I got the email too. Looked pretty freakin' cool.

 

I didn't get an email

 

Did you sign up to our newsletter? Maybe it went to your spam folder?

 

Yup, I got it too. I was talking with Shaun a few days ago about springs and if he was going to Carlisle. He told me he was working on the 3 link. I'll check it out at his space.

 

Until the product is released, no picture will be posted. That's what he told me on facebook.

 

Hey guys, thank you for the plug.

I posted the sneaky 'spy shot' on our Facebook page just to let guys know a little what we are up to. Detailed finished production shots will of course come when its released.

I'm pretty excited about it. Been planning/working on it for 3 years. We are currently designing/testing/tuning the Street/Sport/Race valved Bilstein coilover options to match the front coilver options we already offer. This will give you a balanced package, 4 point ride height adjustability and corner weight capabilities not to mention a wide range of spring rates that are cheap and easy to change.

Current system weight is approx. 30lbs lighter than the leaf spring system I took off.

Its going to be a tough Summer having to drive all those street and track miles but I suppose I'll have to do it. Production is planned for Fall 2012 but don't shoot me if its not ready by then. Nothing goes to production unless I'm 110% happy with it.

 

Can we get it in red?

 

Isn't there an unwritten law that states all chassis/suspension components should be gloss black? Well if there isn't there is in my shop!

But... for you Nick, I'll paint them hot pink!

 

I'm DYING to get more info on this. I don't think I'll be able to get up to Carlisle, but please post up pictures as soon as you feel it is "ready." I'm already saving my pennies.

If it weren't for Shawn, my car would be DONE and in new paint, but he keeps coming up with great new gear that just takes priority!

 

Would love to see the product out sooner. In the market for setup now. Any idea on price point?

 

As much as I'd love to release the product now (I've been driving it and it absolutley ROCKS), I have to resist until it is absolutely perfect. We are using this Summer to beat on it at Road America, Mid-Ohio, Gingerman and Waterford race tracks as well as log as many street miles as we can. Main objectives are durability testing (see if we can break something) and to dial in the shock/spring package to balance our front systems.

If you can hang on, it will be well worth it:

 

Dang Shaun, at least paint the center chunk the proper color oke:

 

Dang Shaun, at least paint the center chunk the proper color oke:

Is this the concours forum or go as fast as possible forum? :thumbsup:

 

When will you be in Elkart Lake, maybe see you there and check it out. Looks nice from the 1 pic. How hard would it be to mount the trailing arms inboard, for more tire room? Or would that throw everything off?

 

I'll be there for the Northwoods Shelby get together July 27th-29th. You can ride in the car with me but any peeking underneath will be grounds for a time out in the corner...

You'll be able to mini-tub the car to almost the frame rail.

 

How about a panhard to cut down on everything except fancy points?irate:

 

My hired 'butt dyno' driver says he can tell the difference in how the car turns with a panhard versus a watts link. That was enough for me.

I made the watts so it'll work with leaf springs and our 3-link. This will enable folks to ease into the entire system if you can't spring for the entire thing right off the bat.

 

I'll be doing my mini-tub in a couple months after I get the car back from the blasters and we clear some space in the shop...I really think we should test out your theory about the 3 link and taking it to the rails. 315/30/18, mini tub and your 3 link, oh yeah. Don't make me wait. We don't even have to tell anyone else...it'll be our little secret.

 

Shaun,
I know how important it is not to 'mix' componenets. I currently have the TCP tubular control arms U/L(1" drop) with coilover conversion. Would you still recommend your 3-link with this.
Also going to be upgrading the steering. Have had guys trying to steer me (hehe) toward R&P with the MII front (exactly the Heidts Pro G), but I prefer the shock towers original appearance and doing manual steering upgrades. I know about the 16:1 upgrade box, but any other suggestions? Heavier spindles? Bump steer? etc?

 

The biggest issue I see with mixing components is balancing the car. I know from all the measurments we've taken, computer sims we've done and real world testing that the car is balanced front/rear. I have no idea what valving/spring rates and or geometry the TCP front end uses.

If you are not hammering on it 10/10ths at the track you may never get to notice anything wrong. If you do notice something its really easy to change spring rates and valving (at least in our systems it is).

 

TCP stuff - front end
Mii stuff - front end
Spindles - front end

Watts - rear end
3 link - rear end

 

Shaun does that setup use a short upper link arm? Hard to see much from that pic but appears to be a bent short upper link.

 

Shaun does that setup use a short upper link arm? Hard to see much from that pic but appears to be a bent short upper link.

Dog leg upper link. It follows the shape of the floor then mounts into a CNC bracket on a frame in the trans. tunnel.

 

I am very interested in this setup when it is available. I am wanting to do a mini tub this winter and run a larger tire setup. I want atleast a 315 under the rear. Will this setup work and if so, what modifications will be necessary? Thanks

 

Thank you for the feedback guys. Sounds like having the front trailing arm mount on the frame rail would be a popular option. Subframe connectors and others things can get in the way then but if you plan out the build I'm sure you can find a solution.

So far we have simulation models for mounting the front trailing arm mount in the stock leaf spring pocket (works very well on the street/track), working on one model and real world driving mounting it on the rear torque box, lower and longer trailing arm than the leaf spring mount (improves the Side View Swing Arm ALOT) and will do one mounting it on the frame rail (for mini-tubing to the frame rail).

I see the options list being pretty simple:

Street car - leaf spring mount
Mini tub - frame rail mount
Track car - torque box mount

The difference in parts would be minimal, just different length tubes and different brackets. No big deal.

 

Are you going to be selling parts separately???

I would be interested in buying some control arms, and the axle brackets to mount these...

 

Are you going to be selling parts separately???

I would be interested in buying some control arms, and the axle brackets to mount these...

The Watts Link will be available separate from the 3 Link System. Our Watts will work with leaf springs and our 3 Link.

This gives you the option to spread the cost of the upgrade if you like.

 

3 Link

Any chance it's time for some "Show and Tell?"

 

Any chance it's time for some "Show and Tell?"

Well I can't show but I can definately tell. I have had the opportunity to pe a passenger in and drive Shauns car. In the most technical terms I can muster, I have four words regarding his 3-Link design... IT FREAKING KICKS *** :thumbsup:. One drive in his car has completely ruined the budget on mine.

 

Here is the final production layout:

This setup is using an optional lower/longer LCA mount for improved geometry. Alternatively the LCA's can be mounted into the stock forward leaf spring pocket:

We will offer the system in 'Street', 'Sport' and 'Race' valved packages that match our front coilover system for a balanced package. Street is extremely comfortable and gives a crisp controlled ride, Sport is like a SVT package, bit more rebound and spring for a sportier ride and is tuned for a dual purpose 'street or track' car. Race is very quick. 3 seconds a lap quicker than the Sport around Road America.

CAD drawings are being finalized so we can start production asap. Should have pricing soon and product on the shelf by the end of this year.

 

Looks like a nice package, but any chance of running an exhaust around it is slim to none? I ran into this situation with the aftermarket coilover rear I bought. Although, I can still get pipes through mine, just not stock. But mine is no where near as nice as this one.
GT cars will have to swap rear valance panels.

 

Exhaust

I think I've seen pictures of a rear exiting exhaust on a Fays2. Maybe 2-1/4" pipes can be run through this setup with a little work.

 

This looks killer. Eagerly waiting for pricing and production pics. Will there be a kit for the 67-68 models? (sorry if I missed that) Also, a possible solution to exhaust plumbing: pretty sure aeroform and MTF have a side exhaust kits available below and/or through the torque boxes if dumps are a noise/drone concern, or if you just prefer that look?

 

The same system should fit 65-70 years. Just a few tweaks for rear end tubing size. :thumbsup:

 

do you have to remove the seat pans to install the inner rockers on a 69?

 

Yes. You will need to trim the outboard side of them to accommodate the inner rocker. Good time to lower them to get the seat low.

 

Getting really close to a product release. Thought you guys would like to see some hi-res images of pretty much exactly how the production pieces will look like.

Here you can see our 3rd Link Frame:

The bearing support sits up inside the trans. tunnel and actually makes our 3rd link longer than that on the S197 Mustang:

Here is the billet steel bearing support straight off the CNC. Its almost too nice to hide in the trans. tunnel!

Here are some nice full system shots:

 

Damn you Shaun, Damn you! :cheers:

 

I'll second that!! Stop with the ideas dammit! Wait, strike that..keep em coming!