The Cabrio Suspension Thread

[Twelvizm]

I'll just drop this info here:

I was able to get some info from ST/KW, they state spring rates are linear and rate is held constant front to rear on the springs used in these kits.

Cabrio Sport Lowering Kit - 2.2" Front 1.4" Rear - 300LBS/inch

Coupe/Sedan Sport Lowering Kit - 2.4" Drop For coupe and sedan models only - 180LBS/inch

Coupe/Sedan Sport Slam Kit - 2.8" Front 2.4" Rear For coupe and sedan models only - 180LBS/inch

Per H&R they does not publish or release actual rate, what you find on the net is assumed rates from consumers not actual rates.

[hendrixvodu]

gc's and koni

[Luciano36]

This is my current setup:

Front:
Billie Sports
Eibach Pro-Kit for Sedan/Coupe
All pads in

Rear: Bone stock
Running stock size tires

[Twelvizm]

Spring---------------------Front(lb/in.)-------------Rear(lb/in.)

Stock 325i-----------------------106------------------------245
Stock 325is----------------------118------------------------265
Stock 325ix----------------------106------------------------308
Stock M3-------------------------114------------------------314
Stock M3-------------------------140------------------------250
Dinan Sport----------------------172------------------------300
H&R OE Sport-------------------180------------------------380
H&R Sport-----------------------180------------------------380
H&R Sport (29664)-------------200------------------------285
H&R Race-----------------------315------------------------ 570

I can't find the stock spring rate of an E30 325ic. Since I'm stuck guessing, then I would guess that it is close to that of an M3. If I run with that number, then that makes any H&R spring choice a suitable one.

Maybe, since I don't know what my stock spring rate is. I hate maybes.

[Denniswhat]

^^^how do you like those JOMs?

They are decent. A great but at 450 bucks. I even autox'd them and they were a huge improvement over stock. They go plenty low even in the rear although I have a low arch car. I just wish the rears were a little stiffer.

[N2MYE30]

^^^how do you like those JOMs?

[Denniswhat]

JOMs

[DaveE30Mayne]

Delphin 87' Vert :)

This is my 1987 325i Convertible
H&R Sport Coupe springs on Bilstein HD's (revalved)
New centered bushings, Control Arms, Sway bar links, re-enforced strut mounts and shock mounts, and new tie rods.

[warioware]

more info on air ride please!!!! im interested in bagging my e30 vert but so far i've only found like two kits this is one

http://www.x2industries.com/bmw-1986-1993-bmw-series-e30-complete-air-suspension-kit-p-274.html?utm_campaign=googleproductsearchusen&utm_medium=product_search&utm_source=googleproductsearchusen

[fmxomar]

airride

[cactusjacks1]

Just curious to all previous posters, I am not sure if it was covered before but...

Does any spring/shock combo going from full stock to billy/H&r or billy/race or GC coils....stiffen up the car enough to eliminate cowl shake?

This is my first vert, 2nd e30 and I cannot believe how much flex this car is exhibiting!
I am debating between billy/race or JOM coils...if I go GC coils I'll save up and just get them in a year.

My purpose is to have a street cruiser that can handle twisties well but I am not building a track car.
Also I want my e30 to be low but not low to the point of losing driveability.

The X brace will calm it down a lot !!

[CabrioPunk]

JOM.

[IronmanE30]

My question for all of you is, has anyone thought of eliminating the ragtop and welding in some triangle brackets and connect the rear shock mounts to stiffen up the rear? if it were possible i would prefer to do this and eliminate the ragtop all together.

Any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks.

I have a hard top on my vert and the rag top is shot so I was thinking about fabricating a rear strut brace to help minimize the flex in the frame. I hope that this in conjunction with the front strut brace and either the Mason X-brace or the E30 Motor Werks skid plate will help to make things stronger.

Our main issue is that we don't have the B and C pillar to strengthen the middle and rear portion of our verts so a roll bar, properly designed, would be a nice upgrade also.

Cheers,

Jim

[SwiftE30]

I love this thread!
So here is my car with H&R sport kit, springs and shocks, before i dropped in an s52 (still working on the turbo build though) I am really unhappy with the ride height and stance. The back sags way too low. i rode in my friends 325i coupe with m52 swap tht had GC coilovers with 500 front and 625 rear. My plan is to go with 550 front and 675 rear.



I know that an s52 turbo vert is going to flex like none other, soo My question for all of you is, has anyone thought of eliminating the ragtop and welding in some triangle brackets and connect the rear shock mounts to stiffen up the rear? if it were possible i would prefer to do this and eliminate the ragtop all together.

Also, i was thinking that welding in a half cage without the main loop going above seatbelt harness, or somewhere around there, so you cant see it from a side view, might be a good idea. This would really stiffen up the back for sure.

Any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[MikeM]

My '91 calypso on KYB shocks and Vogtland springs with e90 drop hats. Underneath is the skid plate and cross brace combo from race skids. This thing looks, feels, and handles so much better than it did at the beginning of the summer. Here are a few pictures (although not the best)...