Spring Rates

[LilJen]

Hey

Im about to buy a new suspension setup for the E30, after finally deciding what to get (Gaz Gold Coilover kit) I've found out that I will need to specify spring rates. I've been totally lost throughout the whole suspension search as it is, so now being asked spring rates has thrown me completely.

What sort of setup would I require for fast road use and maybe the occasional track day? I don't want it soft, but not so hard that it breaks your back.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks

[E30BeemerLad]

Haven't GAZ been able to offer suggestions for your intended use?

[Rav335uk]

You'll also need to specify spring sizes too.
If you're running anything like 9j up front, you'll need shorter springs too.

[LilJen]

I have sent them an email, but was just wondering what people on here used/recommended.

Not sure what you mean about spring sizes, I've never heard of different spring sizes, not unless people bodge it and chop em diy style, arnt they all just compressed more depending on how much they lower, and with it being coilovers the unit would do that on adjustment anyway.

[daimlerman]

Gareth runs coil-overs on his touring,he may well be able to offer you a starting point.

[Morat]

There's a lot of discussion on this topic over at E30tech - but they do like their springs really hard from what I can gather so I'd probably avoid their more extreme suggestions when driving in the 3rd world/UK.

[anton89]

When choosing spring rates all u need to remember is thAt it is measures in the number of pounds required to compress the spring one inch, higher spring rates allow for a lower roll bar stiffness, this allows a greater individual wheel travel without incuring extreme roll in the corners, it will however increase the tendency for snap understeer/oversteer, for uk roads especialy in the country a compromise is needed to make it driveable to your abillity, medium weighted springs at the rear with slightly higher rates at the front, this will cause samll understear but can be cured by running a softer rear anti roll bar compared to that up front. If your going to blow a substantial budget on your coilovers you need to look at getting new roll bars ( prefferably adjustable) and adjustable top mounts otherwise your systems geometry will be compromised and corner speed will be reduced.

[ross2009]

ive got them on mine

mine run 450 s front
and 225 on the rear rides fine