One of the outcries we’ve heard the most since the introduction of Horsepower Wars: Pony Wars was that our 2017 Chevrolet Camaro SS was delivered with “better suspension” from the get-go. Our sixth-generation Camaro sports GM’s Magnetic Ride Suspension from the factory, and our 2017 Ford Mustang GT is rocking the OEM standard suspension. But you didn’t really think we would let the Chevy crowd get away with murder, did you?

Those of you that are up-to-speed on Pony Wars will know that our competition includes a $5k and $15k pair of upgrade phases, with a parts list and pricing determined by Summit Racing. As part of the $5k upgrades, we enlisted Steeda Autosports to help our Mustang stay ahead of the Camaro with its S550 suspension upgrades.

For this segment, we consulted Steeda’s very own Vice President of Operations Glen Vitale, who has an extensive background in several racing programs.

Remember, Pony Wars is all about four competitions – two of which include drag racing and road racing – so incorporating a suspension which can handle both track duty and strip duty was pertinent to the success of our pony car throughout this series of events. Glen walks us through the upgrades, and why they were selected for our application.

For our application, Scott recommended the Pro Action rear shocks over the non-adjustable units, as they are the “…best of both worlds.”

“These shocks will help to eliminate tire-shake or wheelhop much better than the factory units. Run them at the softest for the drag strip, and turn them up for the road course.”

Moreover, our new Steeda differential hardware and bushing inserts play another large roll in helping plant our ’Stang on the pavement. “These bushings limit the pinion angle change of the differential, which in turn slows down the movement helping with traction,” Scott detailed. “The best part is they are designed to support the OEM bushings so there are no permanent modifications being done.”

• 
• 

Our new Steeda Pro Action Adjustable Rear Shocks will aid us in two key ways: they will enable our ’Stang to launch better at the strip, and to help keep us sure-footed in the turns.

Lastly, Scott explained that our newfound rear suspension makes for a smooth transition at the strip and on the road course.

“We are strengthening the mounting locations of the differential while slowing down the movement. Combined with the rear shocks, we are looking at an increase in traction down the quarter-mile. On the road course, with the rear shocks, you will have some ability to cater the feel of the car due to the adjustability of the rear shocks to the driver.”

Sounds like our trinity of upgrades is up to the task of supporting our Mustang’s needs.

Horsepower Wars is backed by some of the biggest names in the automotive aftermarket — including ARP Bolts, BMR Suspension, COMP Cams, Covercraft, Diablosport, Dyna-Batt, E3 Spark Plugs, Fragola Performance Parts, Holley Performance Products, Mahle North America, Mahle Motorsports, Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels, ProCharger Superchargers, PRW, QA1 Suspension, Royal Purple Synthetic Oil, Summit Racing, TCI Automotive, Weld Racing, and others – and it’s going to be a crazy ride over the next few months as we let these Ponies continue the battle. You won’t want to miss it.