New TC owner -- fussy about a good driving experience -- looking for advice

[mrjoelrobinson]

Hi,

 

I recently bought a 2015 TC XLT wagon to use as a micro camping van for my family of 4.  I enjoy driving a vehicle with responsive handling and have avoided buying a truck, van, SUV, RV, etc. for this reason for many years.  For perspective, here are the cars I've owned:

• 1998 Subaru Impreza RS -- added turbo kit, STI suspension, AP Racing brakes, Cusco rear sway bar, Momo leather shift knob
• 2004 Subaru WRX STi -- upgraded exhaust (car was set up really nice to start with)
• 2000 Honda Insight -- Custom adjustable struts/shocks, adjustable springs, custom rear sway bar, short shifter, S2000 leather wheel, Accord leather knob
• 2000 Honda Insight -- Full K20 engine swap, 6-speed transmission (sold because it went fast only in a straight line, poor handling)
• 2010 Honda Fit Sport -- Swift Sport springs (HUGE improvement), rear sway bar, numerous chassis braces, short shifter, Enkei racing lightweight wheels
• 2014 Subaru Crosstrek - Whiteline rear sway bar. (sold because it was boring to drive)
• 2015 Subaru Crosstrek -- Full 2016 WRX engine/drivetrain/interior swap
• 2005 Lotus Elise -- Supercharger, lightweight (for Lotus!) wheels, 2-piece brake rotors

 

From the above list, hopefully it's clear that I enjoy upgrading my cars and tend to focus on improving the handling and driving experience.

 

Now enter the Transit Connect.  Yep, not the sexiest or most high-performance vehicle to start with.  I'm okay with that and would like to look for any relatively simple, high bang-for-buck upgrades that would make the TC a more enjoyable vehicle to drive on extended road trips on mountain passes, curvy roads of various types, etc.

 

I asked a very similar question of the Honda Fit community years ago and learned that the Japanese company Swift Sports made a set of springs that barely lowered the car but greatly improved the handling feel for $250 or so.  I think the TC is low enough, maybe too low for the bumpy roads leading to camping locations I'm considering.  So lower isn't the goal but firmer, sportier would be great.  Same for upgraded damping.  Same for stiffening the rear beam suspension.  Because no sane person would ever bother, I custom made a sway bar for my Honda Insight using CroMo square tubing and custom "muffler clamps" to attach to the rear beam.  I'd much prefer to find something already built so I can focus on camper build more.  This mod sharpened up the steering feel nicely and didn't noticeably increase ride harshness.

 

I'm aware of the Bilstein B6 option but haven't heard from anyone who has installed a set. https://shop.redline360.com/products/bilstein-b6-suspension-strut-assembly-ford-transit-connect-2014-2021-front-driver-or-passenger-side

Same for the Eibach lowering springs: https://shop.redline360.com/products/eibach-pro-kit-lowering-springs-ford-transit-connect-2014-2018-e10-35-028-02-22

 

I'm curious if the lowering springs could be paired with spacers to boost the ride height while stiffing the rate? Anyone know the OEM spring rates, dimensions?

 

Thanks in advance for any advice, ideas, tips, links, etc.

 

Joel

 

 

[mrjoelrobinson]

I found this option: https://gazcoilovers.com/ford-transit-connect-mk2-gaz-gha-coilover-suspension-kit-329-p.asp

Unfortunately, it's listed as a "fast road and stance market" and includes a shorter rear shock.  Not what I'm looking for but still promising--GAZ are the company who custom built the coiler/adjustable struts and shocks for my Honda Insight.  Having adjustable damping when you're swapping springs can be quite helpful.

 

A bit more digging revealed this: https://www.modyourconnect.co.uk/product/gaz-mk2-transit-connect-adjustable-rear-shock-absorbers-standard/

rear shocks for non-lowered vehicles.  I sent an inquiry to MYC and GAZ to get their recommendations.

 

I found these spacers by tema4x4 that I'm thinking could be combined with lowering springs like the Eibach pro kit to get both higher rate and slightly higher ride height.  Would be best to achieve both using the proper springs but for this low-aftermarket-interest vehicle, I'm trying to be realistic. ?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/294951044023?fits=Model%3ATransit+Connect|Make%3AFord

 

 

Edited May 2, 2022 by mrjoelrobinson
added more info