Coilover spring rates

[hsousa88]

Entertaining the idea of converting my front bilsteins to coilovers with MM's kit along with some non-offset front control arms.

Having a hard time choosing spring rates.. car is mostly street driven but would like a more firm rate. Going by MM's chart they suggest 350-400 rate for a street/track car but I've heard that it can beat you up a bit on the street. The car see's 500-1000km's a year so I'm not that concerned but would like some real world opinions from you guys. I would be leaving the MM road & track springs in the rear.

Would it also be beneficial to install a swaybar end link kit?

Thx.. I'm sure this topic has been beaten to death but would like to reassurement before clicking the order button.

[1BAD92LX]

Another chart on the MM site says 325 is max for the Bilstien HD's. I would stay under that. Years ago MM recommended 350 front springs with my Bilstiens. Ride is very stiff and not pleasant on the street.

There is also a recommended sway bar link length listed some where on their site. I cut the spacer sleeve to length and put the extra on the other side of the bushing so I didn't need to buy new sway bar links.

[ZR]

For street enjoyment, stick with a max of 300 lbs on the front, drop back to 275 for combo of comfort and handling.

[ON BOOST]

Agree with the above, it's all about matching the spring rate to your damper. Even high spring rates will ride decently when paired with the correct damper. I run 375lb springs and MM sport valved bilstiens and find them quite comfortable for street driving.

[johnny5]

What is done to the rear suspension?

[1BAD92LX]

Considering sending mine to MM to get revalved to the sport series, if they even do that still.

[ZR]

Agree with the above, it's all about matching the spring rate to your damper. Even high spring rates will ride decently when paired with the correct damper. I run 375lb springs and MM sport valved bilstiens and find them quite comfortable for street driving.

Exactly that, running 450lb fronts in the Cobra with Koni Dbl adjustables, ride is close to what I experienced with Koni SA / OEM Cobra Bilsteins and 300lb on the street (yes have run all three combos). One thing I'll add, you simply can not spend enough on your dampners, difference in stuff closer to high end vs some of the best mid level is dramatic.

[hsousa88]

300 it is.. thanks guys.


What is done to the rear suspension?

bilsteins, mm road and track springs, mm control arms, panhard bar

[Slick_89_Hatch]

300 it is.. thanks guys.



bilsteins, mm road and track springs, mm control arms, panhard bar

I have a 275 with Tokico illumina's and find it quite stiff..comfortable, but stiff....but I think the dampener is not really up to the job

[RedSN]

I’m upgrading to some 325’s if you want a pair of 275’s.

[ZR]

^ those would be perfect for street duty.

[84lxvert]

^ agreed. I have a MM coilover kit with Koni yellows and 275lbs springs in the front. Only about 1.5K on this setup but very happy so far with the handling and the ride. Rides better and handles better than the previous B springs and Tokico blues. Of course this is my opinion but I do not regret doing the upgrade at all. Worth the $$ in my mind.

[ZR]

Same as several here have experienced, coil overs are best money you can spend on your Stang.

[newbiestangowner]

Same as several here have experienced, coil overs are best money you can spend on your Stang.

Maybe one day.I’ll switch if I can afford it
But if you’re able to find a spring/damper combo that works- it’s not too bad
I’m pretty happy with mine- fit my budget at that time


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ZR]

^ Yours worked out very well.
Largest difference in ride going coil overs is '04 and older.

[Speedtospare]

My car is set up for drag but it handles just like stock but rides nicer. I run 175 front and 150 rear. I just change the setting one the shock to stiffen up for the street. You guys are lucky. I think my front end coilovers and QA1's cost $1400.

[ZR]

On my third complete coil over set up, wish I only had $1400 tied up. No regrets though.

[Gabe]

I’m upgrading to some 325’s if you want a pair of 275’s.

Don,
I am thinking of going heavier if you are interested in the 350's I currently have on the front of my car
https://www.maximummotorsports.com/Hypercoil-Coil-Over-Spring-350-lbin-10-2-12-dia-10B0350-P226.aspx

[RedSN]

Thanks, but already have the 325’s on my shelf.

What struts are you running if you are going higher than 350?

[Gabe]

Thanks, but already have the 325’s on my shelf.

What struts are you running if you are going higher than 350?

Koni Double Adjustables

[ZR]

The D/A's can handle a whole buncha spring.

[juvehab]

whats a good front spring rate if your staying with eibach pro lines in the rear?

[Slick_89_Hatch]

based on my set up, I had those for a while id say 250. my 275's felt a little stiffer and made the front seem soft compared to the rear, but could also be my tokico illumina's cant keep up with the 275s.

[ZR]

What shocks / struts are you running?

[juvehab]

What shocks / struts are you running?

koni SA.

[ZR]

Need to stay conservative or ride will suffer. Something in the 250-275 range for a cruiser is good, up to 300 for more handling. On mine, ride fell well off north of there.

[juvehab]

Need to stay conservative or ride will suffer. Something in the 250-275 range for a cruiser is good, up to 300 for more handling. On mine, ride fell well off north of there.

ok I emailed mm and told them I was going to keep the rear as is with koni SA and the eibach pro springs and they suggested 175# for the front. Which I thought was odd.

[Slick_89_Hatch]

based on my set up, I had those for a while id say 250. my 275's felt a little stiffer and made the front seem soft compared to the rear, but could also be my tokico illumina's cant keep up with the 275s.

I meant to say front seemed very stiff compared to the rear. I did change the rear to Ford C springs and it helped along with stiffening up the rear shocks. It feels fairly even now.

[hammerhead]

experimenting with a stiffer spring on the right rear only may be an inexpensive way to help control jacking under acceleration, rear springs are pretty quick to change -

also consider experimenting with f150 - f250 - f35o up to f550 etc. front coils can be purchased as singles - may be cheaper then brand names and get the same result - this is considered fun stuff for guy who gets bored easy and can't sit still - some cutting may be needed for the fronts to fit

if your not experimental a progressive spring will add comfort - this may be causing confusion for some higher to lower ratings - a higher rated progressive spring may add the comfort of a lower rated non-progressive spring

[2DXTRM]

whats a good front spring rate if your staying with eibach pro lines in the rear?

Its either a pro-kit (black spring) or a sportline (red spring)?

The Pro Kit black spring is a progressive rate spring (200-250 LB in the rear (456-570lb in the front))

The Sportline red spring is a linear rate spring (250 lb in the rear (550Lb in the front))


Also take into consideration sway bar sizes and tire sizes as well...

[juvehab]

Its either a pro-kit (black spring) or a sportline (red spring)?

The Pro Kit black spring is a progressive rate spring (200-250 LB in the rear (456-570lb in the front))

The Sportline red spring is a linear rate spring (250 lb in the rear (550Lb in the front))


Also take into consideration sway bar sizes and tire sizes as well...

its the pro-kit. with 245 45 17 tires all the way around.

[2DXTRM]

its the pro-kit. with 245 45 17 tires all the way around.

I'd be inclined to change the rear spring to a linear rate spring and then go with a 225-250lb spring upfront.

I had the Eibach Pro Street Coilover kit as my first setup years ago on my old 95. It had a 250lb spring up front (coilover) and a 250lb spring in the rear (stock location). It drove quite nicely.

[ChenowethGT]

Slick_89_Hatch,
Can you show more photos? I think you make great car.