Spring rates on 2 FWD Street/strip/track balance

[turboglenn]

I'm ordering some 8'' Hyperco springs to go with my Tokiko shocks and sleeve type coil over setup. I have looked at the spring rates on all the major manufacturers lowering springs and "performance springs" But i wanted to get some input from those who have had certain rates and what they accelled in and where they lacked.. or basically what you think the best spring rate would be for a DD car that will go to the drags a few times a year and hit the roadcourse every now and then just to goof off.

I was thinking 375 front and 250 rear.. How's that sound?

I want it to be kinda stiff but nothing like my old Ford Motorsport 650lb.inch mustang springs But i don't want it to be shaking bolts loose and stopping my CD's from playing like those did either

 

[UofACATS]

The rate sounds fine, but I would look to dampers for increasing performance. With konis (adjustable btw) and H&R OE sports, my car handled well, and drove very nicely to boot (on the way to work, for example.)

With stock dampers and the H&Rs, the ride was unsatisfactory. However, I can't speak for Tokikos.

Additionally, with a good damper (koni yellow) the ride in my car with ground controls and 500 / 350 rates was pleasant. Not soft, just right for DD duty. Lastly, this combo passed the unscientific test: the girlfriend did not notice, nor complain.

 

[turboglenn]

The rate sounds fine, but I would look to dampers for increasing performance. With konis (adjustable btw) and H&R OE sports, my car handled well, and drove very nicely to boot (on the way to work, for example.)

With stock dampers and the H&Rs, the ride was unsatisfactory. However, I can't speak for Tokikos.

Additionally, with a good damper (koni yellow) the ride in my car with ground controls and 500 / 350 rates was pleasant. Not soft, just right for DD duty. Lastly, this combo passed the unscientific test: the girlfriend did not notice, nor complain.

That last one always seems to be the toughest

Thanks for the input though, i ordered the 375 front 250 rear, we'll see how it feels!

 

[asian312]

One thing to point out is that the H&R's are progressive springs while the Hyperco spring rates are linear.

 

[turboglenn]

Yea, i wanted a linear rate spring to start with, so I'm cool with that.

I got them on last night. I went with 375 front and 250 rear on tokico dampers. I had to do it twice though.. The first time i used coil over sleeves on them and the car sat as high as my friends jeep, so i took them off and now the car sits just right on the 8'' springs. If i had it to do over I'd probably get 6 inchers so i Can run my sleeves to allow me to set/change the corner weights to put equal load on the front wheels for launching.

But after the first test drive i can say I'm very pleased with my decision in spring rates. Not only does the car launch better. I did raise the rear up a little more than a 1/4 inch by using the collars from the sleeves as a spacers for the springs in the rear. The handling seems to be very responsive and i didn't get too far out of alignment as far as negative camber goes. I like a few (2-3) degrees of negative camber anyway because it helps to put more of the tire contact patch to the ground in hard corners. We run 2-3 degrees or more on ALL of our road race porsches(we have one guy that likes 5* negative on his 944). We also run 2 degrees of tow out to help them turn in quicker, but that something you definitely don't want to do on a daily driver.

 

[turboglenn]

Here's some pics of the look after the install. There's still a ton of grease from my hands on teh car, but i'll wash it today most likely.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

Here you can see where i used a piece from teh coil over setup to shim the rear up a 1/4 inch. i did not do this on the front

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[99gst_racer]

Seems to sit nice without the sleeves.
Clean looking stance.

 

[turboglenn]

Seems to sit nice without the sleeves.
Clean looking stance.

Definately does, i like the stance as it puts the weight a little morer towards the front. I would have like to had the adjustability of the sleeves, but honestly these springs feel great and i like the height it's at with them on alone. Plus not using sleeves keeps my tokicos waranteed for life they won't honor the rebuilt if they see allen screw markes from teh sleeve kits.

Paul.....Thanks for getting them to me so quick and for all the help you gave me when deciding on spring rates!!!