Progressive and Linear Springs

[Thomas]

Hi guys,

From my understanding, progressive rate springs are capable of varying the spring load according to the amount of load it receives, ie retaining a low rate when at rest height and progressively hardening up when loaded up.

Now my question is this: I have the option of either purchasing progressive rate springs front and back, or progressive rate rears and retaining linear rates for the front. Is there much to be concerned about between the options, bearing in mind that they will be King Lows (approx 40mm drop)? The car is most definately a streeter, with no intention of ever racing as such, but I do drive very spiritedly when the mood hits.

The car in question is a medium sized sedan (1993 TX5 V6 hatch) but due to its manual gearbox, it gets driven aggressively once a while. Maintaining a decent ride quality is certainly a requirement.

Any and all replies appreciated


Thomas.

[45aken]

you got it correct,
a progressive rate spring has the ability to be soft during normal use, then "progress" to a harder rate when the car is driven hard. so say if you have a spring that is progressive with rates from 3kg/mm to 5kg/mm, the during normal highay driving and around town etc, the car would feel as though it had a 3kg spring in it. when u drive it hard around corners etc, the spring would compress progressively harder, resulting in a stiffer feel.
a linear spring will always be whatever rate you buy it.

for a daily driven car, and with decent ride quality, i'd go with progressive WITHOUT A DOUBT, it soaks up the bumps and handles good for a squirt around the bends too. linear springs are more 'race' orientated.

[Toycrash]

I assume you are talking about "stock" size springs?
You are right about the behavior of those.
Same goes for a coilover springs, as you can either buy a progresive springs for them OR use two different linear rate springs at same strut. This way you can determine maximum cruising comfort, but still rock hard drift suspension (if you wish)

[45aken]

i think you may be confusing the helper spring with the actual spring. the small spring in a coilover keeps the larger (normall very high rate) spring captive. a progressive rate sping that is 3kg to 5kg does not got straight from 3kg to 5kg during comprission, it gradually changes

[Thomas]

Thanks for the replies guys. Progressive it is all round.

[45aken]

enjoy it. anything up to about 30% stiffer will be fine

[Toycrash]

i think you may be confusing the helper spring with the actual spring. the small spring in a coilover keeps the larger (normall very high rate) spring captive. a progressive rate sping that is 3kg to 5kg does not got straight from 3kg to 5kg during comprission, it gradually changes

NO. Helper would be third spring.

[MWP]

NO. Helper would be third spring.

[edit]
Ignore this.

[ndgcpr]

So even if you went to the ocasional drift/race day progressive would still be chosen?

Thanks

[TurboRA28]

I'm a big fan of linear springs.. I feel that having that consistancy is a bonus and makes the car more predicable.

All IMHO

[45aken]

yeah they should be fine, i have run linear and run progressive on 3 of my cars, and found that with linear you sacrifice alot of comfort for performance. linear WILL make a better handling car, but it wont be anywhere near as comfortable to drive.

[Ben Wilson]

Bear in mind that progressive springs won't be anwhere near as good at controlling body roll as linear springs, so I'd suggest a sway bar upgrade as well.

[Thomas]

On that note, which sway bar should I upgrade: front or rear? or both?

[45aken]

rear reaps the rewards.
i say u get the springs first, because your car will handle better with them, then look into swaybars.
the basic guide is stiffening up the rear gives more oversteer, front gives more understeer. a good set from whiteline will cost you around $500

[ndgcpr]

so its not recommended to do both sway bar and springs at the same time? My car has really bad body roll so is upgrading the rear sway gonna be enough?