billedwards
09-07-2011, 06:06 AM
I had originally ordered a Stage 1 Hop Not Kit from Michael at Hop Not. Once he found out that it was for a 2011 SRT8 he elected not to sell it to me because he had not done any testing. I then offered up my car for testing, but he really wanted someone local for testing.
After about a month, he asked if I would participate in fitment and testing of the Hop Not product line. This included the Stage 1 Kit; Stage 2 Kit; Adjustable Sway Bar Link and Engine Torque Strut. He also selected Speedlogix (Lisa’s GWE) and a gentleman from Tennessee. The guy from TN went to LA for Michael to install the products. Ironically, I had elected to install on the same day as Michael; last Saturday.
Michael asked me to do some testing prior to receiving the products in the mail. The following are my results:
Before
- I turned the wheel sharply at 55mph to both the left and right several times. There was slight noticeable body roll of the car. However, the car did track remarkably well.
- I took several turns at 30+mph both to the left and right. The overall cornering ability/handling of the car was not bad. I did, however, feel as though the rear-end wanted to break free. There was also considerable body roll.
- I did a few burn outs. I dumped the clutch at 3k in first. The first gear burn averaged 44ft and the 2nd gear averaged 55. The total was ~100ft.
- I did not attempt to induce wheel hop as I am painfully aware of the results.
- I revved the car several times to 6K. The motor flexed on the mounts ~ .75 to 1 inch.
I received all the components in one box. The entire kit weighed in at about 24 lbs. There were instructions included for both the Engine Torque Strut and suspension parts. The parts were clearly labeled for up / down or right /left as appropriate.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6122529763_d8ccfe89a4.jpg
I tried to use the included instructions but the font was too small and the pictures were not clear to me. So, I just brought out the iPad and used the color instructions on the website.
I elected to install in my garage on jack stands even though I do have access to a lift. I ran into problems right of the bat. The first step was to remove pressed on half plates in the front of the cradle. The instructions indicated to use a pry bar. But, I ended up using a pulley puller. They popped right off then.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6075/6123070242_eddd8b3cef.jpg
Everything else went without issue. I just followed the instructions and took my time. Stage 1, Stage 2, and the Adjustable Sway Bar Link went in as any other model and no fitment issues arouse. However, the Engine Torque Strut is another matter. The motor mounts and placement have changed for the SRT. I was not successful in installing this product. Michael is going to need some modifications for this product on the 2011.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6123068462_57af729efd.jpg
I did some post install testing. It is as follows:
After
- I turned the wheel sharply at 55mph to both the left and right several times. I found that the body roll in this test was the same before and after. I discussed this with Michael and he said the the suspension had changed for 2011 and that solved most of that problem. He indicated that the previous years had a significant issue that he kit resolves.
- I took several turns at 30+mph both to the left and right. The overall cornering ability/handling of the car was way better post install. There was significant reduction in roll and the car just stuck to the ground and tracked as steered.
- I did a few burn outs. The results were very different from the before. I could not carry a burn out nearly as long. The car also did not fish tail at all. Previously, the car would get a little squirrely. It also seemed to stick to the ground during launch.
- I did attempt to induce wheel hop. I was unable to during testing.
Michael and I discussed the install and my post install testing. We are both very confident in his products ability to support the 2011 SRT8.
By the way, I am very happy with the results. I can not wait for the next track day.
After about a month, he asked if I would participate in fitment and testing of the Hop Not product line. This included the Stage 1 Kit; Stage 2 Kit; Adjustable Sway Bar Link and Engine Torque Strut. He also selected Speedlogix (Lisa’s GWE) and a gentleman from Tennessee. The guy from TN went to LA for Michael to install the products. Ironically, I had elected to install on the same day as Michael; last Saturday.
Michael asked me to do some testing prior to receiving the products in the mail. The following are my results:
Before
- I turned the wheel sharply at 55mph to both the left and right several times. There was slight noticeable body roll of the car. However, the car did track remarkably well.
- I took several turns at 30+mph both to the left and right. The overall cornering ability/handling of the car was not bad. I did, however, feel as though the rear-end wanted to break free. There was also considerable body roll.
- I did a few burn outs. I dumped the clutch at 3k in first. The first gear burn averaged 44ft and the 2nd gear averaged 55. The total was ~100ft.
- I did not attempt to induce wheel hop as I am painfully aware of the results.
- I revved the car several times to 6K. The motor flexed on the mounts ~ .75 to 1 inch.
I received all the components in one box. The entire kit weighed in at about 24 lbs. There were instructions included for both the Engine Torque Strut and suspension parts. The parts were clearly labeled for up / down or right /left as appropriate.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6122529763_d8ccfe89a4.jpg
I tried to use the included instructions but the font was too small and the pictures were not clear to me. So, I just brought out the iPad and used the color instructions on the website.
I elected to install in my garage on jack stands even though I do have access to a lift. I ran into problems right of the bat. The first step was to remove pressed on half plates in the front of the cradle. The instructions indicated to use a pry bar. But, I ended up using a pulley puller. They popped right off then.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6075/6123070242_eddd8b3cef.jpg
Everything else went without issue. I just followed the instructions and took my time. Stage 1, Stage 2, and the Adjustable Sway Bar Link went in as any other model and no fitment issues arouse. However, the Engine Torque Strut is another matter. The motor mounts and placement have changed for the SRT. I was not successful in installing this product. Michael is going to need some modifications for this product on the 2011.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6123068462_57af729efd.jpg
I did some post install testing. It is as follows:
After
- I turned the wheel sharply at 55mph to both the left and right several times. I found that the body roll in this test was the same before and after. I discussed this with Michael and he said the the suspension had changed for 2011 and that solved most of that problem. He indicated that the previous years had a significant issue that he kit resolves.
- I took several turns at 30+mph both to the left and right. The overall cornering ability/handling of the car was way better post install. There was significant reduction in roll and the car just stuck to the ground and tracked as steered.
- I did a few burn outs. The results were very different from the before. I could not carry a burn out nearly as long. The car also did not fish tail at all. Previously, the car would get a little squirrely. It also seemed to stick to the ground during launch.
- I did attempt to induce wheel hop. I was unable to during testing.
Michael and I discussed the install and my post install testing. We are both very confident in his products ability to support the 2011 SRT8.
By the way, I am very happy with the results. I can not wait for the next track day.