Those who cut IE3 springs, please click here!

[MR 325]

I know it's common to cut a bit off the Ireland springs in the front to get rid of the reverse rake.

My question, how much do you folks usually remove? 1/2 coil? Full coil? Do you remove it from the top of bottom of the spring?

Thanks. :)

[Philo]

Most people remove a full coil. I removed a half coil on my Races and didn't notice a big difference. I took mine out from the bottom as it was easily accessible while the strut is installed on the car. If I remember correctly, the lower part of the Races is the softer section of spring (I'm not sure if this is the same with IE3s.)

[kronus]

I just installed e90 drop hats, fixed it up for early arches. For late arches you'll want to either use the bigger drop hat or cut a coil.

[reelizmpro]

1/2 - 1 full dead coil cut from the top of the spring where the coils bind under compression.

[MR 325]

I feel like a noob, lol.

Anybody have pic of a late model with 1 coil cut in front?

[e30boarder]

I feel like a noob, lol.

Me to... could someone explain what drophats are and do? Irelands site says the IE3 springs lower the front 2". I'm only getting 1.5"... I just assumed it was because i have the m42 and it was slightly lighter in the front.

[ak-]

I feel like a noob, lol.

Anybody have pic of a late model with 1 coil cut in front?

Janderson's carro has IE3's with a coil cut in front.

(or was it half?)

[Teaguer]

Me to... could someone explain what drophats are and do? Irelands site says the IE3 springs lower the front 2". I'm only getting 1.5"... I just assumed it was because i have the m42 and it was slightly lighter in the front.

Drop hats are a cool name for deeper (taller) upper spring perch/hat that lets the sping sit closer to the top of the strut tower.
Thereby lowering the front of the car.

Also you are correct with your engine being lighter and not getting the full advertised drop.

[Jand3rson]

Janderson's carro has IE3's with a coil cut in front.

(or was it half?)

I took one full coil off the top, but my car is an early-model.

[e30boarder]

how much does lower is it with one less coil?

[Jand3rson]

how much does lower is it with one less coil?

I didn't really measure, but it made my fender gap even with the rear, probably brought it down about 1/2".

[reelizmpro]

Me to... could someone explain what drophats are and do? Irelands site says the IE3 springs lower the front 2". I'm only getting 1.5"... I just assumed it was because i have the m42 and it was slightly lighter in the front.

That's exactly why. These are modeled after the H&R Race springs which are E30 M3 fitment. They lower the E30 M3 1.6" front and 1.5" rear. 318i will be similiar but a 325 will be a little lower.

[e30boarder]

Thanks for the help guys and sorry for jacking the thread.

[E30_fiend]

Matt-
Jesse cut a full coil off his set. He took the coil from the top.

I think you should do it and not look back. My advice to you though, cut a half coil. See how you like it after a week or so then if you wanna take off more, go for it. That's what I did with my roommates celica. My saying is,"you can always take metal off. It's putting it back on that's the problem."


Taylor

[MR 325]

Thanks fellas. I'll probably do 1/2 coil and see how it sits. As you can see in my sig it sits pretty decent now. I think the extra drop is due to pancaked front strut mounts. They seem to be flattened out and obviously I am going to be replacing them which will probably raise the car back up a bit.