Front/Rear Spring Choices

[thebrookster]

What are people's thoughts regarding spring rates between front and back?

Obviously I understand that I over time I can try different rates on the front and rear to find a setup that suits, but what is a good starting point? As far as I know I have uprated 1" lower springs on the rear, though I have yet to determine exactly what the "uprated" actually is, and standard springs on the front.

My immediate thoughts are to get a pair of progressives from Chris for the front, but I am wondering about compatability issues with the rear springs. Would I therefore be better off getting a set of progressives for the rear to match? Or another option Mr Shackford has thrown in the mix is a set of lowered 625lb springs for the rear, which he suggests work well with the rear koni dampers I am getting from him. Would these work with the progressives on the front maybe?

To simplify, same all round vs high rear/prog front vs low rear/high or prog front? What works for you, and just as importantly what doesn't work/should be avoided?

Setup as stands will be superflex bushes all round, koni rear dampers and prob koni fronts as well, prob lowered an inch.

I await your thoughts with interest!

Cheers,

Phil

[David Withers]

An interesting question, Phil, and I've been eagerly awaiting the answers that are yet to come!

I know very little about spring alternatives. Mine are the original standard ones so far as I can recall, and I have to take care not to load the rear end too much. The ride is so good that I hesitate to fit stronger ones.

I have adjustable Koni dampers on the rear (on the car, not on me personally). I fitted them about 20 years ago and get on really well with them. I bought a set of Konis for the front at the same time, but the old dampers continue to work as they should so the Konis are still in the box. They were an expensive 'stand by'!

[CAR]

The estate is standard springs and inserts on the front, 525lb CW springs on the rear with Rimmers shocks. The rears were very tired and different free lengths when replaced. The car had an unladen lean before too!

The Pi has 205/400lb CW progressives on the front, they are I believe 1" lower. Rears are currently CW 575lb 5/16" lower, with Gabriel Redryder shocks.
The front inserts are standard ones from a Stag specialist. I run without an Anti-roll bar on purpose. The progressive front springs limit roll better than the estate with an ARB but also I get less thump and jarring on potholes which I put down to the front suspension remaining fully independent and not transmitting it to both sides. I have read on the internet that progressive springs were originally developed as an alternative to an ARB. I have found on trackdays that the front springs really need more talented inserts, heavy braking results in front wheel patter.
The Pi is as front heavy as they come, large battery, front bumper still fitted and PAS. This may have very little relevance if you have a 2litre mk1 without PAS or front bumper which even in standard form steers and rides very differently.

Colin.

[CAR]

I did originally have CW 395lb rear springs on the Pi, the original rears were very tired and even too kids in the back mde the suspension bottom over bumps. They were tired. The 395lb springs were good, but if towing the trailer could bounce a bit. They were more comfortable for one up driving in normal use. The mk2 saloon rear end is longer than the mk1 and in my opinion a little under sprung as standard. The leverage of that long overhang was I believe underestimated by the design engineers.

Colin

[david_lall]

I've posted this before, my 2..5PI Estate has the front anti-roll bar, Chris Witor's KYB front gas struts and standard front springs, 520 lb/in heavy duty rear springs (also from Chris) and AVO adjustable rear shocks - TC137; although to prevent fouling it's better to ask AVO to replace the knurled adjuster with a recessed Allen key fitting which they will do. I run the adjustable shocks on pretty much their softest setting and AVO say this is usual for a road car - I've had the whole set-up since 2003 and would recommend the whole lot,; it's firm yet comfortable and extremely sure footed. It's perfect for towing and can be driven in anger akin to a far more modern car than it originally was!

One last thing, Chris Witor Superflex bushes as a replacement to the original rubber makes a huge difference to the quality of the suspension; the conversion shouldn't be overlooked. I also have 14" Stag wheels and 185R14 tyres - when making any changes you do have to consider the whole package and ask yourself, what am I trying to achieve?