SVT spring swap - Focaljet

**Cameroon** · 05-18-2002, 01:35 PM

Hey everyone I know a few folks were curius to see how this would come out, so here's the quick version. I'm putting together an album with more pics and captions, but for now I'll the basics here.

Background - I have a ZX3 S2 and have really enjoyed the handling qualities right off the showroom floor, but I found myself lagging behind those with good aftermarket setups in the twisties. I wanted to do something to improve the handling of the S2 without radicly changing its character, I also do a good bit of driving on dirt roads so lowering the car as little as possible was also a goal. I looked up as much info as I could find on various manufacturers spring rates and found as follows. format is front/rear rates.
<ul type="square">[*]Stock ZX3 110/126[*]Street Edition/S2 97/114[*]SVT 129/157[*]Progress 1.5" 142/160[*]Eibach 1.5" 137/171[/list]
I decided against the Progress and Eibach because they are much aggresive than the S2 and the drop. Interestingly the SVT front to rear spring rate ratio is very close to that of the S2 with just a hair less understeer .82** vs .85** and according to rumor between 0" to 1" in drop. That with the price ($99 shipped from www.fordpartsonline.com ) settled it for me, SVT spring here we go. Now for a couple of pics.

These are the fronts the longer one is the S2

the rears

Fender gap stock

with SVT springs installed

I'm sure you're all wondering how it drives, one word, awesome. The first thing I noticed was a bit of a surprise, the ride got smoother it feels like the S2 was undersprung for the dampers in comparison. Body roll is reduced signifcantly, there is still some but it's much more progressive through the turn. For anyone who's driven a stock ZX3 and then the S2 you can feel the back end of the S2 is much more stable and track very nice, the SVT springs are that much nicer than the S2's. On my 50 mile drive home from airforcefocus' house (I owe him many thanks for his skill and tools!) the car felt like a BMW.

In summary, rides great, handles great, oh and almost forgot looks great. It has a much more agressive stance, kinda like the...SVT! [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

**ZXmurph** · 05-18-2002, 03:29 PM

Cool....looks like a great application!
and thanks so much for the pics and thoughts [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

**focusownerskid** · 05-18-2002, 05:04 PM

Very nice write-up! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Thanks for sharing this info - Its posts like this that people can learn things from! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Great job!

drew
fok

**P-51** · 05-18-2002, 06:42 PM

Great! Nice to see they are a touch lower. I might try out those springs.

How much lower are they? 1/4"? 1/2"? Where did you rest the ruler on tire to get an accurate before/after?

**Cameroon** · 05-18-2002, 07:30 PM

Oops, I forgot to put how much lower [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img] The picture above was to try to have visual representation and is highly inaccurate. The actuall measurements from the bottom of the front bumper at the wheelwell (on the S2 I have a different lip so the raw numbers will vary by model, the difference is what's important).
<ul type="square">[*]Stock S2 suspension, 7 1/2" clearance[*]With the SVT springs after one trip around the block 7" for a 1/2" drop.[*]The next morning after a 50 mile drive home, and a couple of local errands 6 7/8" not quite a 1" drop.[/list]
I used to have that mini-SUV look, it now sits very different with a much more "raked" look. I'd recomend this setup to anyone, nice firm ride but not teeth rattling like some lowering prings can be. After a few freeway onramps my stock firestones are definatly the weakpoint in my suspension. I'm sure I'll wear 'em out soon enough. [img]graemlins/lol.gif[/img]

**airforcefocus** · 05-18-2002, 11:56 PM

Hey, kudos to the guy who was holding that stick!!!! Heck of a job, I would recommend his talent in leau of Vannah White! BTW: The install was very quick and painless, urethane seats were added to the rear too. I added Eibach dampers to my H&R springs on the same day, nice improvement, little stiffer though, I have to watch it when I drink my coffee in the morning. I'm glad I have black interior! Kidney belt is now on order. [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

**MichaelXi** · 05-19-2002, 12:21 AM

So Cameroon,
How about those JUICY Details, Pics, and install notes...??? [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
This is VALUABLE Info to several of us, and would be GREATLY appreciated. How about posting this info in those OTHER threads, for those of us who can only afford the insurance on a "Family Hatchback".... [img]graemlins/lol.gif[/img] , but wanna use them when racing, etc...

[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[ 05-19-2002: Message edited by: michaelxi ]</p>

**PGZX3** · 05-19-2002, 01:53 AM

I'll have to suggest this one to S2Texas now, thanks for the info [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

**FrescoFoci** · 05-19-2002, 09:38 AM

Wow, great information. I just bought an Eibach Pro System for my S2 - I feel like a dummy now.. Since I'm replacing a majority of the suspension, I might as well rip off the S2 stickers and call it a regular ZX3!! [img]graemlins/lol.gif[/img] However, I wanted more of a lower drop and even though you haven't had them on for long, I *suspect* the S2 dampers will eventually blow out and you'll need new ones. I may be wrong, but maybe you can post a year from now and let us know [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Oh, and since this post may get a few comments, I'm going to plug my own arse and say go here and respond to my last question in my post [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
http://www.teamfocaljet.com/cgi-bin/...c&f=3&t=002196

**airforcefocus** · 05-19-2002, 09:57 AM

Cameroon took a bunch of pics, I took a few, but after a few frosty ones and with all the grease on my hands, I kinda forgot to take more after shots. We had no surprises with the install and if you have ever done springs, we did ours the same. I'm pretty sure that when he reads this, he will post more pics. [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

**Cameroon** · 05-19-2002, 12:27 PM

Sorry to take so long with the rest of the pics. Apparently there is a conspiracy against me, when I got home from airforcefocus' my power was out til 4:30am, this weekend (today actually) is my wifes birthday, and have to go to work in about an hour and a half. I'm going to hit photoshop tonight and try to get the pics all sized and put little arrows and stuff so they make sense. I figure if I'm gonna put 'em up I should at least make 'em usefull.

Having driven around for a couple of days I'm really begining to think these components just may be the euro trend setup. Before when I'd go over bumps the car would bounce it's little bit and it would feel like the shocks would grab everything together doing all the work. The ride of thw S2 was actually much bumpier and jerky feeling than it is now. I drive down the same crappy Pico Rivera roads (supposedly this year they are gonna resurface the residential streets) and it's smoother and so controlable, like these springs and dampers are ment for each other. My gut feeling (only time will tell for sure) is that the S2 dampers should hold up just fine, they really are a lot firmer than the standard focus. I know because I have one of each. When I drive my wife's car it feels like a buick compared to the S2.

**MMI-ZX3** · 05-19-2002, 07:09 PM

Do you happen to have part numbers for the rear springs?? The fronts were posted over in the SVT forum but nothing on the rears yet.

Thanks

**P-51** · 05-20-2002, 08:04 AM

Sorry, I'm a 'tard.

www.fordpartsonline.com

[ 05-20-2002: Message edited by: P-51 ]</p>

**P-51** · 05-20-2002, 08:50 AM

Hey, how did you order them from there? By part number or what?

**Cameroon** · 05-20-2002, 12:25 PM

I ordered them by part number, you have to take out all the dots and if something is out of stock I think it just tells you no match found. I was going to get the front struts but they only showed one side as available, the other side came up no match. I'd checked a few days before I ordered and both came up as in stock. [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

**LiquidS2** · 05-20-2002, 12:48 PM

fordmazdaboy posted in the SVT p/n thread that the rear springs are now on backorder. [img]graemlins/thumbdown.gif[/img]

**MichaelXi** · 05-20-2002, 01:46 PM

Any forecast for availability?
Also, how do you get ahold of Fordmazdaboy?
I've seen his name many times, but I don't see him on the board very often, if ever.... [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]
[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

**LiquidS2** · 05-20-2002, 01:57 PM

Here is is where he has spent most of his time lately. [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

**myfocuss2** · 05-20-2002, 02:59 PM

I know that the rear springs are on back order, but can you give me the part # for them.

Thanks,
Justin

**LiquidS2** · 05-20-2002, 03:29 PM

2M5Z.5B669.AA REAR COIL SPRINGS $26.42

**myfocuss2** · 05-20-2002, 03:37 PM

Thanks Liquid! Cameroon, can you get a side pic of your whole car. I would like to see the gap from a distance.

Thanks,
Justin

**soundq** · 05-20-2002, 09:31 PM

so how would the svt springs with the stock zx3 dampers ridw cause doesnt the s2 have softer springs?

**myfocuss2** · 05-21-2002, 05:08 AM

The S2 has softer springs, but the dampers (shocks and struts) are much stiffer.

Justin

**Focus_Is_Art** · 05-21-2002, 08:41 AM

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr> The S2 has softer springs, but the dampers (shocks and struts) are much stiffer <hr></blockquote>

How about ZX3 spring w/ S2/SVT dampers?

**LEE** · 05-21-2002, 09:03 AM

You can purchase them from your local ford dealer for the exact same price!!
I did the other day
and no shipping

05-18-2002, 01:35 PM	#1
Cameroon [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wherever peculiar people congregate Posts: 5,259	SVT spring swap Hey everyone I know a few folks were curius to see how this would come out, so here's the quick version. I'm putting together an album with more pics and captions, but for now I'll the basics here. Background - I have a ZX3 S2 and have really enjoyed the handling qualities right off the showroom floor, but I found myself lagging behind those with good aftermarket setups in the twisties. I wanted to do something to improve the handling of the S2 without radicly changing its character, I also do a good bit of driving on dirt roads so lowering the car as little as possible was also a goal. I looked up as much info as I could find on various manufacturers spring rates and found as follows. format is front/rear rates. <ul type="square">[]Stock ZX3 110/126[]Street Edition/S2 97/114[]SVT 129/157[]Progress 1.5" 142/160[]Eibach 1.5" 137/171[/list] I decided against the Progress and Eibach because they are much aggresive than the S2 and the drop. Interestingly the SVT front to rear spring rate ratio is very close to that of the S2 with just a hair less understeer .82* vs .85** and according to rumor between 0" to 1" in drop. That with the price ($99 shipped from www.fordpartsonline.com ) settled it for me, SVT spring here we go. Now for a couple of pics. These are the fronts the longer one is the S2 the rears Fender gap stock with SVT springs installed I'm sure you're all wondering how it drives, one word, awesome. The first thing I noticed was a bit of a surprise, the ride got smoother it feels like the S2 was undersprung for the dampers in comparison. Body roll is reduced signifcantly, there is still some but it's much more progressive through the turn. For anyone who's driven a stock ZX3 and then the S2 you can feel the back end of the S2 is much more stable and track very nice, the SVT springs are that much nicer than the S2's. On my 50 mile drive home from airforcefocus' house (I owe him many thanks for his skill and tools!) the car felt like a BMW. In summary, rides great, handles great, oh and almost forgot looks great. It has a much more agressive stance, kinda like the...SVT! [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

05-18-2002, 03:29 PM	#2
ZXmurph Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: where to surf in Rochester NY?? Posts: 3,890	Re: SVT spring swap Cool....looks like a great application! and thanks so much for the pics and thoughts [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

05-18-2002, 05:04 PM	#3
focusownerskid Administrator Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Monroe, MI Posts: 15,335	Re: SVT spring swap Very nice write-up! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Thanks for sharing this info - Its posts like this that people can learn things from! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Great job! drew fok

05-18-2002, 06:42 PM	#4
P-51 [FJ] Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Brighton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 14,879	Re: SVT spring swap Great! Nice to see they are a touch lower. I might try out those springs. How much lower are they? 1/4"? 1/2"? Where did you rest the ruler on tire to get an accurate before/after?

05-18-2002, 07:30 PM	#5
Cameroon [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wherever peculiar people congregate Posts: 5,259	Re: SVT spring swap Oops, I forgot to put how much lower [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img] The picture above was to try to have visual representation and is highly inaccurate. The actuall measurements from the bottom of the front bumper at the wheelwell (on the S2 I have a different lip so the raw numbers will vary by model, the difference is what's important). <ul type="square">[]Stock S2 suspension, 7 1/2" clearance[]With the SVT springs after one trip around the block 7" for a 1/2" drop.[*]The next morning after a 50 mile drive home, and a couple of local errands 6 7/8" not quite a 1" drop.[/list] I used to have that mini-SUV look, it now sits very different with a much more "raked" look. I'd recomend this setup to anyone, nice firm ride but not teeth rattling like some lowering prings can be. After a few freeway onramps my stock firestones are definatly the weakpoint in my suspension. I'm sure I'll wear 'em out soon enough. [img]graemlins/lol.gif[/img]

05-18-2002, 11:56 PM	#6
airforcefocus [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Moreno Valley , Calif. Posts: 5,777	Re: SVT spring swap Hey, kudos to the guy who was holding that stick!!!! Heck of a job, I would recommend his talent in leau of Vannah White! BTW: The install was very quick and painless, urethane seats were added to the rear too. I added Eibach dampers to my H&R springs on the same day, nice improvement, little stiffer though, I have to watch it when I drink my coffee in the morning. I'm glad I have black interior! Kidney belt is now on order. [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

05-19-2002, 12:21 AM	#7
MichaelXi Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Venus Via Knoxville, TN Posts: 23,643	Re: SVT spring swap So Cameroon, How about those JUICY Details, Pics, and install notes...??? [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] This is VALUABLE Info to several of us, and would be GREATLY appreciated. How about posting this info in those OTHER threads, for those of us who can only afford the insurance on a "Family Hatchback".... [img]graemlins/lol.gif[/img] , but wanna use them when racing, etc... [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] [ 05-19-2002: Message edited by: michaelxi ]</p>

05-19-2002, 01:53 AM	#8
PGZX3 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Debi > post whoring Posts: 8,745	Re: SVT spring swap I'll have to suggest this one to S2Texas now, thanks for the info [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

05-19-2002, 09:38 AM	#9
FrescoFoci Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: (Dom) Rockaway, NJ Posts: 2,948	Re: SVT spring swap Wow, great information. I just bought an Eibach Pro System for my S2 - I feel like a dummy now.. Since I'm replacing a majority of the suspension, I might as well rip off the S2 stickers and call it a regular ZX3!! [img]graemlins/lol.gif[/img] However, I wanted more of a lower drop and even though you haven't had them on for long, I suspect the S2 dampers will eventually blow out and you'll need new ones. I may be wrong, but maybe you can post a year from now and let us know [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Oh, and since this post may get a few comments, I'm going to plug my own arse and say go here and respond to my last question in my post [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] http://www.teamfocaljet.com/cgi-bin/...c&f=3&t=002196

05-19-2002, 09:57 AM	#10
airforcefocus [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Moreno Valley , Calif. Posts: 5,777	Re: SVT spring swap Cameroon took a bunch of pics, I took a few, but after a few frosty ones and with all the grease on my hands, I kinda forgot to take more after shots. We had no surprises with the install and if you have ever done springs, we did ours the same. I'm pretty sure that when he reads this, he will post more pics. [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

05-19-2002, 12:27 PM	#11
Cameroon [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wherever peculiar people congregate Posts: 5,259	Re: SVT spring swap Sorry to take so long with the rest of the pics. Apparently there is a conspiracy against me, when I got home from airforcefocus' my power was out til 4:30am, this weekend (today actually) is my wifes birthday, and have to go to work in about an hour and a half. I'm going to hit photoshop tonight and try to get the pics all sized and put little arrows and stuff so they make sense. I figure if I'm gonna put 'em up I should at least make 'em usefull. Having driven around for a couple of days I'm really begining to think these components just may be the euro trend setup. Before when I'd go over bumps the car would bounce it's little bit and it would feel like the shocks would grab everything together doing all the work. The ride of thw S2 was actually much bumpier and jerky feeling than it is now. I drive down the same crappy Pico Rivera roads (supposedly this year they are gonna resurface the residential streets) and it's smoother and so controlable, like these springs and dampers are ment for each other. My gut feeling (only time will tell for sure) is that the S2 dampers should hold up just fine, they really are a lot firmer than the standard focus. I know because I have one of each. When I drive my wife's car it feels like a buick compared to the S2.

05-19-2002, 07:09 PM	#12
MMI-ZX3 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: DE Posts: 3,726	Re: SVT spring swap Do you happen to have part numbers for the rear springs?? The fronts were posted over in the SVT forum but nothing on the rears yet. Thanks

05-20-2002, 08:04 AM	#13
P-51 [FJ] Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Brighton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 14,879	Re: SVT spring swap Sorry, I'm a 'tard. www.fordpartsonline.com [ 05-20-2002: Message edited by: P-51 ]</p>

05-20-2002, 08:50 AM	#14
P-51 [FJ] Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Brighton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 14,879	Re: SVT spring swap Hey, how did you order them from there? By part number or what?

05-20-2002, 12:25 PM	#15
Cameroon [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wherever peculiar people congregate Posts: 5,259	Re: SVT spring swap I ordered them by part number, you have to take out all the dots and if something is out of stock I think it just tells you no match found. I was going to get the front struts but they only showed one side as available, the other side came up no match. I'd checked a few days before I ordered and both came up as in stock. [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

05-20-2002, 12:48 PM	#16
LiquidS2 TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Haltom City, TX Posts: 856	Re: SVT spring swap fordmazdaboy posted in the SVT p/n thread that the rear springs are now on backorder. [img]graemlins/thumbdown.gif[/img]

05-20-2002, 01:46 PM	#17
MichaelXi Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Venus Via Knoxville, TN Posts: 23,643	Re: SVT spring swap Any forecast for availability? Also, how do you get ahold of Fordmazdaboy? I've seen his name many times, but I don't see him on the board very often, if ever.... [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

05-20-2002, 01:57 PM	#18
LiquidS2 TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Haltom City, TX Posts: 856	Re: SVT spring swap Here is is where he has spent most of his time lately. [img]graemlins/thumbup.gif[/img]

05-20-2002, 02:59 PM	#19
myfocuss2 TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Harrisonburg, VA Posts: 281	Re: SVT spring swap I know that the rear springs are on back order, but can you give me the part # for them. Thanks, Justin

05-20-2002, 03:29 PM	#20
LiquidS2 TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Haltom City, TX Posts: 856	Re: SVT spring swap 2M5Z.5B669.AA REAR COIL SPRINGS $26.42

05-20-2002, 03:37 PM	#21
myfocuss2 TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Harrisonburg, VA Posts: 281	Re: SVT spring swap Thanks Liquid! Cameroon, can you get a side pic of your whole car. I would like to see the gap from a distance. Thanks, Justin

05-20-2002, 09:31 PM	#22
soundq TEAM Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: KC, MO Posts: 944	Re: SVT spring swap so how would the svt springs with the stock zx3 dampers ridw cause doesnt the s2 have softer springs?

05-21-2002, 05:08 AM	#23
myfocuss2 TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Harrisonburg, VA Posts: 281	Re: SVT spring swap The S2 has softer springs, but the dampers (shocks and struts) are much stiffer. Justin

05-21-2002, 08:41 AM	#24
Focus_Is_Art TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Toronto(Markham), Canada Posts: 751	Re: SVT spring swap <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr> The S2 has softer springs, but the dampers (shocks and struts) are much stiffer <hr></blockquote> How about ZX3 spring w/ S2/SVT dampers?

05-21-2002, 09:03 AM	#25
LEE TEAM Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: orlando Posts: 241	Re: SVT spring swap You can purchase them from your local ford dealer for the exact same price!! I did the other day and no shipping

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