ian balson Posted November 6, 2001 Share Posted November 6, 2001 I'm just about to fit some adjustable platforms, so I'm going to take the opportunity to change my front springs (unknown lbs). I have a VX converted to wide track with the original springs, so was thinking along the lines of 300lbs? The questions - Where is the best place to buy, and is the spring length measured relaxed? What's the inside diameter of choice, I believe you have options with the adjustable platforms. Many thanks Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EFA Posted November 6, 2001 Share Posted November 6, 2001 Ian, 350lbs gives a good compromise in terms of stiffness to composure. If you have the std Bilsteins you need 1 7/8" ID springs. To determine the length set the adj platform 1/2 way up along its range on the damper, fully extend the damper and measure the distance between. Fat Arn The NOW PROVEN R500 Eaterid=red> See the Lotus Seven Club 4 Counties Area Website hereid=green> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian balson Posted November 6, 2001 Author Share Posted November 6, 2001 Arnie, I've got 3 or 4 grooves cut into the dampers. Currently the seat is set on the highest groove. So should I be looking to move the seat to a lower position, therefore requiring a longer spring? Is there any advantage having longer or shorter springs? Thanks Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Wong1697456877 Posted November 6, 2001 Share Posted November 6, 2001 I run 170lb front springs on a wide track and it works for me. I know this is against accepted thinking but it really works quite well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian balson Posted November 6, 2001 Author Share Posted November 6, 2001 Alex, What sort of arb are you using? I have a 19mm currently. Thanks Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captain chaos Posted November 6, 2001 Share Posted November 6, 2001 Alex, Arnie, 170 up to 350lb that's a big difference! Arnie what is your front ARB thickness? I'm sure Clive put 250lb springs on mine when I changed last year. What is the current SLR spring/ARB set up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian balson Posted November 6, 2001 Author Share Posted November 6, 2001 Captain, It does seem a rather large difference. I think Arnie uses the Juno adjustable arb. Ian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EFA Posted November 6, 2001 Share Posted November 6, 2001 I do use the adjustable Juno ARB. The VX cars bottom out on 170lbs springs unless you raise the ride height excessively. I do not know what Alex has done to his car but it cannot be standard. This explains however why it does not understeer - as a compromise to high speed cornering.... Also Alex is running narrow track are you not?? The spring rates must be compensated for the change in damper angle, to give the same effect. Also (without offending Alex!) his car possibly suffers less weight transfer due to his size holding the back down.....! (A fine thing coming form me I know!) With the alloy adjustable platforms the circlip should be in the top groove. Fat Arn The NOW PROVEN R500 Eaterid=red> See the Lotus Seven Club 4 Counties Area Website hereid=green> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Wong1697456877 Posted November 7, 2001 Share Posted November 7, 2001 Arnie, My car is wide tracked. Dave Walker and Gordon are much lighter than me and they found the car handled just as I do. Front ARB is 19mm. What is really strange is that the car doesn't feel all that much softer than say Roger's car which is on 300lb (I think) fronts and the same ARB. The softer springs make for a less responsive and agile car, but superb high speed stability with very little understeer. I keep thinking about going for 250lb springs but the handling works for me, or at least I've become used to it. I'd love to actually measure the springs to see if they really are that soft because the car works better than it should. Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EFA Posted November 7, 2001 Share Posted November 7, 2001 Hmmmm I'd love to actually measure the springs to see if they really are that soft because the car works better than it should. Good Idea. Think you may get a surprise! Fat Arn The NOW PROVEN R500 Eaterid=red> See the Lotus Seven Club 4 Counties Area Website hereid=green> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captain chaos Posted November 7, 2001 Share Posted November 7, 2001 On another related topic.... Where on the car do you measure the ride height front and back? and what are the sorts of measurements others are running? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelspeed Posted November 7, 2001 Share Posted November 7, 2001 I run 360lb/in on my widetrack Vauxhall, also with Juno adjustable front bar. I ran 300lb/in when it was narrow track, the springs need to be approx 10-20% stiffer for widetrack as the angle of dangle is lower. I got to 300lb/in via 260lb/in and definetly prefer the harder spring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elie boone Posted November 7, 2001 Share Posted November 7, 2001 Ian, if you need new springs consider D.Faulkner springs tel: 01243 543049 or sales@dfaulknersprings.com Great service and you buy direct from the manufactor also they can provide any spring you like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elie boone Posted November 7, 2001 Share Posted November 7, 2001 Sorry did'nt saw that it whas for a VX better try Peterbuild, Mack or ERF teeth.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EFA Posted November 7, 2001 Share Posted November 7, 2001 100% same findings Graham. Fat Arn The NOW PROVEN R500 Eaterid=red> See the Lotus Seven Club 4 Counties Area Website hereid=green> Edited by - Fat arnie on 7 Nov 2001 19:54:44 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andygriffiths Posted November 7, 2001 Share Posted November 7, 2001 If the fronts are between 300 and 360 what should the rears be? Andy G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captain chaos Posted November 7, 2001 Share Posted November 7, 2001 Rear springs seem to vary between 160 and 200lb. So that I can compare with other set up's, where do people generally measure ride height from? Is it just the lowest chassis point front & rear? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EFA Posted November 8, 2001 Share Posted November 8, 2001 130 - 200 lbs on the rear CC (130's give lousy cornering but amazing traction......) Fat Arn The NOW PROVEN R500 Eaterid=red> See the Lotus Seven Club 4 Counties Area Website hereid=green> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian balson Posted November 8, 2001 Author Share Posted November 8, 2001 I'm currently running progressive rate rears on my VX that are marked up as 180lbs. I was planning to continue with them. I suppose I should add that I'm looking for a 90% road setup. Ian Edited by - ian balson on 8 Nov 2001 09:14:32 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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