How Low Is My 309? And How Will It Sit On 205 Springs?

[welshpug 1,655]

I have a 309 Goodwood, sat on GMAX dampers and springs of unknown drop, all I know is that its stupid low!

 

The brake hoses are standard length and confirmed, routed and correctly fitted, and only just reach when on full lock without kinking!

 

here's a side view;

 

 

I measured from the centre of the wheel to the wheelarch and got a measurement of 320mm, 5mm lower than the lowest height allowed for a group N 309 gti16, but compared to standard I haven't a clue!

 

I do have a set of standard 205 Springs from a 1989 1.9 205 gti, which I understand would be a lower spring rate than the 309 springs, does anyone know how much lower it'll sit on these?

[dcc 855]

I am shocked.

[Baz 421]

Too low, and the 205 springs will sit higher than that i expect.

[jord294 92]

both my 309 gtis are that low, but on coilovers, and i don't have any problems

 

handling is very good too. may just need stiffer springs on yours

[welshpug 1,655]

Just the man! don't have any standard springs to hand for a 309 Baz?

 

 

I checked the rear ride height whilst I was at it as I couldn't remember what damper setting I'd decided on, rear arches are at 310mm from wheel centres, that's quite a bit higher than the 275mm minimum height for a Group N 309!!

 

Those that know 309's will know the rear arches sit quite a bit lower than the front ones, how much exactly I don't know though, 40-50mm maybe?

 

I was not pleased when the MOT man mentioned the brake hoses, as the static check doesn't take into account suspension dive under braking or cornering forces.

 

 

Jord, have you actually checked your hoses and the specific ride height? I can't even get a trolley jack under the damned thing.

 

it'd be quite an understeery pile of poo with stiffer springs unless the rear was upgraded to suit, its not the best as it is.

Edited December 9, 2009 by welshpug

[jord294 92]

yep, all ok with my brakelines

 

am very happy with the height and the set up i have. i wouldn't go lower though

 

you saying you can't get your jack under the jacking points?

[Baz 421]

Just the man! don't have any standard springs to hand for a 309 Baz?

 

it'd be quite an understeery pile of poo with stiffer springs unless the rear was upgraded to suit, its not the best as it is.

 

I do yes Mei.

 

On the second point, i'd have to agree, whacking on stiffer crap lowering springs or even worse, coilovers with mega stiff springs, is not the recipe for a good handling 205/309!!

 

Jord; what spring rate are you running with your coilovers and what rear TB's are you running?

[welshpug 1,655]

I'll PM you now Baz

[jord294 92]

iirc, i've got something like 200-225lb springs

 

i've got the spax psx (?) on the miami and gaz kit on my resto

 

rear beams are std set up but with gti6 shockers on miami and adjustable gaz on resto

Edited December 9, 2009 by jord294

[Baz 421]

As my point above then, to offer an alternative opinion to anyone reading this thread taking it as advice, i beg to differ on your opinion of it being a good handling setup then.

 

It'll be prone to understeer, and pretty crashy/bouncy, being under-damped in my experience of both of those dampers, and most certainly overly sprung.

 

But fair play if you're happy with it, they're your cars, and of course everyone has different preferences!

[jord294 92]

cheers baz

 

not yet experienced understeer, yet!

 

it's just not my opinion.

 

other people who have been in the car, have commented how well the car behaves

 

personally i would recommend the set up to other 309 owners

 

but i agree, everyone has different opinions

[welshpug 1,655]

Cheers for your opinions, the roads of north Wales must be a hell of a lot better than they are down the valleys!

 

I have some standards springs sorted and on the way soon thanks to Baz

 

I have to agree with Baz on this to be perfectly honest, my ZX is setup quite the opposite to Jord's 309 having 21mm rear torsion bars as standard, its a setup I'd quite happily replicate on all my cars.

 

If anyone has a totally standard 309 and has a spare few seconds and a tape measure to hand I'd appreciate if you could PM me the front and rear ride height measurements just to see what the rear of mine should sit.

Edited December 9, 2009 by welshpug