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Mark8 suspension/performance

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Posted by: NateRW21

Mostly because I'm lazy... I'm not going to search the threads.

I've owned an LS for about a year and am pretty well versed on the LS, but the Mark 8 has been an interest in the back of my mind for quite some time. The neighbor accross the street has either a 97 or 98 and it seems pretty nice.

My questions are, what sort of suspension upgrades are out there? I see mention of it running an air-adjust suspension; does that work pretty well? Are there kits to delete the air ride?

I'm not sure that I'm in love with the front end of the car... any body kits? Or grills? (a grill might make all the difference)

Is there a sizeable aftermarket for the Mark 8?

After checking autotrader and seeing 98's with under 100k going for $8000 and less, I'm very interested. Might be a fun car to add to my collection.

Thanks for the help guys!

Posted by: Stack

Well I am too lazy to post a response...

Thanks for playing though!

Posted by: NateRW21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stack

Well I am too lazy to post a response...

Thanks for playing though!

well... technically, you did post a responce.
How's Kaiserslautern? Snowing yet? I spent a little over two years in Bamberg; always seemed around the first part of september it started getting cold and by mid october we had snow!

Posted by: mespock

There are a few options to delete the air ride. The two main options are a standard height and a 1.5 lowered option.

The 1.5 stiffens up the ride greatly and gives the Mark VIII much better handling in the curves...

As for aftermarket compared to the LS there is a lot. Generally speaking anything that is there for the Mustang is something you could do to the Mark VIII.

I'm sure other's will chime in with more modes that they have done. Marks are much easier to Super Charge or Turbo Charge.

In my opinion the Mark VIII is a more sporty ride than the LS, although the LS is a very nice car and fast.

Posted by: papa bear

our aftermarket could of been better but it is not a stang or camaro so a eldebrock intake is not sitting on the shelf anywhere the suspension is a love hate relationship if you don't know anything about it you are up a creak and if you like going to the dealer for everthing this is not the car for you

Posted by: driller

Google ASHAM8

Posted by: NateRW21

Thanks a lot guys! I may now be forced to look for a mark this spring! I love my LS, but I'm also a fanatical car guy... I like being able to do performance work and improvements... as mespock noted... the LS is kind of sad when it comes to performance options; all of which I've already done. Anyway, I think a black mark sitting next to my black LS would be pretty nice!!!

And I hate the Lincoln dealer in town; those guys tried to stiff me when I took my LS in because I didn't have the time to work on it. Tried to stick me with a $750 repair. Had the car towed home and two months later when I had the time to fix it, a $40 Throttle Position Sensor solved all my problems.

About the only thing I don't do on my own when I have the time is paint/body work and ring and pinion/diff swaps (there is just nothing enjoyable about then entire process)... I've even got a few ASE certifications (used to be a mechanic).

Sounds like you get great bang for your buck with a mark!

Posted by: 02LSE96LSC91SE84TC

LIke this.

LSC still looks the same now, but my LSE looks different. This was shortly after getting it.

Posted by: The Rev

that mark is exactly what i plan on making mine look like, sweet

Posted by: MonsterMark

Quote:

Originally Posted by mespock

There are a few options to delete the air ride. The two main options are a standard height and a 1.5 lowered option.

Deleting the air ride.

For guys that deserve and should be driving a Thunderbird.

Posted by: MediumD

Watch your tongue MonsterMark, some of us do drive Thunderbirds.

Posted by: gmoney

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonsterMark

Deleting the air ride.

For guys that deserve and should be driving a Thunderbird.

Opinions are like

s.............

You would have a valid argument except that M8's have a pretty rough ride for being on air. In fact, my parents have a 98 LSC on air yet my 97 LSC is on springs. I prefer the ride of my 97.

I used to be one of those elitists that thought its not a Mark VIII once you switch out the air ride. Go for a ride in a M8 on springs.

Bottom line is: we are driving cars that have horrible resale value, are expensive to repair, and have a odd cult following at best. I am thankful of the air ride from the factory though. That is one of the main reasons these cars can be had for so little $$$$.

Posted by: Phantom&RedGoat2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by mespock

There are a few options to delete the air ride. The two main options are a standard height and a 1.5 lowered option...

Manufacturer and PN's please.

Posted by: 98LSC32V

You can get the coil conversion kits from americanairsuspension.com.

BTW, you can't compare 10+ year old air ride versus a new coil conversion kit, get a brand new air ride setup and then feel how it rides and then you can have an objective comparison. Trust me, a brand new air ride suspension rides way more smooth than coils.

Posted by: gmoney

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98LSC32V

You can get the coil conversion kits from americanairsuspension.com.

BTW, you can't compare 10+ year old air ride versus a new coil conversion kit, get a brand new air ride setup and then feel how it rides and then you can have an objective comparison. Trust me, a brand new air ride suspension rides way more smooth than coils.

I've been in one with new air ride. Nothing special.

Posted by: XLRVIII

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmoney

Go for a ride in a M8 on springs..

My buddy has one, I went for a ride not too long ago

I was amazed at how different his coil spring car, with new coil springs compared to my over 200,000 mile air springs.

His car would bounce and rebound going over expansion joints, so much that my head was bouncing like a bobble-head doll.

On braking the nose dived so much that his spoiler under the bumper cover has been almost ground away.

When he is in the car by himself, with me following the car leans to the side like that ship in the poseidon adventure.. just before it flipped over.

His car has less than 10,000 miles on his coils, and mine has OVER 200,000 on these air springs..
my car rides better than his.. hands down.

and..my car doesnt lean to the side like a ship about to capsize.
and.. my car doenst' bounce and rebound over expansion joints.

I have seen both sides of this debate and MYSELF.. I'd take my 200K sirsprings over coil springs.. any day.

My buddy asked me if I wanted to drive it.. I couldn't get past the crappy ride in the passenger seat.. I had NO desire to drive the car after that.

Posted by: MonsterMark

Let's face it. Some guys are just too cheap to own Marks (and quite frankly don't deserve to own them). You guys need to be driving Chevy Cobalts or something like that.

Posted by: BigBHolt

I have had to replace my front air springs and am know replacing my rears. I got reman's from Strutmasters.com. Very affordable and come with a one year warranty. I have had no problems from my front ones. Did them 2 years ago.

Posted by: rmac694203

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonsterMark

Let's face it. Some guys are just too cheap to own Marks (and quite frankly don't deserve to own them). You guys need to be driving Chevy Cobalts or something like that.

Strong words from a guy driving a car that's not worth as much as pretty much any Cobalt. Face it, Marks are cool cars that can be gotten for cheap. Don't act like your driving an Aston Martin or something. The fact is, you can pick up a Mark for cheap, and it's a cool car. Don't hate on everyone because they want to do whatever they can to be able to drive this cool car, yet not spend an arm and a leg on it. If you want to be an elitist, maybe you should drive a more elite car.

Posted by: rmac694203

I bought my Mark because I saw one for sale, hadn't really ever noticed them, and fell in love w/ the styling. It didn't hurt that it was right in my price range. I didn't know about the 'Cobra' motor, or think it was a race car. I thought it was a beautiful car, inside and out. And I don't regret buying it. And truth be told, I don't really care for the coils all that much. Given the chance and the money, I would most definitely switch back to air ride. But for now, I will do what I can to keep the car on the road, and enjoy driving it as much as I can. I have other, more important things to spend my money on right now. And, for the record, I don't race or hot rod my car around town. I drive it and enjoy it, failing tranny and peeling clear coat and all.

Posted by: MonsterMark

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmac694203

And, for the record, I don't race or hot rod my car around town. I drive it and enjoy it, failing tranny and peeling clear coat and all.

Well, like you said, you can pick up a pretty good example for cheap that has good paint and a tranny.

I just bought new headlamps with bulbs (YES!) from Jeremy, (thanks J), and am busy sprucing and upgrading where needed.

It just pisses me off when people talk about the cost vs benefit of the air ride.

Show me any tricked out show car and they are all sporting air suspensions. Look in custom magazine after custom magazine, these guy are selling air kits for $2-3000.

With the Marks, when you buy new air bags in the front, you get new shocks. The rear bags last longer but need the shocks replaced sooner. Adding larger rollbars is a must for handling and cheap to do. Of course Upper and Lower Control arms are a necessary evil as with any 10-15 year old car.

These cars haven't let me down a day since '94. I've put hundreds of thousands of miles on the 3 Marks VIIIs I've owned. Was stranded once in winter couple years back when the car wouldn't start. Turned out to be worn spark plugs after chasing the usual cam/crank sensor solutions.

The support you can get from the community is priceless. I love to work on my own cars and with this car, I can do almost everything short of the computer (but I am working on that).

I just get a little peeved when people put the car down. Crap, it is 15 years old now. It is not new but I still get the stares and the compliments and I never get the car confused with the crap look-a-like junk they make now. Can't even tell the difference with half the new cars now. I know, I'm looking for a car for my sister and she wants a Jetta. They all look the same (toyota, honda, kia, etc.) to me.

I like being unique and the Mark delivers that in spades.

Posted by: Battery

I tend to agree with MonsterMark. Although I don't have a ton of money I make sure I save up and do my upgrades and mods right. It may take a bit longer but they money is well spent. Why would you swap out air, it's not an upgrade. A new and well maintained air system feels great and handles great. Get an ASHAM 8 and Konis in the rear and you have tons of adjustably as well.

Posted by: The Rev

I recently had the upper and lower control arms replaced. It made a noticeable difference, but here in RI I cringe when I have to do anything but drive on the highways. I try my best to avoid bumps but it almost feels like the front doesn't react well to bumps, like the ride is very hard in the front. "Check air ride system" has always turned on but the car can sit for days without lowering. On the highway the compressor does come on and lower the car, and when I park it lowers as well, is it normal for the ride to be rough in the front? I've never driven any other Marks or anything besides old clunkers anyway.

Whenever I'm not going over bumps, it gives a great ride though.

Posted by: shagdrum

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmoney

I've been in one with new air ride. Nothing special.

To truely compare apples to apples on the air ride, u would need to have a Mark with a completely rebuild front and rear suspension (bushings, swaybars, ect). Try the air ride, then swap out for coils and compare. Most of the air suspensions today are 10+ years old as well as most of the suspension. The main reason for a rough ride in these is the flexible unibody. If your car is flexing, the suspension can't absorb thr road impacts, it just transfers it to the body. The original platform came out in 1987; the unibody isn't the quality of todays cars. You can improve that though. Subframe connectors, engine cradle brace, rear shock tower brace. I don't see how air ride can give a harsher ride then coils. It is most likely another factor.

Posted by: Roadboss

What's with the "check air ride system" Rev? I suspect that your compressor may be on it's way out. Vent not functioning properly and also sticking open would cause the front to fall too far giving a bad ride and also tripping the check system light. When you replace your compresso also get the Spider valve and you will be set for life.

Posted by: gmoney

Quote:

Originally Posted by XLRVIII

I have no idea what "kit" or even what the springs are off of on my 97, but it doesn't have any of the symptoms mentioned above. It sure as hell doesn't lean to the side like a lowrider either. I'm 265 lbs.

Posted by: RedHotMark96

Well from what Ive read on here, it seems you can buy replacement air bags for $100 each, and get a total replacement set (including compressor and other necessary bits) for $650, versus $400 for a coil kit.

Given that, Ill keep the air ride if I can.
The problem is swapping all the stuff. Is it something I can do myself with basic tools and limited skills and time?

Posted by: Roadboss

Redhot:
There are not any big problems to changing your air springs, just make sure you have some PB Blaster to soak the nut with and a 21mm deep well socket. Be sure you have new o rings and some di-electric grease for reinstalling your solenoids. Speaking of that, the new air springs utilize a shorter solenoid which is no problem.All you need to do is take a sharp knife and cut along the preforation of your old one as it hangs there. Throw away the marshmellow and cut off piece as they aren't needed. Remove your old o-rings and slip on the new ones, and lube up lightly and you should be good for reinstall.

Installing the compressor isn't complicated either, but it does pose some issues if you are a physically large person. I would also advise you to get a Spider valve so that you keep your system free from moisture so it will live a very long time. Here is where you may want to buy your stuff. They are an authorized seller for the Arnott Air Springs and Eddie rebuilds the used compressors that he takes in on trade. It's a great deal, and you have an experience tech to talk to.

http://www.americanairsuspension.com...ucts.php?cat=3

Posted by: NateRW21

I'm still thinking about a 97-98 mark... but some things caught my eye...

Someone made mention of things such a sub-frame connectors, cradle brace (similar to a K-member?) and rear shock tower support. Do these all actually exist for the Mark, or are they adaptations of mustang pieces... or fully custom fab parts?

On to other things suspension... when keeping the air-springs, is there a manual ride height adjust-ability (I feel it just rides a touch too high)? I've heard of the ASHAM, but it appears it does not work with, or fit the 97-98 models. Someone said Koni shocks for the rear? These actually exist? Also upgraded roll bars? The control arms... are these being replaced due to bushing wear or are they the integral ball-joint type and we're talking ball-joint wear? Also, anyone try poly suspension bushings?

And while I'm thinking about it, do mustang exhausts work on the Mark8's? I know cat-backs can be had made specifically for the mark, but what about X (or H)-pipes and headers?

Supercharger kits for the Cobra work with the Mark?

Brakes... Any big brake kits available?

And last question... which if anything like the LS community... gets periodically asked... Manual tranny swap? Anyone try it? Kits? (I'm assuming this to be an issue given the auto tranny used is most likely what... an AODE? Being electronic, the ECU may disagree with it missing?)

OH... btw... yeah yeah yeah... USE THE SEARCH FEATURE. Well, for the amount of things I'm looking for, I'd be searching all day. Much easier if I just ask it all in one location and some people throw some quick replies with websites and what they have available... and any needed info they desire to include. And this way, I get to add those websites to my new folder in my favorites entitled "Mark"!

Okay really... last question now. How scarce is the charcoal color option on the 97-98's? I search autotrader from time to time and almost NEVER see an LSC in charcoal. I know... why not get black? Well, because my LS is black and when I get my cobra (hopefully within the next year)... that will be black or charcoal to start, eventually getting a two tone... top/bottom split chip foose style black on top, charcoal on bottom.

Thanks again guys! (and gals)

Posted by: MediumD

ASHAM 8 will work with 97-98.

There are off the shelf upgraded swaybars available.

Mustang exhaust won't really work... As for headers you pretty much just have Kooks.

96-98 Cobra SC kits essentially work.

As for the manual, it's been done with a T45 and is being done with a T56, this question you do want to use the search.

I've seen about 3 charcoal VIIIs ever, and I've probably looked through 500 of them.

Posted by: Battery

I mentioned the koni's. The rears from a Thunderbird work. I got mine from tirerack.

Posted by: ford nut

Quote:

And last question... which if anything like the LS community... gets periodically asked... Manual tranny swap? Anyone try it? Kits? (I'm assuming this to be an issue given the auto tranny used is most likely what... an AODE? Being electronic, the ECU may disagree with it missing?)

NateRW21 I will give you this one its the only swap I have seen.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/577667/1

The rest of the questions have been asked a bizzzlion times your lucky frogman isnt around he would tear you a new a hole for being too lazy to use the search fuction it took me one simple search and under one min. to find the info on this swap.

Posted by: NateRW21

Quote:

Originally Posted by ford nut

Yeah... I know... been at this over a year; just new to the Mark VIII. And Frogman is a little girl... all disappearing on us. He's harmless. But again, I'm not asking for in-depth info... just some links to retailers. When/if I want the in-depth info, I'll start searching (lets be honest, I'm not going to dedicate THAT much time to it when I'm still unsure if I'll even get a Mark in the first place). ANYWAY.... Thanks for the link!

Posted by: stone17

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonsterMark

Let's face it. Some guys are just too cheap to own Marks (and quite frankly don't deserve to own them). You guys need to be driving Chevy Cobalts or something like that.

That funny.
I put $8,000 into my Mark VIII and I dont have the air ride.

Posted by: MonsterMark

Quote:

Originally Posted by stone17

That funny.
I put $8,000 into my Mark VIII and I dont have the air ride.

So you have a $9,000 Thunderbird.

Congrats!

Posted by: NateRW21

That is kind of brutal... maybe he just likes a spring suspension better!

Yes, almost all show cars are bagged... but look at it this way...

Almost all sports cars and race cars run springs.

It's nothing more than two different solutions to the same problem; just because someone likes it one way, does not mean that's the best way for everyone.

Posted by: The_purple_lincoln_slayer

Smooth riding air springs are for the elderly.

Posted by: driller

Yeah, but you can't adjust the ride height on the fly with springs.

Posted by: Battery

Yea and it's harder to adjust the rear springs for launches if they're solid.

Posted by: XLRVIII

Quote:

Originally Posted by NateRW21

That is kind of brutal... maybe he just likes a spring suspension better!

Dont settle for a "maybe he likes"..

ASK HIM/Glen/Stone 17 IF he likes his coilsprings.

last time I spoke with him about it, he said he wanted to go back to Air Ride.

Posted by: NateRW21

You're kind of splitting hairs... my point was just that air ride isn't for everyone; some people like springs. Weather or not he is happy with his choice isn't my point.

Posted by: XLRVIII

Sorry I really wasn't trying to split hairs.

you'd said that maybe glen liked coil springs and I knew otherwise from words that came out of his mouth in person.

I really wasn't trying to argue..just clarifying a misconception.

Carry on.. stick springs in there, it aint my car.

P.S. I cannot say in all honesty if someone found me a set of 90/10's or 80/20's that I wouldn't put them under my car though.

BUT.. I a wouldn't put Tbird springs that were made for a lighter car and touted as a lowering kit {that just screams rice-capades, I'm sorry)

Posted by: XLRVIII

Nate, hopefully the car is a 98..
if for no other reason it has the updated mechanical one way diode.

And.. hell, if you can get one..
GO FOR IT.

I imagin you could rip out the air ride and get some one to put together a peformance orientated suspension under there...
I just think these "conversion kits" might not be the BE ALL END ALL.

As for the front ends, some prefer the more aggressive look of the 93-96's give one of those cars a walk around.

Grilles are pretty much non existant but one could be easily fabricated to fit IMHO.
The second gen grille has more funky curves than the first gen grille, but with some creativity and the right "donor grille" I dont see why it wouldn't be "too hard" to fab something up.

Posted by: Speed Demon

For the record, I owned a 1990 anni. edd. thunderbird super coupe. I had tons of options, self leveling shocks, sport/tour ride adjust on the fly(or automatic during aggressive driving) and super comfy suede trimmed leather seats with lumbar and lower back air adjusters. Auto on/off, self dimming, auto shade rear view,blah,

,blah. Oh yeah a super charger too.

Not bad compared to the Mark. I'd relax on the whole air ride thing Monster. I loved my sc but I'm more excited to get into my MarkVIII.

Can't we all just get along

Sorry,had to say that.

Posted by: NateRW21

Quote:

Originally Posted by XLRVIII

Nate, hopefully the car is a 98..
if for no other reason it has the updated mechanical one way diode.

And.. hell, if you can get one..
GO FOR IT.

I imagin you could rip out the air ride and get some one to put together a peformance orientated suspension under there...
I just think these "conversion kits" might not be the BE ALL END ALL.

As for the front ends, some prefer the more aggressive look of the 93-96's give one of those cars a walk around.

Grilles are pretty much non existant but one could be easily fabricated to fit IMHO.
The second gen grille has more funky curves than the first gen grille, but with some creativity and the right "donor grille" I dont see why it wouldn't be "too hard" to fab something up.

Personally, I think when I get my mark, I'll be torn between designing a very performance orentated suspension (we're not talking drag racing here...) and stiffening up the body... OR, just doing the sensor lower and trying to improve upon what the factory gives you. Either way, I think the mark is a gorgeous car (especially the gen II).

Posted by: Speed Demon

Before I catch any flak, the 90 sc had air shocks with adjustable firmness not leveling.

I do miss the 40/60 split rear seat though.

Posted by: Eagle1

Quote:

Originally Posted by NateRW21

This is just a totally personal decision on your part, based on what you intend to turn the car into.

IF you want the car to be true to form as designed by Ford, you have to do the airbags. They work very well for what the car was originally designed to be.

IF you want to turn the car into something different than what it was originally designed to be, it gets more particular and very personal. If you want a car that can really carve up a canyon of twisties, then you are going to have to do some serious work on the suspension. You will certainly have to go to the stiffer anti sway bars, such as Adco, but there may be others to consider. You may wish to go to a harder compound on the bushings. Urethane will be the best, but you will get some "mouse in your pocket" squeaks, so something one step down in hardness might be better if that is an issue to you. Lighter, wider wheels so you can put a bigger footprint tire down, with a stiffer and shorter sidewall block to keep the tire rollover minimized is also a consideration. That can also allow you to get a bigger brake rotor and caliper set up in there. See how that works and if it does enough to satisfy you. IF not......

Lowering the car on a coilover damper/spring set up, and adjusting the camber to slightly more negative will also be helpful for an aggressively capable vehicle. This is what I did to mine, and I like it a lot. But, most people would not want that on their Mark VIII. And they should not....if everybody out there was tossing their Mark into corners with throttle on oversteer and holding through the turn with countersteer on the wheel....I would never want to be on public streets again. And finally an lsd to get more power down in the turns. BUT.......she won't ride like the Lincoln she was when she left the factory. The noise, vibration and harshness associated with the stiffer sways, wider contact patch of the tires and shorter sidewall will all be translated into the driving experience every day. If you don't want to pay that compromise in experience, you really should not do it. The airbags are not a big problem, they really work well and they are a signature element to the engineering of the car.

Posted by: MonsterMark

Nice commentary posted by Eagle1.

I have the Jekyll and Hyde of Mark VIII's.

A '98 white (Jekyll) and a '98 black (Hyde).

COMPLETELY different cars.

White is mostly stock with exhaust. 225's on 16" OctaStars.
Black completely modded with sway bars, 245's on 18"s, Cobra brakes and everything in between.

If you go for handling, you give up Mr. Lincoln reclining chair.

If I want to relax, I take the white one.

If I want my teeth to rattle and have my nerves on edge, I drive the black one.

Get my drift? Exact same model. Different animals.

Posted by: mespock

Wow.. Bryan you have a non-air ride Mark VIII LOL..

agree with Eagle 1...

I have all three set ups. Air Ride, Standard Coversion, 1.5 Lower Conversion. It all depends on what you want.

Posted by: 02LSE96LSC91SE84TC

Quote:

Originally Posted by mespock

Wow.. Bryan you have a non-air ride Mark VIII LOL..

agree with Eagle 1...

I have all three set ups. Air Ride, Standard Coversion, 1.5 Lower Conversion. It all depends on what you want.

Actually Rich Bryans Monster still has air....

Posted by: MonsterMark

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02LSE96LSC91SE84TC

Actually Rich Bryans Monster still has air....

Ya, It's a Lincoln, not a T-Bird.

It is probably going to get a set of these. IF (IF) I can fab them to fit.

Posted by: mespock

Oh fine...

Posted by: buddylee

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonsterMark

Ya, It's a Lincoln, not a T-Bird.

It is probably going to get a set of these. IF (IF) I can fab them to fit.

is that a firestone bag ?? why does every LowRyder guy tell me I don't want firestone bags??

anyone know??

Posted by: MonsterMark

Quote:

Originally Posted by buddylee

is that a firestone bag ?? why does every LowRyder guy tell me I don't want firestone bags??

Yes, it is a Firestone bag and i can only guess it doesn't bounce like a superball.

Or, when it does, pop goes the weasel.

For me, I don't care, not a low-rider in the true sense of the word. Word.

Posted by: 96hotrodlincoln

Why is everyone so brutal about the suspension, I have one of both myself, I loved the spirited driving in the 1.5" lowered coils, it hugs the road so much better through the turns. But the bags on my 97 are a much smoother ride, not quite as smooth as the bags were on the 96 but still smoother than the coils.

Yeah, so if you want coils, get coils, if you want air, get air.

The air is nice from the stance that if you add an aftermarket control, you can adjust the ride to suit your likings or just plain slam it for shows.

I say, let them criticize, at the end of the day, you're the one that lives with your decision!

Posted by: RedHotMark96

Seems there are a lot of strong opinions on the issue. This year I seem to be more strapped for cash than last year, so some of my plans have had to change or be postponed. If I had cash to spare, I'd go with a new air setup in a second, but given my current situation I think I'm going to buy springs.

I'm not cheaping out on the car and there is no way I will buy a cheap kit off ebay or pull some out of a wrecked T-bird.
If the coil kit from American Air Suspension is as good as people say it is, then I think thats what I'll buy. I'm talking about the standard height kit here, not the 1.5" lowered (It doesnt make much sense if you live in the Detroit Metro). I can always get new air suspension later when I'm done with college.

But will my handling improve at all with the standard height kit?

Posted by: XLRVIII

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedHotMark96

I can always get new air suspension later when I'm done with college.

But will my handling improve at all with the standard height kit?

More than likely the hydraulic portion of your front struts are work out along with the air bag..
SO.. putting a good strut on the car, be it Air Ride or Springs will likely show an improvement in ride and handling, because your replacing worn out parts with new parts.. so in short.. the answer to your question is.. YES.

I commend your thoughts on replacing the air ride later down the road!

Posted by: mespock

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedHotMark96

Seems there are a lot of strong opinions on the issue. This year I seem to be more strapped for cash than last year, so some of my plans have had to change or be postponed. If I had cash to spare, I'd go with a new air setup in a second, but given my current situation I think I'm going to buy springs.

And there is nothing wrong with that decision.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedHotMark96

But will my handling improve at all with the standard height kit?

Yes, the conversion will improve handling. I have both set and it was the first thing I noticed. And yes you and improve your handling with the air ride by improving other suspension areas.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96hotrodlincoln

Why is everyone so brutal about the suspension, I have one of both myself, I loved the spirited driving in the 1.5" lowered coils, it hugs the road so much better through the turns......

Yeah, so if you want coils, get coils, if you want air, get air.

The air is nice from the stance that if you add an aftermarket control, you can adjust the ride to suit your likings or just plain slam it for shows.

I say, let them criticize, at the end of the day, you're the one that lives with your decision!

Can't agree with you more.

Posted by: napoleon1072

Quote:

Originally Posted by mespock

As for aftermarket compared to the LS there is a lot. Generally speaking anything that is there for the Mustang is something you could do to the Mark VIII.

Is this the case with the Continental?? I'd love to know more about the potential mods that I could perform on the Conti

Posted by: mespock

Quote:

Originally Posted by napoleon1072

Is this the case with the Continental?? I'd love to know more about the potential mods that I could perform on the Conti

Isn't the Conti FWD?

That may change things.. Dang engine is turned the wrong way....

Posted by: napoleon1072

Quote:

Originally Posted by mespock

Isn't the Conti FWD?

That may change things.. Dang engine is turned the wrong way....

it's fwd

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