McPikie 0 Posted January 23, 2008 OK guys, here is the query. I know most of this is down to "each driver is different", but I am looking for a decent set up. I want it soft enough on normal pothole filled roads so it doesnt shake my fillings out, yes stiff enough to handle some abuse. I was thinking damp adjustable shocks with 220lb springs at the front, not sure about the back though. Can any give any advice on both? Looking for something like a 30-40mm drop too Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anthony 1,003 Posted January 23, 2008 The front spring rates need to be suited to the rear torsion bars, and vice-versa. Unless you're planning on installing thicker TB's, 220lb will be far too hard and just result in unbalanced handling that's understeertastic IMO. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
e30m3 0 Posted January 23, 2008 i've got 275lb front springs with standard rear torsion bars, and it does understeer to much, think thicker torsion bars are on the wish list. With regards to ride the 275lb aren't to bad so i would have thought 220lb springs would be fine for road use. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jas-E 1 Posted January 23, 2008 I had 220lb front springs and found them too hard for my liking, so i got them changed for 180lbs. They are much better - but my 205s just for road use and the occasional track day Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jrod 7 Posted January 23, 2008 I'm using 185lb and 20mm torsion bars, seems to be well matched. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kate205gti 4 Posted January 23, 2008 I had 220lb front springs and found them too hard for my liking in what way did you find them too hard?? what was the handling like?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackherer 543 Posted January 23, 2008 I am currently sourcing some front springs to match 23mm torsion bars on a 309 beam. What sort of poundage should I be looking at? I was considering about 250lb... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anthony 1,003 Posted January 23, 2008 I am currently sourcing some front springs to match 23mm torsion bars on a 309 beam. What sort of poundage should I be looking at? I was considering about 250lb... That sounds in the right ballpark to me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brianthemagical 1 Posted January 23, 2008 assuming your after equal wheel rates front and rear, then it is possible to calculate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Super Josh 4 Posted January 23, 2008 assuming your after equal wheel rates front and rear, then it is possible to calculate. Would it not be possible to calculate both the current front and rear standard springs rates, to give the ratio front to rear. Then calculate the spring rate for the new 23mm TBs and then work out a suitable new rate for the front? Josh Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SPGTi 2 Posted January 23, 2008 With regards spring rates, is everyone talking about "coilover" springs or std size springs. If std size springs, are they being bought off the shelf in different rates or being custom made ? I could never find a range of std size springs in different poundages unless I got them specially made. Then there was the difficulty of specifying the free length to get the desired ride height. Steve Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackherer 543 Posted January 23, 2008 I'm talking about coilovers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jrod 7 Posted January 23, 2008 I'm talking about std but they make them especially for the 1400's. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
j_turnell 137 3 Cars Posted January 23, 2008 Pretty sure i had 180lb springs, with 21mm front ARB and rear 309 with 24 ARB handled awesome, very neutral. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
