Spring Stuff
Spring Stuff I'm considering changing my springs for a lowering kit for my 2000 Formula. I was wondering what the stock spring rates are and what would be a good spring for street use with some track use. I am looking for a spring that provides at most 1.5" drop. I've been looking at the Eibach Prokit or the BMR set up. Any suggestions.
BMR over the Eibach ANY day! IMO, the best springs out there are Strano's, but the BMR's were my 2nd choice. The Pro-Kit's ride is punishing in comparison because the rear spring rates are too soft and I kept hitting the bumpstops. MUCH happier with the Strano springs!
the lt1 version of the prokit is actually pretty decent, but the ls1 kit is too soft. and yeah, BMR's new springs are pretty much a copy of strano's which explains why they're pretty good. strano's are generally considered the best street/track spring.
on a side note, if you're looking into lowering springs (especially for track use) I hope you're looking at or already have shocks as well.
on a side note, if you're looking into lowering springs (especially for track use) I hope you're looking at or already have shocks as well.
So if I was to pro kit would it be better to just do a complete LT1 prokit or LS1 fronts and LT1 rears or another combo? I'm basically looking for what I can pick up from off of here for a decent price.
I was willing to pay the price because of how unhappy I was...I realize it's not for everyone though.
I can definitely tell you to stay away from the LS1 Pro-Kit rears. If all you can find is an LS1 Pro-Kit, then I'd use them on the front only and use the heater hose mod on the rear until you come across a deal on rear springs. BMR, Hotchkiss, LT1 Pro-Kit, and most definitely Strano sprins all are MUCH better for the rear.
I've got a friend who went the BMR/KYB Adj. shocks rout and he's happy with them. I think his total outlay for springs/shock was around $600 (with shipping) for that set-up.
For comparision, I think I paid $180 for my new Pro-Kit from a member here and then my new AutoZone shocks only cost me $130 for the set, so yeah, I originally lowered my car for only $310, but the ONLY thing I liked about it was the stance. You can't enjoy the stance from behind the wheel when you're driving.
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
the lt1 version of the prokit is actually pretty decent, but the ls1 kit is too soft. and yeah, BMR's new springs are pretty much a copy of strano's which explains why they're pretty good. strano's are generally considered the best street/track spring.
on a side note, if you're looking into lowering springs (especially for track use) I hope you're looking at or already have shocks as well.
on a side note, if you're looking into lowering springs (especially for track use) I hope you're looking at or already have shocks as well.
Whatever springs you get its a good idea to invest in shocks as well. It will be worth it in the long run and you won't have to install the front twice.
I had a LS1 prokit and liked it. I admit it was too soft especially in the rear but I never had any sagging or a punishing ride, although I have heard that a lot from others. But on the other hand the look and the stance was amazing. Sometimes tires and poor shocks play a part in harsh rides as well.
I have Strano springs and konis now which I like. I've heard nothing but good things about BMR as also.
if you go prokit i would recommend lt1 all around. the weight of lt1 vs ls1 cars isn't that extreme, so i don't really see why they changed their rates so drastically for these cars. pretty much anything other than sportlines and the ls1 prokit will be decent though. if you can, try to find a set of stranos.
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Those are the old BMR springs in the photo, here's the new ones. Don't they look familiar?
https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachmen...01_new_big.jpg
https://ls1tech.com/forums/attachmen...01_new_big.jpg
Many feel that the 10 lb/in difference in spring rate between 150 and 160 is nothing. And on the face of things, it looks small. But that's 6.25%.... If you made 300 HP, then say, lost that percentage your power would be 282, a difference I think you'd notice. 
Further, I endure delays in spring shipments for two reasons:
1. The quality of the springs is tight. 2% variance from nominal rate. There are huge spring companies that don't guarantee their springs to anything less than 5%.
2. The material. Only make in Germany, and is proprietary to Vogtland, who makes my springs to my specs). The VVS alloy is lighter. Others can copy it, or try---but it's only made there not something a company here can get.
And I'll add this. Before the "other" company had springs that they said were 550/170 and the best, more than once. So why the change and which are then "the best"? And how did they come up with the new design? What testing was done? I think most folks know that my spring rates/heights were directly derived from my autocross car (as are my swaybars), a car meant to handle--and proven to do so.
Further, I endure delays in spring shipments for two reasons:
1. The quality of the springs is tight. 2% variance from nominal rate. There are huge spring companies that don't guarantee their springs to anything less than 5%.
2. The material. Only make in Germany, and is proprietary to Vogtland, who makes my springs to my specs). The VVS alloy is lighter. Others can copy it, or try---but it's only made there not something a company here can get.
And I'll add this. Before the "other" company had springs that they said were 550/170 and the best, more than once. So why the change and which are then "the best"? And how did they come up with the new design? What testing was done? I think most folks know that my spring rates/heights were directly derived from my autocross car (as are my swaybars), a car meant to handle--and proven to do so.
__________________
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
YES...
the axle will be off center
i have the BMR and koni 4/4
very happy with the setup. stance is nice and ride is amazing. only time i feel a sharp jolt is on significant lips...like approaches to bridges. regular bumps are smoother than they were with stock setup.
the axle will be off center
i have the BMR and koni 4/4
very happy with the setup. stance is nice and ride is amazing. only time i feel a sharp jolt is on significant lips...like approaches to bridges. regular bumps are smoother than they were with stock setup.
