why 30% stiffer? I understand the difference in height, but why would you want them stiffer? a new set of springs will be substantially stiffer than the stock ones anyway. Let me know how it works out, I am interested in lowered springs. The ones PST offers are stock ride height, just too high for me and since they're $100, why pay that and cut them when I can pay a little extra and get the ride height I want from the get go.
Let me add some technical insight to coil springs. The stiffness is rated as the number of pounds it takes to compress the spring 1 inch. The size of the wire used to winde the spring and the number of turns will determine it's rate of compression. The best way to get the springs you want is to compare the rate with stock springs, then have new ones made, from calculation, to the same rate using the correct wire size and winding to the length you want. Any given spring that has a coil removed will end up somewhat stiffer because the load has less spring area to act upon. Buying springs is often a gamble as to how they will ride and at what height they will stand. Those cars that most often have a spring change will end up being the closest to what the owner wants just because it is done enough time to get it worked out. There is at least one company that will wind to your spec. They would have to be run down.
we cut 1 coil off of our '74, worked perfectly. See the picture in the photo section. It's the primered maverick. Rides better than perfect, yes it is a little stiffer, but it handles quite well (for a maverick.) Actually, I think the stiffer ride is better than the "cadillac" ride. by the way, it's not really stiff, just "firm", similar to a late mustang cobra's ride quality. Hope this helps.
30% stiffer springs I am just estimating, I figure if you cut a coil off of a stock V8 spring it should be an increse of about 15 to 20% stiffer. I would like something a "little" bit stiffer than that. I would also like to get a stiffer sway bar. I have already done the 4 leaf conversion on the rear with a 1 inch lowering block, and would like to balance out the ride.
Re: PST springs PSt buys their 'special' springs from MOROSO and cost $200/pair. I bought a pair of drag springs for mine - can't give you any idea on handling - as it doesn' t apply to your application. (I was simply informing you of the supplier of non-stock springs and their price). It never hurts to ask 'em though. They asked me a lot of questions when I ordered mine - and that's the sign, to me, of an experienced company. my .02 Rick
my ride hight I just dropped a 302 in my ride and the front is still way up in the air. When I had just the six I thought of cutting a coil. I think I'm going to do it....my only concern is that these springs aren't stock....or that they will be too rough....or give out. Anyone else heard of the same ride hight between engine sizes? How long would it last if I did?
As far as spring changes go, what is the difference between a stock spring and what the ads for mustangs call a '620' spring? Is the 620 a measure of the spring rate? If so what is stock?
