BlackHawk T/A

iTrader: (3)

I have been considering lowering the car and getting rid of the massive 3"+ of wheel gap in the back.

It is between the Hotchkis and the Strano springs.

I want the hotchkis because they don't run high spring rates. They would do about a 1" drop but settle at probably around 1.25". I would remove the spring spacer and end up with another 1/2".

I want the Strano springs because they save about 10-15 lbs by using a lightweight metal. They also run higher rates, as Sam spec'ed them for road racing.

I really want a lowering spring that will also shed some weight. It all adds up in the end, if you consider weight with each mod. So how much will the stiffer rates hurt me?

They are :
Spring rate: 550 lb/in. linear rate front. 100/150 lb/in. dual-stage rear. They weigh 28lbs, as opposed to the Hotchkis which are 40-44lbs. This is the ONLY lightweight spring on the market.

So as far as launching and traction go, how much would these hurt me over going with lower rates? Shocks will be Koni SA's.

BlackHawk T/A

iTrader: (3)

Anyone?

John_D.

iTrader: (2)

The rears are not all that much stiffer than the stock springs, so it probably won't make much difference. 98+ rears are 114, and if it's a WS6 or 1LE car the rears are progressive 130-170. So they're actually softer than a WS6 or 1LE setup...

BlackHawk T/A

iTrader: (3)

But the front springs matter too right?

Also with the way the "dual rate" works, the car will ride at about 150. The initial softness is to set the ride height and its lost once the weight of the car is on them.

John_D.

iTrader: (2)

The fronts matter, but I'm not sure how to quantify that...
What kind of 60' times do you have now?

You're right about the dual rate springs. That partially applies to the progressive springs too, you use up the lower part of the range just with the car sitting on them, so you end up about in the middle of the range at rest. (from what I remember reading around...) So the WS6/1LE springs are probably more like 150-170 loaded.

BlackHawk T/A

iTrader: (3)

I am thinking about getting them for the ride height and the weight savings. Was looking at other springs but don't like the weight.

My main concern is not being able to hook anymore from higher spring rates.

GM Muscle

iTrader: (9)

I'm running progressive rate Hypercoils, front is 360-580, and the rears are 168-216. With QA1 shocks I've gone 1.43 with them on a drag radial, consistant 1.45-1.50s. Could probrably do better if I did something about my converter and gearing situation. The car transfers weight and comes out pretty nice. With a 550lbs spring in the front I imagine they would unload pretty quick?

BlackHawk T/A

iTrader: (3)

I probably shouldn't be too worried about it then.

I know drag racers go with softer springs so the car transfers its weight better though.

BlackHawk T/A

iTrader: (3)

Anyone else running high(er) rates on their car?

GIZMO

iTrader: (8)

The opposit is actually true. A stock suspended F-Body will launch better on stiffer springs. You don't want the rear to squat.

BlackHawk T/A

iTrader: (3)

That is a good point. So a drag car is going to want almost no shock valving but yet a decent spring in the back? This isn't really an all-drag car though. I at least see them go soft in the front. I think I will keep the Stranos on the list. I don't like what i've seen from the other springs.