Focaljet Store
Go Back   Focaljet - Ford Focus Forums > Ford Focus Performance > Suspension
   
FJ Sponsors Register FAQ Calendar Mark Forums Read

Suspension Springs, dampers, coilovers, anti-roll bars and suspension tuning.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-24-2002, 12:37 PM   #51
Penguini66
[FJ] Specialist
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Home
Posts: 7,986

Default Re: SVT spring swap

My front springs came in today and the rear springs should be here the first week of June. Wow, I just ordered them Wed 5/22.

I think I'm going to expand my suspension experiment. I might hold off on the Konis (did my bills last night) and just put the SVT springs on with the energy suspension bushing kit. This way I'll be able to provide some feedback as to how the SVT springs work/feel with the stock ZX3 struts/shocks. I know it'll be pretty bad and the struts/shocks won't last very long.

What do you guys think? Should I leave the springs off until I get the Konis and avoid having to pay for an alignment twice?

[ 05-24-2002: Message edited by: Penguini66 ]</p>
Penguini66 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-24-2002, 05:35 PM   #52
P-51
[FJ] Addict
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Brighton, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 14,879

Default Re: SVT spring swap

Put them on and don't worry about the aligment. I put Eibachs on and never aligned.

Michael: I don't know the specifics on the springs, but the wagon shocks are significantly different. They are much shorter, and angled at 45 degrees to connect under the floorpan instead of the shock tower. The springs are definitely stronger, and probably longer.
P-51 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-25-2002, 10:30 PM   #53
DirtyFocusZX3
Senior TEAM Member
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Arcata, CA
Posts: 1,032

Default Re: SVT spring swap

Hey Egz did you by chance buy the SVT dampers from sentry? I want to get SVT springs and dampers but im not sure where to find the rear dampers at.
DirtyFocusZX3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2002, 06:01 AM   #54
P-51
[FJ] Addict
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Brighton, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 14,879

Default Re: SVT spring swap

Ooops, don't get me wrong. Get it aligned after putting the Konis on, but if you want to put the Eibachs on and then the Konis shortly after, you don't need 2 alignments.

All that happens is you get a bit of toe in in the rear, which is safe.
P-51 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2002, 05:01 PM   #55
Cameroon
[FJ] Specialist
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wherever peculiar people congregate
Posts: 5,259

Default Re: SVT spring swap

Well, I finally put my install pics up. I realized as was fidlling with my pics that I didn't take anywere near as many as I intended to. I'll blame the beer [img]graemlins/party.gif[/img] . So anyway hope these help a little.
In focus spring install gallery.
Cameroon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-27-2002, 05:21 PM   #56
BUR_ZX3
[FJ] Addict
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: On the Set of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Posts: 35,276

Default Re: SVT spring swap

OK.... so how did you spend $99... unless I've got the wrong part #s... I only come up to $47.68 for the springs.

2M5Z5B669AA Rear Springs
2M5Z5310AA Front Springs

I can't seem to find a part # for urethane bushings...

What other parts do I need to order? Do I even have the right part #s?

Thanks!

PS... Cam- You've got PM

[ 05-27-2002: Message edited by: BUR_ZX3 ]</p>
BUR_ZX3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2002, 02:37 AM   #57
Cameroon
[FJ] Specialist
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wherever peculiar people congregate
Posts: 5,259

Default Re: SVT spring swap

Oh about those prices...I guess they havent changed them on the website yet. When I ordered the springs I got an email from fordpartsonline telling me the price was wrong. That where the $99 bucks came in, it was still a good deal to me so I went for it.
Cameroon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2002, 06:13 AM   #58
P-51
[FJ] Addict
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Brighton, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 14,879

Default Re: SVT spring swap

Ok, so now I'm confused. What's the real price then?
P-51 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2002, 07:47 AM   #59
fordmazdaboy
TEAM Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Posts: 636

Default Re: SVT spring swap

Sorry to get to this discussion so late. Here is some backround... I installed the SVT springs (front and rear) as well as SVT front struts/bump stops... Recently I installed the Eibach Anti-Sway bar kit... I have to say that the car handles amazing.. I am running P215/45R17 tires and have never had any fender rub issues (didn't roll them either). I just did some measurements for everyone... My springs have had about 2 months to settle (so I think they are done)... Measurements to the fender lip:

Front: 25 3/8" with less than 2" fender gap
Rear: 26 3/8" with about 2 3/4" fender gap

The car is very controlled and has very little roll to it. Of course the Anti-Roll kit did alot to minimize that... Stay tuned for updated photos (with the SVT side skirts and Eibach Kit).. [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]
fordmazdaboy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2002, 01:18 PM   #60
MichaelXi
Moderator
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Venus Via Knoxville, TN
Posts: 23,643

Default Re: SVT spring swap

Also, it's documented that there were 3 levels of "Stock" European Suspensions.
The S2 has what was called the "Luxury/Ambiente" set-up. W/ the addition of SVT Springs, I hope to be close to the "Trend" Euro Set-up.
[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
MichaelXi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2002, 11:22 PM   #61
Seawolf
TEAM Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: in the Chi-Town area
Posts: 849

Default Re: SVT spring swap

Just want to warn a few people out there. Here's a previous post I did in this thread.

I'll take a quote out of the Feb 2002 Sport Compact Car magazine:

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr> "Due to the ZX3's excellent chassis and suspension design," says Andy Slankard, SVT Focus program manager, "we didn't have to make any major changes--just some tuning to give us extra control, agility and percision." Spring rate is increased 10 percent in the front and 20 percent in the rear. To offset the stiffer springs, SVT engineers increased the amount of low-speed rebound damping and decreased high-speed damping for better ride quality. ...rear roll bar was increased by 1mm.

The car's lofty ride height which is identical to the ZX3 for crash test reasons, inherently makes the Focus feel a bit tipsy.<hr></blockquote>

So, the SVT springs are not much lower, and that suspension actually has LESS damping at high speeds. SCC goes on to say the SVT benefits from the aftermarket to bring the ride height down.

I would NOT get SVT dampners on an otherwise stock ZX3. With the soft springs (zx3) and soft dampners (svt), you'll do nothing for performance!

AND about the S2, it seems to use a stock Euro-spec suspension.

Focus S2 uses the same springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars found on the European Focus ZX3, offering more aggressive handling, feel, stability and grip. These modifications improve upon a front suspension that incorporates zero-offset geometry to improve stability, and MacPherson struts for better steering feel.
Seawolf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2002, 11:41 PM   #62
P-51
[FJ] Addict
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Brighton, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 14,879

Default Re: SVT spring swap

You didn't understand that right.

High speed damping has nothing to do with damping at high speeds.

High speed damping is the forces on the damper that result from hitting bumps and surface irregularities.

Low speed damping is the sort of forces that occur from body movement while turning, accelerating, or braking.

So the SVT will be MORE stable while driving hard, but will be more comfortable over bumps.

It has nothing to do with high speed stability.
P-51 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-29-2002, 03:45 PM   #63
corey_dyck
Senior TEAM Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Posts: 1,054

Default Re: SVT spring swap

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by fordmazdaboy:
I installed the SVT springs (front and rear) as well as SVT front struts/bump stops...<hr></blockquote>

Are the SVT front struts the same dimensions as the plain-jane ones? I ask because I already have a set of Konis but was thinking of installing the shorter SVT front bumpstops so they don't engage so early as the car rolls.

BTW: Could you post the part # for the front bumpstops? I don't recall ever seeing that #. Thanks! [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]
corey_dyck is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-29-2002, 08:01 PM   #64
P-51
[FJ] Addict
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Brighton, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 14,879

Default Re: SVT spring swap

I heard from somebody the blueprints show they are the same dimensions, but I haven't checked myself yet.
P-51 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-29-2002, 08:30 PM   #65
BUR_ZX3
[FJ] Addict
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: On the Set of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Posts: 35,276

Default Re: SVT spring swap

OK so I got the springs.....

Apparently both the fron and reare are on a big-ass backorder... fordpartsonline.com expects the factory to ship them June 26th... over a month away!!! Fronts they might be able to get me a set in a week or two and hopefully rears by the end of June.

Couldn't Ford do some research and see that there would be a gigantic demand for this stuff????

BTW.. I'm so hoping they're worth the wait... I want a lower Focus... and I think this would do the trick nicely!
BUR_ZX3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-29-2002, 08:41 PM   #66
MichaelXi
Moderator
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Venus Via Knoxville, TN
Posts: 23,643

Default Re: SVT spring swap

Keep in mind, the drop is only 1/2-3/4", but that really is just right, if it's Handling you care about, and don't have aftermarket control-arms.
[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
MichaelXi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2002, 02:46 PM   #67
corey_dyck
Senior TEAM Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Posts: 1,054

Default Re: SVT spring swap

Duh, I searched a bit harder and found the number in the SVT part numbers post.

2M5Z.3020.AA FRONT STRUT BUMPERS $4.50

Cheap! I'm definitely going to try these to see if they work better with the Pro-Kit springs.
corey_dyck is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-02-2002, 04:15 AM   #68
Folk-S
TEAM Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Halifax, NS
Posts: 735

Default Re: SVT spring swap

Hey fellow Jetters, I like the SVT swap idea, It appears to be a good thing! But I know very, very little about suspensions. I'm hearing all these words and terms, Springs,shocks,Struts,bump stops,urethane bushings,rear sway bar, etc. Soooo I was wondering if one of you good people could do me a big favor and simply list all the parts needed for this set-up. That's it! Just the complete part list. (Part numbers would be awesome too!) [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]
Folk-S is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-02-2002, 06:46 PM   #69
Folk-S
TEAM Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Halifax, NS
Posts: 735

Default Re: SVT spring swap

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Folk-S:
Hey fellow Jetters, I like the SVT swap idea, It appears to be a good thing! But I know very, very little about suspensions. I'm hearing all these words and terms, Springs,shocks,Struts,bump stops,urethane bushings,rear sway bar, etc. Soooo I was wondering if one of you good people could do me a big favor and simply list all the parts needed for this set-up. That's it! Just the complete part list. (Part numbers would be awesome too!) [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img] <hr></blockquote>

Anyone Please...
[img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]
Folk-S is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-02-2002, 06:56 PM   #70
MichaelXi
Moderator
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Venus Via Knoxville, TN
Posts: 23,643

Default Re: SVT spring swap

For "THIS" setup, you need (4)SVT Springs. 2 front, 2 rear.
Part #'s are elsewhere in this thread.
That's it...
As far as the topic of this thread is concerned, All of the other parts you mentioned are optional as far as replacement is concerned, are made by MANY companies, each with their own qualities/features, and as such listing part #'s is impossible.
To broaden your understanding of the location/function of these various parts, maybe P-51 can recommend a good book to you that will explain things clearly and simply.
[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
MichaelXi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2002, 03:48 PM   #71
Kardshark19
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: MD
Posts: 78

Default Re: SVT spring swap

I drive about 50 miles a day through terrible roads infested with huge potholes and bumps that make my brothers 2000 Eclipse GT feel like it is going to break. Now I own a ZX3, and the soft-SUV like suspension is nice with these sucky conditions. Now I wanted a full suspension upgrade that gives great performance but still offers good ride comfort. I at first wanted the Eibach pro-system plus kit, but found out that it was really stiff, and that just won't do where I live.

Now after hearing comments about the SVT springs, I was thinking about putting those on. Now my question to you all, if you don't mind helping me, is:

What shocks/dampers should I get with the front/rear SVT springs, and would the Eibach sway bars be a good buy with the setup, or should I just go with the SVT sway as well? Or should I get the S2 shocks/dampers and sway? I don't have any racing experience so I don't know if I want slight understeer or a balance. I just like to drive fast and want a car that is much more sporty and powerful. I would appreciate any info you guys could spare. Thanks in advance.
Kardshark19 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2002, 06:57 PM   #72
Cameroon
[FJ] Specialist
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wherever peculiar people congregate
Posts: 5,259

Default Re: SVT spring swap

I think you'ld do just fine with the S2 dampers and swaybar with the SVT springs. Thats what I have on my ride. The ride quality is much nicer than just about any aftermarket setup I've ridden in. There is a tiny bit more body lean than most aftermarket systems, but still much less than in my wife's stock ZTS. Once you learn the limits it's easy to take it right out to them, rear end comes around real nice with little more than modulating the throttle. Only now I need better tires, the best thing about the stock firestone is that when they start sliding it's real gradual and easy to keep right on the edge of adhesion. Good V or Z rated tires should make it a top notch handler.
Cameroon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-11-2002, 09:29 AM   #73
myfocuss2
TEAM Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Harrisonburg, VA
Posts: 281

Default Re: SVT spring swap

Ok guys, I know some of you have received these springs. Post some pics and your opinions.

Justin
myfocuss2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-11-2002, 09:08 PM   #74
TboneZX3
TEAM Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: SwampEast Missouri
Posts: 375

Default Re: SVT spring swap

I'm sure that most that have ordered the SVT springs, like myself, are waiting for the backorder to be filled... [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]
TboneZX3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-11-2002, 09:36 PM   #75
myfocuss2
TEAM Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Harrisonburg, VA
Posts: 281

Default Re: SVT spring swap

I just ordered mine this morning and he told me that it should be lifted around the 20th.

Justin
myfocuss2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off