2" ID springs?

[mwood]

For a couple of reasons, I'm considering going from my current 2.25" ID front springs to 2" ID. This is on my VD RF88 with Koni 2812 dampers. The problem is the 2.25" springs will contact the frame, unless I use an offset bushing in the frame mount eye, and need to be replaced, in any case, as they're funky (474# on one spring, 516# on the other...). If I have to replace them, I'm thinking there would be advantages, in my application, to going to the 2" ID...plus, they're lighter

Two questions:
1. Are 2" ID spring perches/seats available or would I be better off turning my existing 2.25" seats? (I've measured and I believe there's enough beef to get away with machining, but would prefer not to do so)
2. Is coil bind likely an issue?

Currently, I run 6" free length 500#, but likely would go to a 550# rate, when replacing.

[Robert Puertas]

Coil Springs are so 2011...

http://www.hypercoils.com/PDF/Hyperc..._datasheet.pdf

:-)

[mwizard]

Coil Springs are so 2011...

http://www.hypercoils.com/PDF/Hyperc..._datasheet.pdf

:-)

Ok, Robert, are you using these "springs"? Report?
Mark

[Robert Puertas]

Ok, Robert, are you using these "springs"? Report?
Mark

I'm not even sure you can buy them yet! I just saw them advertised for the first time in the last issue of Sportscar.

Would these even be legal?

Besides which, I'm slightly afraid to call and find out how much what we need would actually cost...


Which is why I posted it for Mike's benefit. :-)

[starkejt]

You can buy them. They aren't as expensive as you'd think, which is not to say they are cheap.

[mwood]

I think those might have to come from the second pile of dollars I'm going to end up throwing at this car, rather than the first...

Besides, looks like the OD is greater than a coil spring, so they don't help in my situation.

Now, back on topic...anyone know if 2" ID spring seats are being made that will fit my Konis?!

[Robert Puertas]

Mike, I know Koni didn't make a shock body that fit inside the OE spring of a Lotus Elise.
OE Lotus springs are 1.875" (or more likely 48mm).
So, I'm coming at your question from a strange direction, but that makes me think the answer might be no.

[starkejt]

For this damper?

If so, yes.

[mwood]

Yep, that's what I'm looking for, thanks for the link. I was wondering if it might be something that I wouldn't have to go directly to Koni to buy, but I guess that isn't the case.

After doing some more measuring, I do think it possible to turn down the seats I have, but I think I'm ahead of things if I keep them, as is, and just buy another set for 2" ID's.

[DanW]

Try B.R.I.T.S. in Sonoma.

21881 8th Street East
Sonoma, CA 95476
Tel: 707-935-3637
Fax: 707-935-0942
parts@britsinc.com

They have a good stock of springs.

[Greg S.]

I have some 2" x 5" Hypercoils that I purchased by accident. Some day I need to learn to read.

If you decide you want 2" ID, I would love to sell you mine. Let me know if you are interested.

[Jim Garry]

I have some 2" x 4" springs. I think one set is 400 lbs. Can't remember the other but if you're interested I will pull them out and look.

[Jnovak]

I am interested in 2" I'd springs. Let me know what you have.

Thanks ... Jay Novak

[Greg S.]

I have two pair of Hyperco 2" x 5" springs. From appearance, they have never been used. I certainly have not used them. They have been stored in a smoke free and pet free environment.

1 pair 650
1 pair 750

[Jim Garry]

My 2" ID springs are 250 x 5 and 400 x 4. Hyperco.

[mwood]

I'm looking at 550# spring rate, as I measured the motion ratio on the front of my RF88 as ~ .56 and I want wheel rate in the 70-75% of static corner weight range, as a starting point. Also, with that type of wheel rate, I think I need to stick in the 6" free length range to avoid coil bind with a 2" ID spring? That I'm not sure of, at all, as I don't know how to calculate.

My other option could be to go to a shorter 2.25" ID spring, which would simplify my life and be cheaper. What are my chances of going to a 4" free length, 550# 2.25 ID spring and not having to worry about coil bind (that's about 170# wheel rate)?

[mwood]

Just as an update, Koni does have the 2" ID spring seats available...$110 per corner..plus shipping. Given that number, turning the 2.25" seats sounds like a great idea.