Heating Springs

[ShadowRS99]

Ok, so I was talking to one of my friends and how his car was lowered.
He said that he had heated the springs to lower the car until he gets aftermarket coilovers.He said that his car still handles fine if not better and everyone else that has done it has been saying the same thing. (Many completely different cars)
So I want to know from my fellow DSMers what you think and please give good reasoning and/or experiences for your answer. Thanks in advance.

 

[BigBeans]

You're compromising the integrity of the spring. Who knows what that's going to do to the spring rates.

If you want it to handle, buy a set of H&R springs with a good shock, or better yet, coilovers w/ adjustable front camber.

 

[Alan11]

Never cut or heat you springs..!!
On of my friend had lots of problems with heated springs..
Save up for some good coil overs that's what i am doing..

 

[ShadowRS99]

That's what I'm questioning though.
Most people say that but Robert's 240, and Bao's EK Hatch are both lowered and handle really well...
So that makes me question the rate theory, even though I don't know much about spring rates.
Do you know where I could find some info on spring rates? That would help.

 

['97boostinGST]

Couple guys that i know as well have done this to their cars, i personally would never mess with suspension by doing something like that.

 

[TunaTalon]

Heating steel enough for it to deform and then cooling it will change the modulus of elasticity (springiness).

Heating and cooling without control of maximum temperature and cooling rate will change the modulus of elasticity in some unknown random way. Maybe in a good way, but probably in a bad way.

Don't do it.

 

[95dsmgsx95]

yeah listen to everyone just get lowering springs or coil over, you will more then likely run into problems.

 

[ShadowRS99]

I have read in some places that cutting won't hurt peformance. What do you guys think about that? You all have changed my mind on heating but what about cutting, if I did it carefully?

 

[BigBeans]

I have read in some places that cutting won't hurt peformance. What do you guys think about that? You all have changed my mind on heating but what about cutting, if I did it carefully?

No.

Cutting is going to make the car a lot more likely to hit the bump stops/bottom the suspension because you have the same spring rate and less travel.

If all you care about is getting the car low without completely screwing up the ride, a set of Megan springs can be had for 127 shipped from Extremepsi.com

If you want the best handing, go with Eibach Pros or H&R Race springs, and a high quality shock so you don't bounce all over the place from the increased spring rates.

 

[lilbro717]

You'll blow your shocks faster when you cut them, just buy some used aftermarket springs

 

[Alan11]

It might not affect performance...but will put in danger of something breaking in your suspension..!!

This is so ironic...My car is Dropped and i want to lift it to normal or close to stock height While yo want to drop yours..!! Lol Just saying..!!

 

[ShadowRS99]

My biggest problem at the moment is my horrible budget, so I am trying to find the cheapest way to do things. But even if I cut them it would only be temporary because I know it can cause some problems.
So as a temporary way to lower it, what do you think? (cutting not heating)
Alan 11 how did you lower yours?

 

[BigBeans]

I think you should leave it stock until you have the money to do it right

 

[Alan11]

My biggest problem at the moment is my horrible budget, so I am trying to find the cheapest way to do things. But even if I cut them it would only be temporary because I know it can cause some problems.
So as a temporary way to lower it, what do you think? (cutting not heating)
Alan 11 how did you lower yours?

I bought it like that...it has KYB Shocks.. i really don't know what springs it has..!!
Check the pics on my profile..!! Its pretty low to me..
personally don't like dropped cars.!!

 

[Sik95TSI]

Ok, so I was talking to one of my friends and how his car was lowered.
He said that he had heated the springs to lower the car until he gets aftermarket coilovers.He said that his car still handles fine if not better and everyone else that has done it has been saying the same thing. (Many completely different cars)
So I want to know from my fellow DSMers what you think and please give good reasoning and/or experiences for your answer. Thanks in advance.

Dude get some Tein-S Springs for less than 200 bucks and they lower your car 2 Inches! Dont cut or heat anything!

 

[ColtMcCarty]

I just bought a set of dna motoring coilovers for mine on ebay for less than $70 shipped. You might want to look into that.

 

[ShadowRS99]

Hey Alan11, That is actually about where I wanted my car to sit. I don't worry about speed bumps to much here and I know how to drive a car with parts that are low (car had a body kit when I got it), so I still want it lowered. how does your car handle?

 

[Alan11]

It handles really well....Its a hard setup..but my tires are wearing out from the inside..the previous owner hit the oil pan and the exhaust...it has some scratches in the front bumper from speed bumps...but well..its going to stock size soon..

I would sell you mine for cheap if i had the ones i want in my car..!!

 

[ShadowRS99]

Alright I'll have to see about it Alan11

 

[Alan11]

ok good luck..
just don't cut or heat anything...
it can cost you more than actually buying a fill coil over kit..!!
Save up some money and do things right..please..!!

 

[NAalltheway]

i agree with most of these guys here, i caution you from heating or cutting, each link you take off cutting will only weaken the spring... i've owned many cars some hacked together some done right, and i can tell you doing a hack job or using some cheap ass parts could not only indanger your car but you as well... if money is an issue, dont spend and save... and if u MUST do it at least switch springs no name brand ebay springs go for like 60-100$..
whatever u decide to do be safe man, good luck!

 

[8BoltDSM]

+1 on waiting and doing it right. You may luck out from cutting or heating your springs but your only asking for problems and running a bigg risk of hurting somethin else on the car and even your own safety.