Rear spring question
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 160
From: new iberia la
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 9
For a car with the standard suspension, a stock rate replacement rear spring is the Hyperco EZ Ride. ( Eckler's or Van Steel) The rate on that composite spring is 180 or 200 lb/in, depending on who you talk to.
For a car with the "gymkhana" or F41 or FE7 suspension, a 300 or 315 lb/in rate composite spring would be a direct replacement. (VB&P, et al.)
The higher rate spring will require a stiffer shock to control it. A lot of the guys seem to like the Bilstein Sports.
You pays yer money and you makes yer choice.
For a car with the "gymkhana" or F41 or FE7 suspension, a 300 or 315 lb/in rate composite spring would be a direct replacement. (VB&P, et al.)
The higher rate spring will require a stiffer shock to control it. A lot of the guys seem to like the Bilstein Sports.
You pays yer money and you makes yer choice.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,839
Likes: 45
From: nassau co. new york
this brought some interesting points to light.http://www.duntovmotors.com/tech-rear-leaf-springs.php
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,133
Likes: 477
From: NM
this brought some interesting points to light.http://www.duntovmotors.com/tech-rear-leaf-springs.php
Tom...
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
300# or 315# spring with Bilstein Heavy-Duty shocks all-around, for very good general use. A higher load spring in the back will make for a very stiff ride, and possibly a rear end that rides too high, unless the stiffer spring is designed with less curve in it.
If you are a road racer....do what you need to do.
P.S. I have a 330# spring (came with the car when I bought it) and it rode about 2" too high. I just put Bilstein H-D's on it, which improved the handling immensely. However, it still rode high. After lowering the rear via longer T/A-to-spring bolts, I was AMAZED at the improvement of the handling in the car. By lowering the rear, it also un-loads the spring tension [apparently]. Doing so made the car steer in a more 'neutral' condition than before.
If you are a road racer....do what you need to do.
P.S. I have a 330# spring (came with the car when I bought it) and it rode about 2" too high. I just put Bilstein H-D's on it, which improved the handling immensely. However, it still rode high. After lowering the rear via longer T/A-to-spring bolts, I was AMAZED at the improvement of the handling in the car. By lowering the rear, it also un-loads the spring tension [apparently]. Doing so made the car steer in a more 'neutral' condition than before.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Dec 30, 2012 at 02:29 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
This is so subjective. I thought I read that the 360# mono and 550# front coils was the closest equivalent to the Gymkhana FE7 option. I was worried about this set up being "harsh" or "rough" but that is not how I would describe it. I used Koni shocks and like the ride. The 550's dropped the front an inch and the VB&P style springs are very easy to install.
It is a more firm ride but that is what I wanted. I still have all my teeth.
It is a more firm ride but that is what I wanted. I still have all my teeth.
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