Desparately need higher rate springs

[quaddawg]

See pictures on my CD link below, or on the thread about my slicks.

As predicted, I rubbed... badly. I still ran some pretty damned good times, and it seems that the tires have cut 3-4 seconds off my times (or more)

BUT, as I said, they rub, because my suspension is too soft, even with the FMS springs. I need higher rate springs, maybe 1/2 - 3/4 " taller in front, but preferably the same ride height, just higher rate.

I know I need coilovers, but I cannot afford to do that right now. I need a budget solution. I know I can flare/cut the fenders, and that will help, but it won't be enough. When I finally get around to dialing in some negative camber, it will be even worse.


What springs fit? What is a budget way to get this car tighter. At this point, I don't really care about street ride quality, heck, I'll change the springs before every race if I have to... LOL... I need this thing either taller or flatter, flatter would be better obviously.


I don't seem to rub all that badly around right turns, probably due to my large rear in the driver seat... lol... but I certainly need help keeping these tires in one piece!!


Suggestions.. remember, I am pretty darned broke.. no more than $100 solution neeed until I can afford my Teins

THANKS

[Gforcefd]

I have a good suggestion, Keep the FMS springs on but put a set of helper springs inside them like DJ did. So your car will ride fine, but under hard turns they won't compress much past the helper springs. Search for his huge post on the topic because I can't remember where it was. Hope this helps, and I think it will help maintain some comfort when driving but stop the rubbing.

[quaddawg]

Sounds fine. Searching, can't find it yet.


If anyone finds it, please post a link?

Thanks GF

[25Horseplay]

Try this http://www.fordfestiva.com/forum/vie...springs+techno

[quaddawg]

Yeah, that's the thread. I had just finished reading it.

Funny, it was started by Jamie, who built this car originally...

ANYWAY.. I might go that route, but I also noticed that Festy Boy said that coil blocks (those little helper dealies) might be a temporary solution. I think I might just try getting 4 or 8 of those.. and just installing them on race day. That might just give me enough increased rate to keep the tires from rubbing..

The coil helper springs might be the ticket too.. I need to re-read that whole thread a time or two.

I really intend on either springing for a set of the non-adjustable Teins, or at least putting together a semi-coilover (adjustable sleeves) So I can crank up the preload on race days, at least a bit on the left.. lol.

[quaddawg]

Yeah, for under $20.00

I am going to get an assortment of these, and mix and match till I find a rate that prevents me from rubbing. If it works, I will keep them till I get some proper suspension under this thing... (if ever... lol)

I didn't really cut a tire today, but I did wear a small groove in the front left. The left rear rubbed, but on a very flat part of the fender, and it didn't do any damage. The front is still fine, and could be moved to the rear with no consequence.


I bet those rubber spacers will do the trick just fine, I don't need much, just 1/2" less compression at 1 g. and above... lol... those Hoosiers sure are sticky, I found myself tossed about quite violently today...

[FestYboy]

yeah, i'm still trying to revise the helper spring solution and then i'll write up a permanent "how to" that can be stickied w/ pics.

BTW i know i didn't start the thread, but i thought it might be a cheap solution, so i hijacked it... oh well

[quaddawg]

heheh, The funny thing is, the person that DID start the thread is the guy I bought this festy from... I thought that was a hell of a coincidence.

[quaddawg]

I bought two packs (four spacers each) of the smaller, x shaped rubber spacers pictured above. today at the 'Zone.. about 8 bucks a pack.

I ended up with two on each side in the front, and one each side in the rear.

I will have to wait until next race to give a full report.. but..

It really seemed to work GREAT! I raised the front about 1/2", and DEFINITELY raised the spring rate, when kneeling on the bumper, you can really feel the difference, even my 185/60's dont' rub, pulling into the driveway anymore! They ride just fine, as under normal conditions, they don't really add that much rate, but under hard cornering, the Festy stays way more level. I haven't been able to replicate the type of cornering you get in Autocross... yet. But, for the time being, this really seems to do the trick. I still have two spacers left, in case it still rubs when I put the slicks on.. but I really don't think it will.

Cool.