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| How do i determine the actual spring rate; 2.5 16 v and 2.6 | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Tue Oct 13, 2009 6:45 pm (721 Views) | |
| Desmoboy | Tue Oct 13, 2009 6:45 pm Post #1 |
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Can anyone tell me how to determine the actual spring rate of the springs on my car. As per a previous post of mine. I have a 2.5 16v which i believe is too hard for everyday driving. I used to have a 2.6 with factory fitted body kit that had a much superior ride quality without compromising its ability when getting a wriggle on. The 2.6 was also as low as the cossie from new, so it must be possible to get that ride quality into my 16valve. Therefore , if i can find out the spring rates of both i might be able to make progress. |
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| twopointsix | Tue Oct 13, 2009 7:09 pm Post #2 |
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Addicted
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The standard 2.6 has a noticeably softer,more comfortable ride than a 16 valve car. The Sports chassis on a 2.6 gives a much harder ride over bad road surfaces than a standard 2.6, but handles much better on corners. It's a compromise: comfort versus handling. Perhaps you should be looking for another 2.6 if you want a more comfy ride with good performance. |
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| Desmoboy | Tue Oct 13, 2009 7:30 pm Post #3 |
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Absolutely, another 2.6 is possibly on the cards. As i say though , it should be possible to get that level of ride and keep the oomph of the valver engine. |
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| sportline_stu | Tue Oct 13, 2009 9:36 pm Post #4 |
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Does your 16v have SLS? Your old 2.6 may have had standard springs and shocks hence the soft ride but the handling will not be great. Thats why I went sportline springs on my 2.6 but Ive hesitated on changing the shocks to sportline as the ride is still soft in a straight line with improved handling. Next on the list is uprated anti-roll bars. Maybe 2.6 sportline springs and shocks would be a good compromise? You would need to take advice from someone like ukmerctechie to determine which gague of sportline springs was appropriate for the weight of the car (different spec cars had different spring rates to account for the weight of extra options etc). Or..... What wheels/tyre combo do you have? Go back to 205/55/15 if you have non standard wheels or I think I'm right in saying that on a standard 16v 205/60/15 can be fitted with no issues. Or..... Find a nice 2.6 and drop a M103 3-litre in for the extra grunt. Stu |
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| JM Motorsport | Tue Oct 13, 2009 9:43 pm Post #5 |
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you need to know the thread diameter, outer diamter and the number of coils to calculate spring rate, its not 100% exact but close enough to give you and idea and to compare against other springs. For example H&R lowering springs for the 16v are around 50 nm/mm up front |
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| Desmoboy | Wed Oct 14, 2009 11:37 am Post #6 |
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Hi Stu As stated the 2.6 was a lowered and body kitted car ex factory, it looked for all the world like a Valver. So, it obviously was not on standard springs/dampers and secondly it proves that a 190 can have all the look and stance of a Valver and still be a comfortable ride. And yes the handling was good in the corners. If only i could tell from the chassis number what suspension it was fitted with i'd be laughing. What i am trying to avoid is guessing at spring rates which could turn out to be a waste of money. Hence asking for the actual poundage of each so that i can apply some science to the thing.Thanks jm motorsport for the info above, thats going in the right direction. Oh and yes my 16 v has SLS, don't know how to tell if its all working correctly though. My 16v does also have 16" wheels so i know that will compromise the ride quality to an extent. Regards keith |
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| Desmoboy | Sat Nov 7, 2009 3:22 pm Post #7 |
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Just found out from the VIN decoder site that my old 2.6 had option code "650" which is sports chassis. Does this mean sportline or something else. Once i know what springs and dampers this equates to i think i can buy these and i will be a happy bunny. Anyone know the answer |
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| aemt | Sat Nov 7, 2009 11:00 pm Post #8 |
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Serial 190E Owner
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Sports chassis is sportline springs, shocks and bushes - so yes it means sportline from the factory |
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| Desmoboy | Sun Nov 8, 2009 1:14 pm Post #9 |
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Thanks for that Looks like i'll be dumping the SLS and fitting a set of sportline spec springs and dampers all around then |
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