A Fantastic Mod for BA XR8 - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Aussie Pete · 08-17-2003, 17:30

Not often you see a simple mod make a huge difference but this is a beauty.

The BA XR8 is a superb riding vehicle with good handling, but one criticism many have is it is lazy on turn-in. It seems to take a little bit of time to react as the suspension takes up the slack.

Well, without going to the extent of fitting coils front and rear, lowering etc there's a fantastic fix available that would even suit fleet drivers.

There are front springs available that keep the standard height yet provide a better turn in. The difference is amazing, with the ride comfort only marginally compromised. And all this for around $160!!!!! (or $330 fitted)

The mod consists of a specific coil made by Lovells. The demand for these coils has shot through the roof with some dealers fitting these springs to their demo cars because it makes such a huge difference.

I know it's not the same as a good full kit from herrods, but I'm certain some people will see the value and convenience of the cheaper alternative.

Give David a call at East Coast Suspensions, Kirrawee Sydney 02 9545 1044.

Venom XR · 08-17-2003, 19:12

I thought Lovells were in financial strife! Good news though.

Blurter · 08-17-2003, 19:28

David was telling me about this on Saturday when I saw him. He mentioned that I missed you by about 10 minutes.

BTW I have decided to fit the the Konis after talking with him.

Aussie Pete · 08-17-2003, 21:04

Lovells have started up again with a vengeance. It'[s strange how a company like that can be the virtual market leader and have such a good name yet let their business degrade in such a way.

Lessons learnt I guess.

Venom XR · 08-17-2003, 22:23

I heard about Lovells misfortunes from my old suspension gyu at Blacktown who put those, and KYB shocks in my old car.

He told me about another mob from QLD making springs, but I forgot the name now (started with D I think) - they obviously didn't capitalise on the market space made by Lovells (temporary) disappearance - I think Kings did instead.

flavze · 08-18-2003, 04:45

hmm i was wondering how long someone would take to release a fix like this.
On a side note, would the GT springs work in an XR8 just as well?
Wats the differance in ride hight between an XR an a GT?
I guess genuine Ford GT springs would be alot dearer than Lovells ones.

jemmex · 08-18-2003, 22:40

Sounds great, but one thing bothers me.
You say some dealers fit them to the democars so they handle better.
THat strikes me as a bit misleading of those dealers.

I test drive the car and am really impressed with the suspension, only tobe told (or at least I HOPE they "remember" to tell me) that its not a normal falcon.

I mean why not put different engine in?

I think a dealer demo car sould be ex-factoiy, like what you will get whn you rock up with your hard-earned.

Aussie Pete · 08-18-2003, 22:44

Jemmex:
My understanding is dealers do tell the customers. An example is one guy who had an XRHAD-T on order and who took the chance to drive a modded XR8 and decided it handled better than the XRHAD-T so he bought the 8.

Bluedriver · 08-19-2003, 23:41

AP Lovells lost the market long ago to concentrate in the Industrial side of Coils, did plenty for the railways etc etc hence took their eye of the car market and thats where Kings came into it to grab the market share followed by Pedders. Breifly at the same time the owners left it to be run by a Management which F##&*$d it, went into liquidation 3yrs ago roughly, thankfully they are trying to get back on track............
Venom XR the D is Dobinson's from Rockhampton, all Kings copy's is the word, not a reliable product (saggs) trying to get to market by price only.........

gremin · 08-20-2003, 13:42

After reading this thread, ive decided to get this done on my BA XR8... But my local tyre shop says, get KINGs, not Lovells... Is this OK? Are the Lovells better?