redcarman

I know I'm probably walking right into it as there will probably be more opinions on this subject than options for paint colour.....

I'm looking for front Spring (#lbs) recommendations for an 87 951 that is used exclusively for DE but is still driven to events, some of which are 4-5 hours away. I currently have Koni Yellow Sport Adjustable shocks with non adjustable spring height. The current springs on the car are about 1 1/2 " lower than stock and the PO said they are 400lb springs but I don't know for certain.

Can anyone recommend a proven spring rate for the 951 for DE?

disasterman

I race with (and did DE's before racing) with 900/750 or 1000/900 depending on the track. I did drive 3 hours to the track once with the 900/750 package but it's not comfortable. Listen to some recommendations from guys who do that regularly. A track only spring rate is a hard thing to live with on the street.

teamking

I have 500f/600r lb springs and it's not bad. It's more firm than my stock S2000, but still liveable. Now keep in mind that it's a whole lot more firm than the original springs. Given that I only drive the car around town about 1 day a week, and that I live only two hours from VIR, I'd probably go with slightly stiffer springs if I had it to do over.

BTW, 500/600 was the combination recommended by Karl Poeltl at Racer's Edge. He's a good resource.

Van

What's your skill level? I have a hunch you might already be at a good setting.

comatb

Unless your yellow sport Koni's have been re-valved, 400lbs is the maximun they can handle when new. Hit a few cerbs and you can expect to rebuild them..... ask me how I know.

If you just stiffen the fron end the car will understeer more. The suspension is a package that needs to work together for the drivers skill level as Van said.

Bill

disasterman

Karl P put me into my spring rates as well. I purchased everything available for my chassis from him at the same time. Motons to A arms.

comatb

Me too! After I had blown several Koni's.

Bill

redcarman

Regarding my skill level, I am starting my 3rd season of DE and i am currently driving in PCA White...which I guess is the first Solo intermediate group.

I bought the car from the previous owner already set up so I haven't had a chance to play around with different suspension setups yet. The car is lowered 1 1/2" and the front right tire is rubbing the top of the fender on turn 5a at Mosport which I suspect may be because the springs may be to soft or just plain worn out. I am currently running 205/50-16 tires up front on 7 inch rims and I am planning to switch to 8" wide rims which will probably just make the situation worse.

I want to thank all those that have expressed an opinion so far...I really appreciate it.

redcarman

Regarding my skill level, I am starting my 3rd season of DE and i am currently driving in PCA White...which I guess is the first Solo intermediate group.

I bought the car from the previous owner already set up so I haven't had a chance to play around with different suspension setups yet. The car is lowered 1 1/2" and the front right tire is rubbing the top of the fender on turn 5a at Mosport which I suspect may be because the springs may be to soft or just plain worn out. I am currently running 205/50-16 tires up front on 7 inch rims and I am planning to switch to 8" wide rims which will probably just make the situation worse.

I want to thank all those that have expressed an opinion so far...I really appreciate it.

Van

Do you mean the left front wheel is rubbing? 5a is a right hand turn, so the car will be leaning to the left - compressing the left side suspension. When you say the tire is rubbing the fender, do you mean the lip of the fender, or the plastic liner inside the fender?

A 1.5" drop in ride height is not insignificant - you might be bottoming out the struts.... If you're running after-market rims, they might be the wrong offset.

Do you work with any of the 944 shops in the area? Markus or Ernie?

redcarman

Sorry I meant the front left tire and it's rubbing the lip of the fender. I am currently running stock D90s so the offset is correct.

I think I will drop by Mantis and ask Ernie what he would recommend. Thanks

comatb

redcarman you have a pm.

Bill