THSCC Forums

Or you couls sell the H&R's to Mark for his E30 and get his stock ones.

Like I mentioned oh 2 weeks ago

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91 Jetta GLI STS/DSP 111
85 Porsche 944 ASP 11
http://www.blackforestindustries.com

I certainly plan to do some kind of skid plate. As for the "budget suspension" ideas, perhaps I should have phrased my question differently:

- What makes and ideal rally/rallycross suspension setup? How does one optimize ride height, stiffness, travel and travel limiters?

This is a whole new ball of wax for me. I have a pretty good idea of an optimized road car suspension. But not for rally.

Kevin's post (thanks BTW!) confirms my suspicions - a little stiffer than stock, great damping, good travel, stock or near stock height.

Once I have an idea about ideal, I can figure out how to compromise within my budget.



I think I want stiffer than stock is I can find an easy way to do that. The stock Mcstrut springs are around 100 lb/in. It's way too easy to bottom the suspension with something so soft. But if I don't come up with anything better, this is what I'm going to do Like you told me to do



I'd be nervous about *raising* the ride height at all. E30s have a reputation for flipping already, and I don't think raising the CG (and probably inducing positive camber) would be such a great idea!!

OTOH, your comments about stiffer and more travel are spot-on to what I'm thinking.

So, I still think that the following are my options:

1. Stretch the sport springs (at probably 25-50% stiffer than stock)
2. Check out E28 and E36 springs to see if they are compatible and what the resultant rate and height would be
3. Find an off-the-shelf replacement spring at 125-200 lb/in (and slightly *shorter* than stock so the ride height will end up close to stock)
4. Procure some stock springs and use 'em

Honestly, I'm not being as anal retentive about this as it might sound. I'm just having fun learning about this new sport and exploring my options!

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Mike Whitney
whit32@gmail.com, 919-454-5445
V10, V8, V8t, I6, I6, V6, F4t, I4, I4, I4, I4, I2, 1, 1

I had some stock E34 springs in the garage, but I think I pitched them. I'll look around, they would be much stiffer, if they would fit the spring perch.

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91 Jetta GLI STS/DSP 111
85 Porsche 944 ASP 11
http://www.blackforestindustries.com

i got the 535i springs mike.. the front might work.. not sure on ride hieght/spring rate though.. the rears are a different type though than the e30 ones but you possibly could get them to work.. let me know if you want me to bring them by..

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'88 bmw 535is
'98 honda civic ex

Matt -you going to be at the club meeting on Wed? That would work great if you could bring them by. I also remembered I have some stock E36 front springs in the garage - it'll be fun to measure spring rate, free height, and diameter of a bunch of options.

Also, regarding the rear springs - I was planning on leaving the sport springs in there. The rear isn't dropped as much as the front, and it doesn't take the brunt of the impacts either. Sure, it might look a little funny with a high front and a low rear, but I bet it will work OK If it's too low I may use a spacer back there since I'm not nearly as concerned about travel in the rear!

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Mike Whitney
whit32@gmail.com, 919-454-5445
V10, V8, V8t, I6, I6, V6, F4t, I4, I4, I4, I4, I2, 1, 1

i can't make the meetings on wed due to a prior weekly engagement that day... i could drop them by your house after work someday this week though if you give me directions..

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'88 bmw 535is
'98 honda civic ex

have you checked out www.specialstage.com ?