Ground Control Coilover kit question for 1st gens

[Eagle 5]

Does anyone know what the numbers on the springs mean? I ordered a set of them with 500# fronts and 400$ rears. Well they sent me a set for a 2G instead of a 1G, i let them know and they sent me the kit for the 1G. however the numbers are different. ont he 2gs, the numbers read 0700.250.500 which I know means that its a 7" spring, 2.5" inner diameter and 500# spring rate. rears read 0700.250.400.

However for my 1G kit the numbers read like this
Front: GC150.64.66
Rear: GC180.64.44

I measured the inner diameter and its about 64mm. So they 64 in both of those numbers may be the inner diameter. However the 66 and 44 make no sense to me whatsoever.

 

[jtmcinder]

Your first set of springs were coded standard (English): the first number is free length in inches (both are 7"), the second is ID (both are 2.5"), and the third is rate (500 and 400).

Your second set of springs are in metric: same order as above for the values, with 180 = 7" (since 180 / 25.4 = 7.09), 64 = 2.5" (or 2.49"), and then we hit a snag. The conversion factor for metric to standard for springrates is x5.7. So 66 = 375 and 44 = 250, so they did not send the springs you asked for.

With that said, you realize that 1Gs have much higher motion ratios than 2Gs and 500/400 would be rather stiff, right? What they sent you might make more sense than what you asked for. My guess is that when they saw "500/400" the first time, they assumed you had a 2G. When you jumped up and down about having a 1G, they ignored the rates you sent and mailed what they suggest.

- Jtoby

 

[Eagle 5]

Thats quite possible what happened, however the place I bought them from said for springs for the 89-94 dsms. And I do want "500/400" I ordered my stuff from DSS (actually, guy named Dave who runs few different places) He called up Mike from DSS and aksed or told him what I was looking for and they gave me two suggestions. One being somewhat close to those numbers you mentioned i think (the 375/250) and then (500/400). Depending on whether this was a daily car where I would like a somewhat nice ride, or whether it was more of a drive for the fun of it car/ performance/ drag racing. road racing etc. So, I wanted 500/400 since that is what was suggested for what I'm looking for.

I kind of figured it was metric when I measured and got 64 mm for the inner diameter. Didnt think about measuring the heights though and did not know the conversion for english to metric. Thanks for the help there.

I would like to know though what the different motion ratios are for 1G's and 2G's. I know you multiply the spring rate by the motion ratio squared to get the effective rate, i guess is what it would be called.

I want the 500/400 springs because they will help with drag racing, but also they will be fairly good for handling purposes. I figure the biggest factor as to how well it will handle/ launch will be dependent on what kind of alignment I decide to go with. If you or anyone has an idea of what would be some good alignment settings that would help as well. I'm thinking of going with 0 or -0.5 camber in the rear (this would help with launching) and then maybe -0.5 up front for camber, possibly -1 degreee. Since the front end lifts up on launch the wheels would move more toward 0 camber. However also having the -1 or -0.5 degree would help with turning/ handling. Rear toe will be zero since I will be using the rear toe eliminator kit DSS sells. as for toe up front, no idea what to set it at.

 

[jtmcinder]

It sounds like you're pretty much on top of things, but one last question: what shocks are you using? 400# rears can store a lot of energy. When you shift, that energy is released and needs to be controlled by shocks with lots of rebound damping or the car will pitch forward and you could end up spinning in every gear. Your run-of-the-mill AGXs and such will not work well. You will want Koni Sports or better.

- Jtoby

 

[Eagle 5]

It sounds like you're pretty much on top of things, but one last question: what shocks are you using? 400# rears can store a lot of energy. When you shift, that energy is released and needs to be controlled by shocks with lots of rebound damping or the car will pitch forward and you could end up spinning in every gear. Your run-of-the-mill AGXs and such will not work well. You will want Koni Sports or better.

- Jtoby

I will be running the Koni sports. Just not sure what setting to set them at.

Also, I should mention I'm running the TRE spool. I figure the camber settings I picked could possibly help since the back end may be easier to whip around, though I'm not sure. Havent been able to test much yet because my afpr hates life right now.

 

[Zero Bar]

I was just getting to ready to order a set myself and asked what they would reccommend for spring rates. Also, on their site there was no listing for fwd or awd, so i was reluctant to order just yet in fear of getting awd coilovers for my fwd. I autocross regularly so I wasnt quite sure what spring rate and shock to run. Good luck with yours.

 

[Eagle 5]

I was just getting to ready to order a set myself and asked what they would reccommend for spring rates. Also, on their site there was no listing for fwd or awd, so i was reluctant to order just yet in fear of getting awd coilovers for my fwd. I autocross regularly so I wasnt quite sure what spring rate and shock to run. Good luck with yours.

Call them up and ask about spring rates. You will get a guy named Dave, very helpful. He may not know a lot about DSM's but he does everything he can to find out for you. Chances are he will call up Mike from DSS and tell him what you told him and then he'll let you know what kind of spring rates to go with. When I asked, he said there were two different options I could go with. One was liek 350 and 250 i think, if i wanted a still decent smooth ride on the street and still handle well, or if i wanted 500/400 for better all around but little rougher on the road.

As for FWD vs AWD, for the coilovers, I dont think there is a difference. Even the spring lengths are most likely the same, but I'm not totally sure. Call him up and ask.

 

[Eagle 5]

As for the x5.7 conversion from metric to english, what are you converting from? What are the actual units they are using? Are they using Newton/m for metric and lbf/ft for english?