Suspension gurus - advice?
02-07-2008, 03:08 PM
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Suspension gurus - advice?
To start things off I've got a 96 Del Sol.
A few months ago I purchased Koni Yellows with Ground Control sleeves.
Due to the state of my noobness I ordered spring rates of 320 (front) / 280 (rear).
Anyway, I am by no means "slammed" I've got a moderate drop, but my ride is BOUNCEY as hell!
Most recent picture I have, I'll take a better one tomorrow when its day light.
I rode around on the setup for about 2k miles before stiffening the Koni's all the way up. It helped, but not much.
I'm going to raise it up so the top of the wheels are flush with the fenders. But other then this what are some things I can try to make the ride a bit more enjoyable?
A few months ago I purchased Koni Yellows with Ground Control sleeves.
Due to the state of my noobness I ordered spring rates of 320 (front) / 280 (rear).
Anyway, I am by no means "slammed" I've got a moderate drop, but my ride is BOUNCEY as hell!
Most recent picture I have, I'll take a better one tomorrow when its day light.
I rode around on the setup for about 2k miles before stiffening the Koni's all the way up. It helped, but not much.
I'm going to raise it up so the top of the wheels are flush with the fenders. But other then this what are some things I can try to make the ride a bit more enjoyable?
02-07-2008, 04:08 PM
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Re: Suspension gurus - advice? (Xathine)
How about a photo where we can actually gauge the ride height with some accuracy? "MySpace Angles" don't help for this situation.
320f/280r is somewhat mild for coilovers. You're probably too low for the spring rates and hitting the bump stops constantly.
Did you trim the bump stops when you installed the new coilovers and dampers?
320f/280r is somewhat mild for coilovers. You're probably too low for the spring rates and hitting the bump stops constantly.
Did you trim the bump stops when you installed the new coilovers and dampers?
02-08-2008, 02:05 AM
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Re: Suspension gurus - advice? (Targa250R)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Targa250R »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">How about a photo where we can actually gauge the ride height with some accuracy? "MySpace Angles" don't help for this situation.
320f/280r is somewhat mild for coilovers. You're probably too low for the spring rates and hitting the bump stops constantly.
Did you trim the bump stops when you installed the new coilovers and dampers?</TD></TR></TABLE>
If you read, I say its the most recent picture I have, and I'll upload another today when its daylight.
I realize the rates I have arn't the best, just wondering if theres anything I can try before I go purchase a second set of $400 coilovers.
I did trim the bump stops when I installed the new ones.
320f/280r is somewhat mild for coilovers. You're probably too low for the spring rates and hitting the bump stops constantly.
Did you trim the bump stops when you installed the new coilovers and dampers?</TD></TR></TABLE>
If you read, I say its the most recent picture I have, and I'll upload another today when its daylight.
I realize the rates I have arn't the best, just wondering if theres anything I can try before I go purchase a second set of $400 coilovers.
I did trim the bump stops when I installed the new ones.
02-08-2008, 04:27 AM
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Re: Suspension gurus - advice? (Xathine)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Xathine »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I realize the rates I have arn't the best</TD></TR></TABLE>
They're not bad, but I have a feeling that they aren't ideal for your desired ride height.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">just wondering if theres anything I can try before I go purchase a second set of $400 coilovers.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You could always try to trade your springs in pairs with someone else who is looking for a different spring rate. There is a large market for buying and/or trading 2.5"-inner diameter linear race springs.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I did trim the bump stops when I installed the new ones.</TD></TR></TABLE>
How much did you trim? Roughly how much bump stop is left?
They're not bad, but I have a feeling that they aren't ideal for your desired ride height.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">just wondering if theres anything I can try before I go purchase a second set of $400 coilovers.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You could always try to trade your springs in pairs with someone else who is looking for a different spring rate. There is a large market for buying and/or trading 2.5"-inner diameter linear race springs.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I did trim the bump stops when I installed the new ones.</TD></TR></TABLE>
How much did you trim? Roughly how much bump stop is left?
02-08-2008, 04:49 AM
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Re: Suspension gurus - advice? (Targa250R)
Echoing Targo250R's comment about the rates, we have no problems with 350 front and 275 rear on a 99 Si - a heavier car. The car is lowered by roughly a 1/2". The ride is fine and we are running full bumpstops. Same kit...except, we also have the Ground control front upper mount that allows 1" more travel for lowered cars.
$120.00 from GC - I don't know if this will work with your car.
Sorry to barge in.
$120.00 from GC - I don't know if this will work with your car.
Sorry to barge in.
02-08-2008, 05:30 AM
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Re: Suspension gurus - advice? (Xathine)
The word "bouncy" although common is not very good for describing the ride becasue there are a number of different things on either end of the spectrum that can make someone use that term: underdamped, overdamperd, under sprung, over sprung and constantly hitting the bump rubbers due to too little height or too much bump rubber for the height.
From what little we can see of the photos, the car looks pretty low so like Targa the first thing I think of is too much bump rubber contact based on too little ride height for your spring rates. Also, what setting do you have the KONI Sport shocks adjusted to for rebound. For spring rates like yours, I think between 1/2 to 1 turn from the full soft setting would be good. A lot more can be too much and not let the suspension move enough making for a choppy ride that does not allow much motion or too little might allow too many oscillations.
I would not jump out and buy new springs yet, I would try to figure out what is wrong with the parts that you have now. You can adjust the shocks in a minute and you can raise the car up a bit in a pretty short time, both changes are pretty easy and cheap and will give immediate results if that is the problem. If you are trimming your bump stops further, make sure that you have at least one inch of bump rubber in place on each shock as otherwise you can bottom the shocks internally and write off $500+ worth of parts by your own error. Good luck, it really isn't hard to do.
From what little we can see of the photos, the car looks pretty low so like Targa the first thing I think of is too much bump rubber contact based on too little ride height for your spring rates. Also, what setting do you have the KONI Sport shocks adjusted to for rebound. For spring rates like yours, I think between 1/2 to 1 turn from the full soft setting would be good. A lot more can be too much and not let the suspension move enough making for a choppy ride that does not allow much motion or too little might allow too many oscillations.
I would not jump out and buy new springs yet, I would try to figure out what is wrong with the parts that you have now. You can adjust the shocks in a minute and you can raise the car up a bit in a pretty short time, both changes are pretty easy and cheap and will give immediate results if that is the problem. If you are trimming your bump stops further, make sure that you have at least one inch of bump rubber in place on each shock as otherwise you can bottom the shocks internally and write off $500+ worth of parts by your own error. Good luck, it really isn't hard to do.
02-08-2008, 07:23 AM
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Re: Suspension gurus - advice? (CRX Lee)
I also vote on checkin the bumpstops, is the first simplest solution....
and sometimes the bounce can be felt in the rear, so could it be possible you put the lower spring rate in the front and the stiffer springs in the rear?
you have a mild spring rate and honestly should be ridding as comfortable a stock...
another too...you have koni yellows...so wouldnt that mean you are able to adjust the perch height in which tthe coilover sits on?
so just set the perch to its lowest setting for both front and rear...that should get you lower then what is pictured...
before buying out new springs or coilovers, play with the shock settings (its all about balance) and chekc your bumpstops..
as well for slammed look, make sure that the perches are on its lowest setting or another odd trick is to get more thread, flip the coilover sleeve to gain more thread and another half an inch of drop.
and sometimes the bounce can be felt in the rear, so could it be possible you put the lower spring rate in the front and the stiffer springs in the rear?
you have a mild spring rate and honestly should be ridding as comfortable a stock...
another too...you have koni yellows...so wouldnt that mean you are able to adjust the perch height in which tthe coilover sits on?
so just set the perch to its lowest setting for both front and rear...that should get you lower then what is pictured...
before buying out new springs or coilovers, play with the shock settings (its all about balance) and chekc your bumpstops..
as well for slammed look, make sure that the perches are on its lowest setting or another odd trick is to get more thread, flip the coilover sleeve to gain more thread and another half an inch of drop.
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02-08-2008, 12:27 PM
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Re: Suspension gurus - advice? (Targa250R)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Targa250R »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">How much did you trim? Roughly how much bump stop is left?</TD></TR></TABLE>
Rougly how much bump stop is left.
Ride Height:
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CRX Lee »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">From what little we can see of the photos, the car looks pretty low so like Targa the first thing I think of is too much bump rubber contact based on too little ride height for your spring rates. Also, what setting do you have the KONI Sport shocks adjusted to for rebound. For spring rates like yours, I think between 1/2 to 1 turn from the full soft setting would be good. A lot more can be too much and not let the suspension move enough making for a choppy ride that does not allow much motion or too little might allow too many oscillations.
I would not jump out and buy new springs yet, I would try to figure out what is wrong with the parts that you have now. You can adjust the shocks in a minute and you can raise the car up a bit in a pretty short time, both changes are pretty easy and cheap and will give immediate results if that is the problem. If you are trimming your bump stops further, make sure that you have at least one inch of bump rubber in place on each shock as otherwise you can bottom the shocks internally and write off $500+ worth of parts by your own error. Good luck, it really isn't hard to do. </TD></TR></TABLE>
I rode on them on the softest setting for about 2k miles. I then moved them to the stiffest setting for about a week. I'm currently working with probably a turn and a half to almost 2 full turns.
Rougly how much bump stop is left.
Ride Height:
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CRX Lee »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">From what little we can see of the photos, the car looks pretty low so like Targa the first thing I think of is too much bump rubber contact based on too little ride height for your spring rates. Also, what setting do you have the KONI Sport shocks adjusted to for rebound. For spring rates like yours, I think between 1/2 to 1 turn from the full soft setting would be good. A lot more can be too much and not let the suspension move enough making for a choppy ride that does not allow much motion or too little might allow too many oscillations.
I would not jump out and buy new springs yet, I would try to figure out what is wrong with the parts that you have now. You can adjust the shocks in a minute and you can raise the car up a bit in a pretty short time, both changes are pretty easy and cheap and will give immediate results if that is the problem. If you are trimming your bump stops further, make sure that you have at least one inch of bump rubber in place on each shock as otherwise you can bottom the shocks internally and write off $500+ worth of parts by your own error. Good luck, it really isn't hard to do. </TD></TR></TABLE>
I rode on them on the softest setting for about 2k miles. I then moved them to the stiffest setting for about a week. I'm currently working with probably a turn and a half to almost 2 full turns.
02-08-2008, 07:01 PM
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Re: Suspension gurus - advice? (TunerN00b)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TunerN00b »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">For 320/280 springs, thats way too low. That car is dumped.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yep, definitely hitting the bump stops.
The first picture is misleading, because the front appears to be at a reasonable height while the rear is too low. The second picture clearly shows both ends of the car are too low for rates like those.
I'd raise the car about an inch, and/or buy Ground Control upper mounts to start with.
Yep, definitely hitting the bump stops.
The first picture is misleading, because the front appears to be at a reasonable height while the rear is too low. The second picture clearly shows both ends of the car are too low for rates like those.
I'd raise the car about an inch, and/or buy Ground Control upper mounts to start with.
02-08-2008, 07:04 PM
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Re: Suspension gurus - advice? (TunerN00b)
I'm at roughly the same ride height as you, however my spring rates are 400F/350R.
You'll probably need to raise you car up.
You'll probably need to raise you car up.
02-11-2008, 01:12 PM
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Re: Suspension gurus - advice? (Xathine)
I had the same problem...you're gonna need stiffer springs for that ride height.
I had 375f 325r...ended up moving the 375's to the rear and buying new 430lb springs for the front. I also got the GC honda mounts and I'm all good now.
I had 375f 325r...ended up moving the 375's to the rear and buying new 430lb springs for the front. I also got the GC honda mounts and I'm all good now.
02-11-2008, 01:21 PM
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Re: Suspension gurus - advice? (Xathine)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Xathine »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">...before I go purchase a second set of $400 coilovers.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Get some custom rate's from vtecvoodoo for $315 shipped: http://www.hondamarketplace.co...69581
Get some custom rate's from vtecvoodoo for $315 shipped: http://www.hondamarketplace.co...69581
02-11-2008, 02:50 PM
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Re: Suspension gurus - advice? (gabebauman)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by gabebauman »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Get some custom rate's from vtecvoodoo for $315 shipped: http://www.hondamarketplace.co...69581</TD></TR></TABLE>
Good lookin' out.
Get some custom rate's from vtecvoodoo for $315 shipped: http://www.hondamarketplace.co...69581</TD></TR></TABLE>
Good lookin' out.
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