hey all-i planned on picking up a set of coilovers with higher spring rates...say atleast 14+

some i've spoked with concerning this have mentioned the possibility of cracking glass and/or compromising chassis integrity over time, especially with a street car.

i recently rode in a buddy's ride that had coilovers w/ 16 fronts, 14 rear springs, and though a bit bumpy, i liked the stiffness and handling of the car-and dont mind sacrificing some comfort for better handling. my friend hasnt experienced any of these things as of yet, so i'm just wondering if what has been said to me is just pure -ish-, or is there really some truth to this tale???

are there any precautions/upgrades i can take to ensure the longevity of my R if i decide to upgrade to a more *aggressive* suspension? i would like a nice balance between a good street and track animal, and i've read as much as i could find in the archives any subject relating to suspension upgrades and what not, but the whole windshield cracking thing is new to me...and i really dont wanna spend the money and source new glass, or tweak my chassis for that matter

any insight appreciated

 

On the GS-R I've worried about this as well. The ITR does have some extra sheet metal welded to the chasis, but metal fatigue is metal fatigue (and a couple sheets ain't gonna do much over time! )

I've tested out many different bars to try and add to the chassis rigidity. I do notice an improvement in the chassis being more rigid. It's hard to explain unless you drive the car, but you'll know when the chassis is loose.

All this being said, the suspension will loosen up the car over time, there's no avoiding this regardless of your setup. A more aggressive setup typically means a more aggressive driver, so the two suggest a quicker "loosening."

I wouldn't worry about it. If you notice things then work to replace them. The various rubber bushings will be the first to go...and you can replace those with urethane ones to restore the stiff feel.

 

i wouldnt worry about it. there is no way a 16/14 spring rate can destory glass.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by spoon_ek9 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i wouldnt worry about it. there is no way a 16/14 spring rate can destory glass. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Unless you try to drive nearly straight up head-on into the banking at a place like Lowe's.

 

do i hear personal experience?

 

ouch!

 

My 0.02

If you go with spring rates that are significantly higher than what the car's chassis was designed to use - you are going to flex the chassis. Unless you make the chassis more rigid - then the chassis flex will lessen the effectiveness of your suspension.

Chassis engineers always try to make the chassis as RIGID as possible. The Type R chassis is quite sturdy - but there are significant improvements to be had from adding a roll bar or cage.

If you use really high spring rates without additional bracing to the chassis - I think you either 1) won't get the most out of the suspension 2) will get unpredictable handling or 3) something will break.

 

Wai was told by Steve Colletti at the Expo that he NEEDED a rollcage in his R due to his very high spring rates (20K Front, 16K Rear).

In other words - the chassis would flex due to his suspension, unless a rollcage was added for extra rigidity.

So - yes, it is possible. But i don't think so with 16K Fronts.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Chris N &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Wai was told by Steve Colletti at the Expo that he NEEDED a rollcage in his R due to his very high spring rates (20K Front, 16K Rear).
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Actually that was Frank (GhettoRacer) who felt that the car didn't feel as responsive as he would expect from a 20K front spring. He said the feeling was weird, and thought that it may have caused by chassis flex.
Now I thought of it more, chassis flex might be part of the reason, but another reason is that I have 225 tires and 10mm spacers in the front. While the spacers can help the car grip better, but it also increases scrub radius, which may contribute to the slower steering response.

Steve Colletti said that my car is stiff, very stiff, stiffer than his race cars. But didn't mention about chassis flex tho. He made that comment based on the session as a passenger. I'm sure if he was the driver, he could have given a better feedback.

 

oops. i swear that is what you told me.
maybe i just made it up in my mind.

 

The Colletti cars aren't ITRs anyways, RS shells I think.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sackdz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The Colletti cars aren't ITRs anyways, RS shells I think.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Damn hype R elitist.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Wai &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Damn hype R elitist. </TD></TR></TABLE>

It was relevant to the conversation

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sackdz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The Colletti cars aren't ITRs anyways, RS shells I think.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Bah, what does Colletti know. Damned RS driver.

 

hype r's LOL YUMMY!!! why not just get an roll bar or cage? they're not that much and would be beneficial at the same time.