Rear suspension - Keep or change the springs Options

[PaIsa]

Yesterday I was able to take out the rear shocks & spring as well as one of the rear control arms but breaking 2 bolts in the process! Will find solution for this in the coming days

When I disassemble the shock & spring I found out that I have Weltmeister 180 spring with KYB shock. I plan on replacing the KYB but don't know what to think about the spring. I thought that 100lbs spring was the stock on these cars.

The ride was not unpleasant with the current set up so I would consider keeping them. Any advice anyone?

The car is a 1972 with a 1.7L engine.

Thanks

[Front yard mechanic]

180s are great if your girlfriend is 400 lbs

[mlindner]

180 is typical for a six and the start point for a track car. I would go softer .

[mepstein]

Springs wear out. I would go new at 100lbs. Stock was 60-70 but that's too low if you want a performance ride.

[Shivers]

Yesterday I was able to take out the rear shocks & spring as well as one of the rear control arms but breaking 2 bolts in the process! Will find solution for this in the coming days

When I disassemble the shock & spring I found out that I have Weltmeister 180 spring with KYB shock. I plan on replacing the KYB but don't know what to think about the spring. I thought that 100lbs spring was the stock on these cars.

The ride was not unpleasant with the current set up so I would consider keeping them. Any advice anyone?

The car is a 1972 with a 1.7L engine.

Thanks

I have 140's same company and it is stiff. But it is good for play, and with the wife in it we did some long rides without complaint. I do not know your master plan, but I'd bet the 180's would be good trading stock for something less stiff.

[Superhawk996]

There is no one size fits all answer.

It depends on what you want. Do you want a plush, soft ride or do you want crisp, responsive handling? Street use, auto cross, or track use?

Do you have anti-roll bars and what size? Front bar only, rear bar only, or both front and rear anti roll bars?

What front torsion bars do you have? Front bar only or both front and rear anti roll bars?

What tires are on the car?

Do you prefer a vehicle that oversteers (like an early 911) or do you prefer the safety of understeer (typical modern vehicle).

This book is a must read if you really want to set up a vehicle to your specific liking.
Fred Puhn author

[Superhawk996]

180s are great if your girlfriend is 400 lbs

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

[campbellcj]

Long long ago I ran 140s for a street+autocross capable setup, worked well

[PaIsa]

There is no one size fits all answer.

It depends on what you want. Do you want a plush, soft ride or do you want crisp, responsive handling? Street use, auto cross, or track use?

Do you have anti-roll bars and what size? Front bar only, rear bar only, or both front and rear anti roll bars?

What front torsion bars do you have? Front bar only or both front and rear anti roll bars?

What tires are on the car?

Do you prefer a vehicle that oversteers (like an early 911) or do you prefer the safety of understeer (typical modern vehicle).

This book is a must read if you really want to set up a vehicle to your specific liking.
Fred Puhn author

I would be looking for a confortable ride for street use. We will not track or race this. This car is used for short rides during the few months of adequate weather here in Canada!

There are no anti-roll bars on the car (front or rear).

Tires are wider then stock but I don't have the information currently.

I am not looking to set up the vehicle to my specific liking but rather want to make it fun and confortable to ride.

I think I would be leaning towards going to a softer spring, but will see. I will likely place the order before the end of the year.

[Geezer914]

I have 140's in the rear for spirated driving along with 19mm torsion bars up front.

[Shivers]

I have 140's in the rear for spirated driving along with 19mm torsion bars up front.

And it handles like a mad man I'll bet, just like mine (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[zoomCat]

The factory used much softer springs than the later aftermarket stuff, even for the competition cars.

[NARP74]

Saving those 2 posts for future reference. Thanks.

[mb911]

I went stock -6 from auto Atlanta and they were perfect for how I use the car which is cruising

[brant]

Ben driving the street car on 140’s rear with 19mm front torsions and both sway bars for about 30 years

I’m finally ne with this set up
Handling is sharp
And not too rough

[bkrantz]

Back in the day, the rule of thumb for "level 1" track/race cars was 140 lb with a rear sway bar and 180 without.

[Front yard mechanic]

180s are great if your girlfriend is 400 lbs

So I did the math and it’s about 40 lbs to a100lbs of girl friend

[sixnotfour]

the old 180 progressive where actually pretty nice..But I dont have a -4..

[Mikey914]

We've sold quite a few of the 100's, I'm sure there's some one here with a set that can give some feedback. But they are ideal for most street / lite track options.

[930cabman]

Springs wear out. I would go new at 100lbs. Stock was 60-70 but that's too low if you want a performance ride.

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