joelpsmith 1 Posted June 6, 2006 I'm going to be fitting Gaz coilovers to my 205 pretty soon and need to know what springs to use. The kit was supplied with 250lbs 10" springs, but i think this will be too much for a road car. I will soon be changing over to a 309 rear beam also but everything else is standard. So what spring rates will be suitable for a road car with 309 beam for a good compromise between handling and comfort. Also will i need helper springs? if so, what length and rate should these be and how does this effect the lenght of the main spring? Where is the best place to buy from and are there noticable differences between different brands? and are there such things as progressive spring rates as there are with normal supension kits. I have a lot of questions here, so any help would be much appreciated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SimonJ 2 Posted June 6, 2006 PTS Tarmac springs are 225lb and I think the concensus is that 185lb is about right for fast road use. I think 250lb is getting into track-only territory. If you look at the Demon Tweeks catalogue they seem to do (in conjunction with Eibach) advice on main/helper spring combinations and they divide the 'helpers' into ones that actually deliver a progressive solution and those that are just there to take up the slack. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TVH 0 Posted June 7, 2006 My GAZ kit was delivered with 325lbs 7" which sure is for track use only. 275lbs 8" is reported to be a little too rough but not too bad. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Craigb 2 Posted June 7, 2006 PTS Tarmac springs are 225lb and I think the concensus is that 185lb is about right for fast road use. I think 250lb is getting into track-only territory. PTS gravel are 185lb/in and 10" long Are your Dia's 2.5's or 2.25's Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joelpsmith 1 Posted June 7, 2006 PTS gravel are 185lb/in and 10" long Are your Dia's 2.5's or 2.25's They're 2.25' 10' long. i want to be running around 25mm lower than standard. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Craigb 2 Posted June 7, 2006 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v714/cbg...5carpics018.jpg this is what mine looks like 225 lb 10in and mid way through the adjustment so you may have to adjust them down at 250lb or at 185 should be a little lower Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tom_m 0 Posted June 7, 2006 i'm running 180lb springs matched to my gravel torsion bars (equivalent of a peugeot sport gravel set-up) i wouldn't go over 180lbs with a standard rear beam unless you enjoy understeer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joelpsmith 1 Posted June 7, 2006 (edited) Ok i think i will be settling for a 180lb main spring, but what is a suitable spring rate and length for helper springs? Edited June 7, 2006 by joelpsmith Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SimonJ 2 Posted June 7, 2006 Depends on the length of the main spring. Based on my experience (with different strut bodies to you) an 8" main spring with maybe a 3" helper. Would only be guessing on the rate. Found what the 'helper' is called if you are looking for a progressive solution, it's a 'tender' spring. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joelpsmith 1 Posted June 7, 2006 Depends on the length of the main spring. Based on my experience (with different strut bodies to you) an 8" main spring with maybe a 3" helper. Would only be guessing on the rate.Found what the 'helper' is called if you are looking for a progressive solution, it's a 'tender' spring. I've had a look in the Demon tweeks catalogue and they start at 4lbs and then jump to 40lbs and then up in 10lb increments. Is the 4lb one going to be enough? also, when they are put together do they go above or below the main spring? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SimonJ 2 Posted June 7, 2006 I don't know the answer to either but just thought I should reply so as not to appear rude Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TVH 0 Posted June 7, 2006 I've had a look in the Demon tweeks catalogue and they start at 4lbs and then jump to 40lbs and then up in 10lb increments. Is the 4lb one going to be enough? also, when they are put together do they go above or below the main spring? 4lbs is enough to keep the main spring steady on the top spring pan. The helper spring goes below the main spring, I don't know what the difference is but all the coilover kits I've seen were assembled this way. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tom_m 0 Posted June 7, 2006 i think putting it below means it cant come loose and jam above the damper body; but i could be wrong, seems the most plausible explanation to me Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twowheelterror 0 Posted June 8, 2006 you could just replace the 10 inch Gaz supplied spring with a lower rate one, say 180Ibs perhaps for the road. No need to fit a duel spring seat and helper springs unless your rods are too long. When you jack up the suspension does the spring come out of the seat? If it does.. don't bother with the 4Ib helper spring, use a 40Ib 2 inch one. That'd sort you out Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joelpsmith 1 Posted June 8, 2006 you could just replace the 10 inch Gaz supplied spring with a lower rate one, say 180Ibs perhaps for the road. No need to fit a duel spring seat and helper springs unless your rods are too long. When you jack up the suspension does the spring come out of the seat? If it does.. don't bother with the 4Ib helper spring, use a 40Ib 2 inch one. That'd sort you out What is the reason for a 40lb 2' spring instead a 4lb one? The reason i was going to get helper springs is basically they are cheap and will avoid any problems at MOT time. I havn't fitted the kit yet so i'm not sure if using just a 10' spring will be long enough, but i don't really want the bother of taking it apart again if they're not. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twowheelterror 0 Posted June 8, 2006 What is the reason for a 40lb 2' spring instead a 4lb one? The reason i was going to get helper springs is basically they are cheap and will avoid any problems at MOT time. I havn't fitted the kit yet so i'm not sure if using just a 10' spring will be long enough, but i don't really want the bother of taking it apart again if they're not. the 4Ib ones are made out of paper I would presume that if Gaz supply the 10inch spring then it would be the correct lenght for the shocks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
