Springs / Rates for Coilover kit

[josh18_2k]

problem with sway bars is they are a non linear spring (rate depends on roll) so its harder for a damper to properly control the spring/sway combo. ideal damping at full lean will be underdamped at anything less

soft springs mean more pitching/squatting on brakes/gas, which are both bad for grip and handling

my local suspension guru chris billings swears by choosing springs for roll/pitch/dive/etc, and using ONLY a front bar to balance the car mid-corner

[Kentetsu]

Originally Posted by josh18_2k

problem with sway bars is they are a non linear spring (rate depends on roll) so its harder for a damper to properly control the spring/sway combo. ideal damping at full lean will be underdamped at anything less

soft springs mean more pitching/squatting on brakes/gas, which are both bad for grip and handling

my local suspension guru chris billings swears by choosing springs for roll/pitch/dive/etc, and using ONLY a front bar to balance the car mid-corner

You have to remember what the other end of the swaybar is connected to (yet another spring/damper combination).

"soft springs mean more pitching/squatting on brakes/gas, which are both bad for grip and handling". Absolutely not true, if combined with good swaybars.

Anyway, I am not going to start an argument in this thread. As I have said, there are two schools of thought on this matter. I am of one, you are obviously of another.

But while you are here, why don't you take a look at this video. Maybe then you will consider that there might just be a slim possibility that maybe, potentially, I really do have a point.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWpEYAKo0fU

[Rogue_Wulff]

Originally Posted by Kentetsu

"soft springs mean more pitching/squatting on brakes/gas, which are both bad for grip and handling". Absolutely not true, if combined with good swaybars.

The swaybars have no effect at all under accel/decell conditions, regardless of whether they are 1/8" or 5" dia. Spring rate and dampers are the only things that have any effect on dive/squat, aside from geometery.... Springs determine how far it goes, and dampers determine how fast it gets there.

Otherwise, you do have a valid point. Softer springs can be benefitial on rougher courses. Can go fast with the tires dribbling......
A wise man once said to me "Stiffer springs and swaybars will usually make a car faster, but harder to drive". Of course, he was refering to handling, not straight line speed. It was during an autox/road racing suspension seminar......
He also said to use springs to adjust the car, and swaybars to fine tune the springs.