omg thats great! Dealerships can be a riot!... Blue01street: Can you tell me what kinda rims your using? i am getting 18" with 215 40 and i am worried about rubbing... what offset is on your rims??! Thanks

08-31-2002, 01:48 PM	#293
MichaelXi Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Venus Via Knoxville, TN Posts: 24,095	Re: SVT spring swap Hmm... That's odd. I recently had an alignment done. Roughly 1deg of neg camber in the front, and about 1/8" toe out. About a week later, my turn signals have stopped turning themselves off after turning.... [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

08-31-2002, 07:46 PM	#294
UltegraSTI [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: ... Posts: 7,196	Re: SVT spring swap man this thread is dope...i inquired bout those springs way back in june, apparently the guy w/ford didnt want 2 sell them that bad b/c he never got back 2 me. -Ult

08-31-2002, 08:00 PM	#295
fishjam40 TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Boiling Springs, SC Posts: 718	Re: SVT spring swap Well me and my pappy just finished the spring and bumpstop swap today, it took roughly 3 hours or so, and we had air tools to compress and decompress the springs... [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Even though I didn't get a full set up with shocks or dampers or sway bars, with simply springs the turning response is so much better! At one point in my first spin in the car, I wasn't used to the response and while turning crossed way over the double yellow line.. [img]graemlins/lol.gif[/img] don't worry no one was coming. I may get out and take some pics to put up soon whenever the springs are in their final settling heighth.. [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img] it was worth the 'backordered' wait!

08-31-2002, 08:23 PM	#296
Blue01Street TEAM Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Klamath Falls, Or Posts: 395	Re: SVT spring swap <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by S2r: Blue01street: Can you tell me what kinda rims your using? i am getting 18" with 215 40 and i am worried about rubbing... what offset is on your rims??! Thanks<hr></blockquote> My rims are 18" X 7.5" 42mm offset. There is more clearance between the dampers than with the stock 16" rims. The overall wheel diameter with the 35 series tires is within .1" of the stock 205/50/16. The 215/40/18 tires will have almost 1/2" taller sidewall which means almost 1" larger overall height. You might have a problem with more than 2 people in the car.

09-01-2002, 10:25 PM	#297
Mike-SVT Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Friendswood, Tx Posts: 1,231	Re: SVT spring swap this is a great thread and its good to see so many of you getting good results with stock Ford parts. Now you folks know why us SVT Focus owners grin so much when we are driving our cars. SVT did a superb job with those springs - handling AND a decent ride quality. Straight line performance is good but handling is what makes a car FUN... MGM Sonic Blue SVT with audiophile

09-04-2002, 03:00 AM	#298
MichaelXi Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Venus Via Knoxville, TN Posts: 24,095	Re: SVT spring swap I bought the Prothane kit from Tonq D.<br &>It camd w/ rear bushings and endlinks.4br />Due to the factory bar havhng the "Flat-Spots", I nnly used the end-links. As far `s I knov, no aftermarket co. yet makes a bushing set whhch includes the!"Flat-Spots" to properlx work w/ "Factory" bars of ANY type. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

09-04-2002, 03:42 PM	#299
PointFocus Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Bethpage, NY, USA Posts: 74	Re: SVT spring swap I just posted in the SVT parts thread that I have ordered the SVT rear shocks. I will have a verified part # by around the 9th or 10th and will post it in that thread. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

09-05-2002, 07:43 AM	#300
1BadEgg TEAM Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 783	Re: SVT spring swap [quote] Originally posted by Ed_Cloud9: [qb]Looking for info I probably overlooked. Is there a company that makes urethane bushings for the S2 sway bars? What isthe part number for the S2 sway bar end links? [quote] Ed. www.newedgeperformance.com aka Tony [ 09-05-2002: Message edited by: 1BadEgg ]</p>

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