Need Suspension Answers

[jdbubb@ix.netcom.com (Dan Bubb)]

Allyn wrote:
> 
> first off, those springs sound like they are progressive rate (as opposed to a
> constant #400).

Depends on how the spring is wound. If there is a sharp transition in
the winding and it is correctly designed for the application all the
tight coils will bind from the weight of the car and it will be
effectively single rate.

> you can safely lose an inch by cutting one of the tight (close
> together) coils off on each side.

Actually, you'll only lower the car the thickness of one coil because
with the weight of the car on the spring all the close coils are tight
against each other.


> as for being loose in the perch, that will happen and is normal for aftermarket
> lowering springs.

I disagree. The whole purpose of the tight coils is to keep the spring
seated with the suspension extended and if the spring is even half close
to being correctly designed for the application it will not be loose in
the seat. I suspect that they are not tight in this application due to
the fact they are A2 springs on an A1.

> if the spring was tight in the perch with the car off of the
> ground, it would sit even higher than stock with the car on the ground (due to
> the higher spring rate).
> Al

Personally, I think it's pathetic the extent to which people will
sacrifice function so their car looks "kewl". But, I think Vinny should
go for it. Cut the coils off the tight end of the spring until it's the
height you want it. As a matter of fact, if you were close you could
stop by and I'd just torch those babies with them on the car! Quick and
simple. And more than accurate enough for the desired end result.
just my .02
Dan

> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Vince Royer" <vince@performancecarstereo.com>
> To: "Scirocco List" <scirocco-l@scirocco.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2002 12:31 AM
> Subject: Need Suspension Answers
> 
> > Hey guys,
> >
> > So I finally got my new shocks and springs in today.  For those who don't
> > recall, I got the following setup: RPI shock inserts and H&R Group G race
> > springs for A2 (420 lb).  I have a 1982 Rocco with about a hundred pounds of
> > weight reduction off the front end.
> >
> > I used new upper mounts, new bumpstops, and new camber bolts to put it all
> > together, and it worked out o.k.  I had these goals in mind: 1) lower than
> > average.  2) no harsh bottoming  3) decent handling
> >
> > Potterman recommended I go with the A2 spring at 420 lbs.  I'm beginning to
> > think that he really wanted to get rid of them or something, because they
> > certainly don't seem like the best answer. They're too short for starters.
> > The spring is not 100% loose at full extension, but it's a little loose in
> > there.  Half the spring has really tight coils and the other half has really
> > loose coils. At rest, it seems like the tight coils are pretty much all
> > touching each other. I don't know if it's supposed to be like that. They
> > ride nice and stiff and greatly increased my cornering grip, but it kinda
> > feels like I'm driving a low car but then it looks like a 4x4.
> >
> > My car rides great now, and never seems to bottom out.  My problem is that
> > it's just not low enough. It seems it's the same height it was before, and
> > it has a good 4" of travel before bottoming. My control arms seem to be
> > exactly horizontal.   I know, I know "the Scirocco does not lend itself well
> > to being really low".   But I don't care, I want it low anyways.  H&R
> > apparently has a new set of race springs coming for the Rocco.  Would these
> > be any better?  Or should I stay with what I have now and get a camber plate
> > with a taller upper shock mount?
> >
> > I guess what I should really have is coilovers.  I want it really low for
> > car shows, but I still want it to handle really good for spirited drives.  I
> > totally could never convince my girl that we need coilovers for my car. A
> > hundred bucks here and there is ok, but a couple thousand is just way too
> > much.
> >
> > I've already spent enough money as far as I'm concerned, but all I want is a
> > low Scirocco that handles ok.  Is that really too much to ask?
> >
> > Thanks for the help,
> >
> > Vinny
> >
> >
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> > Scirocco-l@scirocco.org
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> 
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