Must have BDR upgrades

genolan · #1 (**permalink**) 04-27-2021, 06:16 PM

I have a stock RT3 with the rousch 427. What are the top three upgrades I should implement?

FredG · #2 (**permalink**) 04-27-2021, 07:17 PM

I have car 1209 with a Roush 427r. I have done a ton of upgrades to the car since I got it 3 years ago. The top mechanical/functional would be 4 shocks, camber plates and 275lb front Hypercoil springs, Improved racing oil thermostat, aluminum gas tank, remote reservoirs and upgrade the stock steering with beefier components. The top cosmetic upgrades would be, carbon fiber dash, autometer gauges with LED lighting and upgraded switches, replace incandescent idiot lights with LED's, radiator protector, pusher fans, hurst short shifter with ball and ceramic coating.

Fred

bobcowan · #3 (**permalink**) 04-27-2021, 08:26 PM

Well, like most vehicles, it depends on what your goals are. The top upgrade for an autocross car would not be the same as for a mountain road cruiser.

Before making any upgrades, drive the car like you normally would, and then ask yourself what would improve your experience.

SBSerpent · #4 (**permalink**) 04-27-2021, 11:58 PM

I replaced my stock headlights. As mundane as it might sound, you have to realize that the headlights that come on our BDR chassis are designed for driving on the left side of the road. The faceting on the lens directs the beam in an upward, left direction. Not conducive towards driving on the right side of the road being that it blinds oncoming drivers. Improved night time driving incredibly. What's more, the replacement headlights I went with have a more curved profile. They follow the lines of the front fenders and flow much better from an aesthetic standpoint - more so than the stock 'flat' headlights.

IMLost · #5 (**permalink**) 04-28-2021, 05:17 AM

Here is a thought. What do you need to upgrade and why? Why do you think you need to upgrade and what for.
It's like knock off wheels do you want then or need them? Does everything work or function properly? Do you plan on driving it or showing it? All of those simple things will answer your questions for you.
Do you want a trophy wife or a good one?
THen drive it some more, that's what there built for.

genolan · #6 (**permalink**) 04-28-2021, 06:03 AM

Some issues that I noticed the rear squats when I get on it.
Radiator gets full of bugs
Steering wheel shimmering at 50mph
Rattling from some part of the car only after a long hard ride maybe side pipe?

IMLost · #7 (**permalink**) 04-28-2021, 04:54 PM

If it squats you may need heavier Rear springs. The one's the install are 400 lbs (i think) Especially since your from New Jersey and the roads you travel.
Summit has a mat that's cheap that you can install and remove to get the bugs out.
Front end shimmy is probably tires. Especially since it doesn't do it below and it goes away above that. Mine does the same i can tell hoe fast I'm going. by the shake, and my car is totally smooth at 92.
And the rattle that comes after driving is your ear drums

because most rattles don't go away and come back. Baffle shake would probably remain constant.

Wynn · #8 (**permalink**) 02-23-2022, 01:12 PM

I prioritize my upgrades based on needs and wants. I needed better lighting for night driving. I upgraded to the LED lighting package, night and day difference haha. I want the Lokar 6" electronic sport shifter. However; the one I have works fine, so it dropped down on the list. My next upgrade is a want and need. I will change out the stereo system with a back-up camera and Apple carplay (assist with backing, GPS mapping, and better sound).

mwhdvm · #9 (**permalink**) 05-06-2022, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FredG

I have car 1209 with a Roush 427r. I have done a ton of upgrades to the car since I got it 3 years ago. The top mechanical/functional would be 4 shocks, camber plates and 275lb front Hypercoil springs, Improved racing oil thermostat, aluminum gas tank, remote reservoirs and upgrade the stock steering with beefier components. The top cosmetic upgrades would be, carbon fiber dash, autometer gauges with LED lighting and upgraded switches, replace incandescent idiot lights with LED's, radiator protector, pusher fans, hurst short shifter with ball and ceramic coating.

Fred

What shocks/coil-overs do you all recommend upgrading to?

Unique427 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-06-2022, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genolan

Some issues that I noticed the rear squats when I get on it.
Radiator gets full of bugs
Steering wheel shimmering at 50mph
Rattling from some part of the car only after a long hard ride maybe side pipe?

From your list above, in the order they are written:
1) QA-1 Proma Star dual adjustable coilovers (adjusts for compression & rebound)
2) Get set of dental picks and go to work.
3) Out of balance wheel (steering rocks left/right @50-60mph)
4) They all rattle for one reason or another.

See QA-1 here (Visual reference only. Measure/consult length required):
BEARING MOUNTED https://www.qa1.net/product/dd403
BUSHING MOUNTED https://www.qa1.net/product/dd404

With dual adjustable you can easily set the ride and
height for cruise/sport/race. To counter squat adjust front
coilovers to limit rebound and rear coilovers to limit compression.
Dual knobs at the base of each coilover facilitate this with (18)
settings each. Changes made in 2 minutes and no tools required.

FredG · #11 (**permalink**) 05-07-2022, 12:15 PM

For the front shocks I went with KYB 361005, I swapped out the springs for HYC-188B0275 Hypercoils. New saddles will be needed for the new springs. Stock saddles won't work. Also, I installed Camber Plates. Makes a big difference in the ride and handling.

Fred

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwhdvm

What shocks/coil-overs do you all recommend upgrading to?

Mike_Gr · #12 (**permalink**) 05-17-2022, 07:06 AM

I think the things that made the most difference for me were
subframe bushings
trailing arm bushings
Adjustable rear control arms to get more camber
Camber plates
new shocks

I went with these for the rear shocks
https://www.jrishocks.com/shop/build...stable-shocks/

bobcowan · #13 (**permalink**) 06-25-2022, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike_Gr

I think the things that made the most difference for me were
subframe bushings
trailing arm bushings
Adjustable rear control arms to get more camber
Camber plates
new shocks

I went with these for the rear shocks

Do you have any pictures of the install?

I have that weird pogo effect at partial throttle, and it bugs the crap out of me.

Mike_Gr · #14 (**permalink**) 07-07-2022, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobcowan

Do you have any pictures of the install?

I have that weird pogo effect at partial throttle, and it bugs the crap out of me.

Don't have any specific pictures during install of suspension components but have a video showing the updates. Happy to take any pics that would be helpful or answer questions.

https://youtu.be/g7L-XnW1mfw