obrigado

I found a set of new Tein Flex coilovers for a ridiculously low price, so picked them up and just finished the install. I’m a bit of a MonStar when it comes to suspension… but I plan to stick with these for a good long while.

I knew what I was getting into with the spring rates, and they really aren't too bad, but in the interest of drivability and handling balance, I'm planning on dropping the front spring rate from 10kg/mm to 8kg/mm, and leaving the rears at their factory 6kg/mm.

The car has ST sways front and rear - so there's already some extra roll stiffness in the front, which is another part of the reason I'm thinking about reducing the front rates.

Replacing springs is simple enough... you can order just about any length/rate you want from a Tein dealer for about $50 a spring.

The trouble is, should I order replacement springs that are slightly longer in free length than the original to compensate for the extra sag in the suspension that will result from the softer springs? Or should I raise the spring perch to compensate? Or should I just lengthen the shock body to compensate?

Since the Flex kit is adjustable both in shock length and spring perch height… it isn’t an issue of keeping the spring preloaded when the suspension is at full droop. Still, I’m leaning towards a slightly longer replacement spring so the extra sag won’t eat into bump travel.

The original front 10kg/mm Tein springs are 175mm long, and replacements are available in assorted lengths in 25mm increments. (e.g. 200mm, 225mm, etc.)

Curiously, the Tein SS kit has 8kg/mm rates in the front, but the springs are much longer, about 275mm. The SS is a very different design from the Flex, however, and since damper length isn’t adjustable I suppose they need the extra length to stay seated.

Also, any general discussion on adjusting preload vs. shock length is appreciated. I understand the advantage of shortening the shock instead of just lowering the spring perch to lower the car, but since shock length can take care of ride height, I’m not sure when one ever really needs to adjust the perches beyond keeping enough tension on the spring to make sure it can’t unseat.

IN SUMMARY: Installing softer springs in fully adjustable coilovers – should the replacement springs be longer than the originals to compensate for the slight increase in sag?

Thanks!

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