Suspension Brakes 1st Gen Swift spring rates?

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by Professor, Nov 20, 2010.

  1. Professor

    Professor New Member

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    Hello gang, I am looking for some educated help. I am not super savy on spring rates and such. I know that I do like my Megan coilovers but the springs are not the best performing.

    I am looking up upgrade to Swift spring on all 4 corners. I know Megan uses an 8k and 6 k combo but it that the rate I should run with Swift?
     
  2. M^Cubed

    M^Cubed Member

    May 24, 2009
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    I prefer more spring in the rear. Ian Stewart and Greg/Onasled both run more spring in the rear as well. The rear suspension geometry causes the spring rate at the wheel to be lesser than the actual rating. This is all basic physics due to the layout of the suspension. The front spring is more outboard and in a straight plane with the suspension travel, so the front is fine.

    I currently run 400 front and 500 rear. If you were going for more street oriented, I would cut that back to 300f 400r personally.
     
  3. Professor

    Professor New Member

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    hrmm interesting. I do street driving but want great handling when I hit the mountain. I do not daily drive the Mini.
     
  4. minimark

    minimark Well-Known Member

    Jun 24, 2009
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    Yes you might consider the difference between a track set up and one that would be best for something like the Targa Newfoundland, the latter being a bit softer than the track because of the varying road surfaces you will encounter.....more bumps to absorb. If the tires are bouncing of the road surface there is little traction....2 cents
     
  5. Professor

    Professor New Member

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    I am considering either a 10k front 8k rear or one down to 9k/7k combo.
     
  6. M^Cubed

    M^Cubed Member

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    I've done the 10K and 8K setup already, but you've already got my opinion!

    Like mentioned above.. stiff on the street is different than stiff on a well maintained+flat+predictable race track.

    Too stiff on a bad road surface during a curve on the mountain roads will unsettle the car sending it spinning. My .02cents
     
  7. Professor

    Professor New Member

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    so you think more 300f and 400r, that seems kinda soft though. I ran some 5k in the front for a short time and it was way to soft. 350/450 sounds ok, sadly I am not an expert and all my research has pointed me in different directions as some say 10k/8k , 8k/6k
     
  8. minimark

    minimark Well-Known Member

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    When you say the Megan springs were not the best performing, in what way? You want the springs to match the damper range too.
     
  9. M^Cubed

    M^Cubed Member

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    Get in touch with Greg at Onasled racing. He can really point you in the right direction and explain things pretty well
     
  10. andyroo

    andyroo New Member
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    You can't accurately answer this question without knowing tire type and size.

    Andrew
     
  11. Professor

    Professor New Member

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    falken rt-615 215/40/17
     
  12. andyroo

    andyroo New Member
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    Yeah then 10k is way too stiff on a mini IMO. I would try 7k/8k or less. Might have missed it, do you have a bigger rear bar?
     
  13. Professor

    Professor New Member

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    Yes I do, H-sport. I was thinking of staying with the 8k and 6k
     
  14. andyroo

    andyroo New Member
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    In all honesty i would save your money, sell the megans, and just get a better coilover. But that's just me. The swifts are much better than megan springs, but I just don't think its worth it because of the poor Megan damping.
     

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