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Coil over versus Leaf spring

Old 10-09-2006, 11:17 AM
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Wicked Weasel
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Default Coil over versus Leaf spring

I am starting to do more research on both setups (http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum...d.php?t=13582). My thought now is to go directly to coil overs because having the stock C5 coupe springs will mean swapping them out anyway to match the shocks.

If I am taking out the springs then why not go directly to coil overs? The price has got to be close at the end of the day.

Right now looking at DRM coil overs, new shocks and T1 sways (though I am also looking at other setups - LG, Pfadt).

Any reason not to go this way like I am getting in too deep
Old 10-09-2006, 11:22 AM
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AU N EGL
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Originally Posted by Wicked Weasel

Any reason not to go this way like I am getting in too deep

Dont go with a inexpesive system, as they may not be worth the time and effert to increase performance.

More like Moton or Penske 4 way ajustables, but then again those at $4000 an axle and UP.
Old 10-09-2006, 11:24 AM
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OH NO !!!! Another coil over vs leaf spring thread.................
Old 10-09-2006, 11:39 AM
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0Randy@DRM
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No biggest difference in going a coilover is the package deal. Most coilovers are built as a package that works well together. Shocks are the best difference, then comes the spring rate and type of spring.

Randy
Old 10-09-2006, 11:42 AM
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Wicked Weasel
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Originally Posted by AU N EGL
Dont go with a inexpesive system, as they may not be worth the time and effert to increase performance.

More like Moton or Penske 4 way ajustables, but then again those at $4000 an axle and UP.

that is too deep
Old 10-09-2006, 11:44 AM
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Originally Posted by RAFTRACER
OH NO !!!! Another coil over vs leaf spring thread.................
I saw your name mentioned in a few discussions. I believe you ended with coilovers. Are you happy with them?
Old 10-09-2006, 11:49 AM
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We spent the big money on the Motons during our WC car build. We sent our standard coilover shock out to them and they put that valving in the middle. We haven't changed it much in the 7 weekends testing.

Randy
Old 10-09-2006, 11:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Wicked Weasel
I saw your name mentioned in a few discussions. I believe you ended with coilovers. Are you happy with them?
I run Corvettes with both , coil-overs and transverse springs. Both of my personal cars have transverse.............I typically do not need to change spring rates often , and I have not yet evolved into biasing my car to turn better in one direction (significantly), so the transverse springs for the time being are suiting me just fine.
Old 10-09-2006, 11:54 AM
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Originally Posted by Randy@DRM
We spent the big money on the Motons during our WC car build. We sent our standard coilover shock out to them and they put that valving in the middle. We haven't changed it much in the 7 weekends testing.

Randy

honestly one reason leaning towards DRM is because it is set already. If there was a chance to make adjustments I would want too, but not sure that I would get it right. Of course HPDEs are all about learning so trying different setting could be good.
Old 10-09-2006, 05:33 PM
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Aaron Pfadt
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Originally Posted by Randy@DRM


No biggest difference in going a coilover is the package deal. Most coilovers are built as a package that works well together. Shocks are the best difference, then comes the spring rate and type of spring.

Randy


-Aaron
Old 10-09-2006, 07:25 PM
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Originally Posted by RAFTRACER
OH NO !!!! Another coil over vs leaf spring thread.................

Lou you out there?
Old 10-09-2006, 07:39 PM
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Both transverse springs and coil-overs can work good and be a huge improvement over regular C-5 springs which are to soft. I think even the T-1's are to soft to be fast at the track. You don't need huge dollar Penske's or something else to make a huge improvement. Better to get a package form someone who knows and you trust. I only drove one car with coilovers and my own with springs which I am happy with.

I doubt you will be changing everything and adjusting it like a real race team who does testing. First you need a clear track which is hard at a HPDE to get some consistent laps and times. I would say DRM or LGM spend days setting up a car and have tested a ton of combo's. Tell someone your want a fast setup for a track car and street doesn't matter. You are a track rat now anyway Bob.
Old 10-09-2006, 08:21 PM
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Originally Posted by RAFTRACER
OH NO !!!! Another coil over vs leaf spring thread.................


I knew Danny would have to stop in here.

Either one has the ability to be fast you just have to know what your doing when you pick out your pieces.

That's what's so appealing about the coil-over packages is that the springs and shocks are sold together, so you know they will work well together. (install is also easier IMO).

But for you to buy a leaf system it's harder to pick out the right shocks and springs unless you know as much about suspension as Danny or you go with the T1 set-up.

Hopefully this tread doesn't get as heated as the last couple.
Old 10-09-2006, 10:11 PM
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There has been a set of DRM coil-overs for sale at the C5/parts forum, very recently, may still be available. $1500 I think.
Old 10-09-2006, 10:17 PM
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Originally Posted by John Shiels
Lou you out there?
OK, we are NOT going there again... are we???

Last edited by ERND IT; 10-10-2006 at 07:46 AM.
Old 10-09-2006, 10:38 PM
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Originally Posted by danswofford
There has been a set of DRM coil-overs for sale at the C5/parts forum, very recently, may still be available. $1500 I think.
thanks I saw those - I think they are the shorten shocks and not sure if that is the right appilcation....
Old 10-10-2006, 10:06 AM
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North East tracks = Bumpy, I would go with our normal setup.

Randy

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To Coil over versus Leaf spring

Old 10-10-2006, 01:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Wicked Weasel
If I am taking out the springs then why not go directly to coil overs? The price has got to be close at the end of the day.
Correct, if you are looking at shocks, springs, and bars as a wholesale upgrade. There are nice packages out there from LG, Pfadt (sp) DRM etc, as mentioned earlier. You'll be happy with the results of a good package setup.

Future spring changes (to go from a bumpy track to a smooth one) become quite a bit cheaper as well.
Old 10-10-2006, 03:40 PM
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Lancer033
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my thoughts on switching to coils are (1) you get full system designed to work together from the start and (2) if I need to make changes later it'll be much easier/cheaper.
Old 10-11-2006, 08:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Lancer033
my thoughts on switching to coils are (1) you get full system designed to work together from the start and (2) if I need to make changes later it'll be much easier/cheaper.

Hi guys,

No I am not going to argue the pros and cons of each set up. What I am going to add is that we now not only have our LG Coil Over packages but we now have the new leaf springs made by hypercoil springs for the Corvertte.

We got our first test springs from them almost 2 years ago to test and there have been many changes made to the original version to constantly improve them.

1.) If you are not going to switch to a Coil Over Package then there is no better choice than these springs. They come in 3 rates at the present time.

2.) If you are looking for the ultimate adjustable package, then there is no choice but a Coil over.

3.) If your class does not allow coil over shocks, then this is the asnwer.


thanks

Lou gigliotti
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