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Spring dimension anyone?

R

rcdino1978

New member
So, been searching for weeks now, and can't seem to find this info anywhere. Does anyone have the complete spring specs for the stock springs for the 97-03 GP's? I have found the stock rates, but need to find out the Free Length(uninstalled) and inside and outside diameters at each end. I work for a racing spring company, and am going to design my own lowering springs to have them coiled and use my GP as a guinea pig, but really dont want to have to spend $200 to buy the stock springs lol. BTW, if this project works out good, I am going to possibly do a group buy for this.......everyone feel free to let me know what you would be looking for that nobody offers as far as rates and drop heights!
 


start with a different set of springs, like eibach. you want to use a progressive spring whereas the stocks are linear.
 
I actually prefer a linear rate, as one of our guys is going to custom valve a set of Koni struts for my car, and we are going to make a "two stage" road racing type strut. The problem with reverse engineering the "aftermarket" springs is that the progressive springs vary so much, even when made in the same coiler, with the same setup, that no two are ever the exact same. We have done extensive testing on the progressive springs that we and other companys have designed, and I personally have seen this. I rode in a SCCA miata,(I know, no comparison to a heavy GP) that had the "two stage" struts and it rode amazing on the road, and had awesome results on the track. I realize that what I am doing is probably overkill, but I was given the Koni's, as long as I pay for the rebuild and valving($36 per strut), and I can have the springs made for less then the price of most kits out there(about $120 for 1 kit).
 
alright, i didnt know what you were using them for, really. i was just making a suggestion.

yeah, if you're going to match the struts and make a nicer strut/spring package then by all means go linear. im not sure of a good rate for springs to match to, but it would probably be a good idea to double the stock rates (at least) as they are very soft.
 
I do appreciate the suggestion, it is a daily driver, so I can't really afford to have it down a few days to tear everything apart, or I would just pull my stock springs. I just like to do a lot of research, so it will be right the first time. The idea is to still get a nice street ride, but be able to really thrash it if i wanted to. Besides, my cousin has a Mini cooper john works edition that I would love to smash in the corners, lol
 
well, with that being said i think progressives are better for a nice ride on the street...to get it to handle well you need pretty harsh rates because of the sheer weight of the car. that is why i suggested it in the first place.
 


I do think I am going to end up going that route in the end......I just really don't like the idea of using a competitor's spring:( Oh well, maybe I can at least have it powdercoated our color and pass it off as one of ours.....besides, our color(navy blue) will look nice with my gold GP
 
im not sure how you're able to see the springs when they are on the car, but good for you. ;)

im not saying use a competitors spring, but at least run a progressive wind. that way youll get some cushion on the street and still be able to get a nice rate when you start compressing them.
 
Why not chop the perches off the Konis and do coilovers with whatever spring rate you like?

FWIW, I like liinear too. My 400lb springs ride and handle better than the Eibachs I had and IIRC they're only 250lb or so at peak pressure.
 
Yeah, Could always do the coilover eliminator package that Koni has......that way I could raise the car up in the winter and drop it back down when the snow is gone
 


Ok, the verdict is that I am going to convert the Koni struts to coilovers......does anybody have a recommendations as to what length and rate springs to start with? I have access to a large selection of lengths and rates to pick from, so don't worry about if I will be able to get them.......benefits of working for Hyperco, lol. BTW my car is a fairly stock 98 GP GT.
 
you work for hyperco? ooh....

(i need new springs for my coilovers for next year, cause the ones that are on them are very, very, very, very bad for my setup :))
 
let me know, i can hook you up with good pricing! prob about $50/each....list is $81.00. BTW, i was think 350-400 rate for the front and 250-275 for the rear....what do you think?
 


not gonna happen......I been at this place for almost 10 years....and it justs keeps getting better....as it is i run the place on a daily basis
 
i meant on this site. its my only way of contact for you.

when the time comes, ill make you try and talk me into your springs versus swift. ;)
 
just try to press a swift to anywhere near coil bind.......and i won't have to prove anything! It sure is fun to watch a spring lose 1/2" of length just by making it do what it is suppose to do. You would have to run bump stops to keep the swift from losing length......most racers have to replace them every couple of weeks, while they run ours for seasons!
 
for the rates you are thinking about..how low are you going to run the car?

normally the coilovers come with something like 350 front 275 rear. if it were me (because i like to ride nice and low) i would run 400/325 or so.
 
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