Suspension Brakes 1st Gen Most liked posts in thread: Coilover Spring Rates

  1. cct1

    cct1 Well-Known Member
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    May 5, 2009
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    The answer is number 1, but usually with a stiffer rear sway bar and camber plates. My spring rates are 400 on all corners (or will be I should say); but most are running 400 up front 450 rear to get to a slight oversteer for the track. I'd rather be closer to neutral, but it's really a personal preference thing, if you like sliding the rear out, then go with the higher spring rates on the back. If you're more point and shoot, go a little lower on the rear.

    Thing is, the rear end is very easy to catch on a MINI, so you can get away with a little oversteer.

    It all works together though--front and rear camber and toe, sway bar, tires, coilovers and springs, it all depends on your setup.
     
  2. quikmni

    quikmni Moderator

    Jun 6, 2009
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    Thanks for the input. That makes sense.
    My car is a daily driver that I Auto-X but I want to lean to the softer side for street driving and compromise the Auto-X handling. I plan large bar and camber plates. Sounds like the 400#/400# range or even 350#/350# would make sense for me depending on coilovers.
     
  3. M^Cubed

    M^Cubed Member

    May 24, 2009
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    The motion ratio is different in the front and rear.
     
  4. M^Cubed

    M^Cubed Member

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    Careful running too low of a spring rate. With a coilover you are reducing the amount of suspension travel you have available. Running too soft of spring will lead to bottoming out the damper.
     
  5. quikmni

    quikmni Moderator

    Jun 6, 2009
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    I agree the MR is different front to rear. I believe the MR is about 0.99 (1) for the front and about 0.875 in the rear. I used those numbers in the spring rate calculators.
    I do not think I would go below 350 in the front, and I will only be dropping about 5/8-3/4". Do you think 350# is too soft?
     
  6. cct1

    cct1 Well-Known Member
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    350 still should be ok--it is for the KW V2's for example--but you always have make sure the spring rates are compatible with whatever coilover you choose.