Real stupid suspension Q

[yellow-rEx]

Im trying to figure this out over in Suspension forum, but not really getting a answer that clears this up. This might sounds very stupid, but Im really confused.

I was told to get stiffer springs for racing, because ProKits rating are only slightly stiffer than OEM, but I dont want to drop the car much more than I already have. Over in the suspension board I was told just to set my Koni's at the stiffest setting.

This is where I got confused. If setting your shocks to the stiffest setting, why would you ever need a stiff spring?? Every aftermarket spring could have a very low rating if all you had to do stiffen your shocks. Right? Granted I know not everyone has adjustable shocks, but Im really still lost.

[b16a1]

depends on how stiff you want it...

stiffening the shocks will help, but indeed, if you want it even harder: springs have to be stiff too....

but since it's all related, both need to be stiff, to get your head to the roof on every little bump in the road

[Mr. Clockwork]

Basically springs and struts handle two different things with regards to your suspension.

Springs hold up the car...they are what handle the changes in weight transfer such as shifting rear on acceleration, forward on braking, and side to side in cornering. Stiffening your springs will greatly lessen the weight transfer in your car...meaning that you can brake much better...accelerate better...and corner better.

Struts are basically dampers...they handle the sharp changes in your suspension...they basically keep the spring from rebounding on itself. If you put your struts on their stiffest setting...that just really means that when you are doing anything like braking, accelerating, or cornering that bumps or changes in elevation which would normally throw off your suspension will be dealt with really quickly becuase of your damper stiffness...so that your springs can continue to handle whatever they are doing.

So depending on what you are looking for...it is good to have an adjustable damper and it is nice to have them be nice and stiff so that you don't lose control over varying surfaces..but a good spring rate is important also so your car can maintain its weight balance while the weight would normally be shifting through corners and everything else....

Hope that helps...

JON

[Fulgore243]

The hardest setting on the Koni's is REALLY hard. I mean bone jarring hard, IMO. I have my Yellows set for 30% firmness, I think it's a great balance with the Prokit. Very nice ride (you can feel the road without getting shaken apart), and handling is fantastic. She's *planted* on the turns now (and none of that diving when you accelerate/brake anymore either).

[yellow-rEx]

Yeah I love my ProKits, and have them at the softest setting for normal driving, but for racing I go 3 up front and 5 (stiffest) in the rear.

Someone just told me over in the Suspension forum that instead of getting stiffer spring, I should just stiffen my shocks up (cause I didnt want to drop the rex anymore than I already have). His answer just didnt sound right. Clockwork, helpful as always