Advice and Experiences or Knowledge on S197 Saleen Watts Link Upgrade or Similar

[skullandbones]

I've recently come across some aftermarket diff covers that double as a watts link mount. Ford sells one for the 2005 Saleens and later. However, the diff covers will fit any 8.8 diff. I've decided against a pan hard bar for the watts link of some kind (better technology). It doesn't look like it would be any more difficult to install than a proper pan hard bar as the hardware to the frame is very similar. So I'm asking if you have pics and experiences with such devices or have heard from some of your Mustang friends as these seem to be very popular with them. Two things these covers have are the filler and drain plugs. That's pretty nice in itself. There are a couple of racing companies that have kits with adjustable roll center positions which is great if you are balancing the chassis for racing, AX, track days.

Thanks in advance,

WEK.

[edwardb]

Can't comment about that specific item, other than to say after searching it looks to have some similarities to Gordon Levy's 5-link setup for our Roadsters. Here it is in my Mk4 build. Note the suspension is hanging here. When sitting on the tires, everything straightens up. The new rear cover does have fill and drain plugs.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Update%2011212012/th_IMG_1866.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Update%2011212012/IMG_1866.jpg.html)

[skullandbones]

Hi Edward,

What is the weight on that unit? I've seen it once before in another thread. It looks very well designed and built.

Thanks, WEK.

[edwardb]

Hi Edward,

What is the weight on that unit? I've seen it once before in another thread. It looks very well designed and built.

Thanks, WEK.

Doesn't look like I can answer your question. Sorry. The shipping weight isn't on my invoice from Levy Racing or on their website. I searched a number of threads over on the other forum, where this thing is discussed, and no mention of weight. Just based on general feeling, I'm guessing the unsprung weight is similar to 3-link. The frame pieces have to be added, but they're not particularly heavy. My recommendation is to call Gordon Levy.

[skullandbones]

I did give him a call. He said it was app. 55 lbs. That's not bad for all that structure. I can see why people rave about it. It's nice looking and appears to be very well constructed. I believe he said it was good for up to 1000 hp. WEK.

[edwardb]

I did give him a call. He said it was app. 55 lbs. That's not bad for all that structure. I can see why people rave about it. It's nice looking and appears to be very well constructed. I believe he said it was good for up to 1000 hp. WEK.

Interesting. Is that the total weight off all the parts or only the difference between his 5-link and a different setup? I'm guessing the former, because the kit replaces a number of normally installed parts. Like replacing steel upper and lower links with the supplied aluminum ones. The Watts link setup has more pieces, but it's also aluminum so I would guess similar in weight to the stock Panhard bar. The steel frame additions plus the steel bracket on the diff are additions though. I'm guessing it adds a little weight, but not 55 lbs.

If you haven't read already, there are number of threads over on the other forum about this setup. This thread is one, and has links to a bunch more. In general, people seem to be very happy with this setup. I'm many months away from having mine on the road. But looking for a similar positive experience. http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/273416-5-link-vs-irs.html

[skullandbones]

I think that is the shipping weight of the 5 link. The thing that keeps throwing me is that it looks so substantial that it seems like it would be very heavy but isn't the case. So far, the "sub-frame" of the LR unit is what stands out for me to be the most differential (pun?)of the aftermarket kits. Anyway, what I mean is differentiating it from the rest. I have a couple of questions since you have your hands on one.

1) is the powdercoated version extra?

2) did you have a pro welder do the final welding on your unit after you bolted it in?

3) was the bracket for the third link difficult to install? I will be doing it on a finished car but I think I can still get to it OK with the diff out of the car.

Thanks, Edward.

I forgot. Also thanks for tying all the FFcars links to this. I had seen some but not all of them. I am having issues over there so I will have to remember to search there as well for facts. Some of the references are older but still are applicable. to our needs.

[edwardb]

I think that is the shipping weight of the 5 link. The thing that keeps throwing me is that it looks so substantial that it seems like it would be very heavy but isn't the case. So far, the "sub-frame" of the LR unit is what stands out for me to be the most differential (pun?)of the aftermarket kits. Anyway, what I mean is differentiating it from the rest. I have a couple of questions since you have your hands on one.

1) is the powdercoated version extra?

2) did you have a pro welder do the final welding on your unit after you bolted it in?

3) was the bracket for the third link difficult to install? I will be doing it on a finished car but I think I can still get to it OK with the diff out of the car.

Thanks, Edward.

I forgot. Also thanks for tying all the FFcars links to this. I had seen some but not all of them. I am having issues over there so I will have to remember to search there as well for facts. Some of the references are older but still are applicable. to our needs.

1. I'm not aware Gordon sells the system power coated. These were done red (obviously) after receipt, cleaned where necessary for welding, then touched up after.

2. Mine is TIG welded into the chassis by a pro that makes house calls. For a Mk4 welding is basically required, along with a little frame cutting. I think Mk3 it can be bolted in, but welding is never a bad idea IMO.

3. No, but mine was installed early in the build without any sheet metal. Agree if stuff is apart it's doable. Hopefully you have a lift or can get it up in the air a bit.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[skullandbones]

Hi Edward,

I should have just called you to have this conversation! But I was hoping to get input from some of the other systems out there to compare. Evidently it must be a "stang" thing. I do like the TA Performance diff cover who also makes a Ford version. I didn't know there were so many different diff covers out there for the 8.8. I guess I will continue to research but it looks like you got a very nice setup. It looks like the "gold standard" from the research I have done so far. It approaches that level we call car porn.

Thanks,

WEK.