Spring rate questions

[dmmc]

-From the Steve Smith "Racer's Math Handbook", you can calculate coil spring rate pretty easily by measuring wire dia., coil dia. (center to center), # of free coils. The formula used is (wire dia to the fourth power x 12,000,000)/(8 x # of free coils plus half a coil x coil diameter to the third power) = spring rate (lbs/in). I've used this numerous times in the past and as long as you measure accurately, it's within 5 lbs of the measured rate. I measured the stock springs from my '92 and they were 80 lbs/in front and rear, with the rears 2" shorter. The formula can help you predict how much rate you will gain if you shorten a stock spring. If you have a 100 lb spring w/ 5 coils, and you remove one coil, the rate will increase approximately 20% provided you don't screw up the spring seat geometry too bad.

[FestYboy]

that's odd, i recall the rear springs to be thinner and taller than the fronts with fewer coils... i'll look into it more.

[rollertoaster]

So with rio springs in the front and aspire fronts in the rear do u guys think these will rub?



Just kidding they are really for this


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[Gomez]

That one got me. Funny!!!

[dmmc]

that's odd, i recall the rear springs to be thinner and taller than the fronts with fewer coils... i'll look into it more.

When I did the V6 mid engine rwd conversion to my 92 (the angry little blue car) I used the rear springs in the front struts to drop the front back down (since it was a lot lighter w/ no engine under the hood) they fit the spring seats just fine. I checked both front and rear springs on an intercomp spring rater and was suprised that the rates were the same. Keep in mind they were festiva springs, not aspire.

[FestYboy]

ok, good to know.

... so when are you going to bring that 92 down to Madness? hmmm????

[dmmc]

If it fits my schedule next year, I'd love to be there. Currently, I'm having trouble finding enough time to get adequate sleep, let alone taking a road trip. Busy, Busy Busy.....