Recommendations for GC spring rates? Info inside

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  • Cinnabar325is
    E30 Enthusiast
    • Mar 2011
    • 1064
    #1

    Recommendations for GC spring rates? Info inside

    I did some searching figuring this has been covered before. Found a few random rates listed here and there, but I would prefer to have some more input before making this purchase.

    I've currently have GC coils/Bilstein Race (Neuspeed valving) on my Mk2 GLI, with 430F/350R springs. Paired with the Bilsteins and the fact that the Mk2 is lighter than an E30, it is quite stiff! I drove it daily like that for 2 years, so I'm used to a rather stiff car.

    Now, I'm looking to buy the complete E30 street coilover setup from GC. http://www.ground-control-store.com/...hp/II=540/CA=8 I just want some suggestions on rates.

    The E30 will be my daily driver for the foreseeable future and I drive one hour each way to work and the roads are PA roads. Enough said.

    At the same time, I've been getting more serious about autocrossing and although I'm not out to win every time, I want the car to be up to the task.

    The car has stock sways for now. So I figure to base the spring rates around that.

    The GC kit does include front camber plates and rear shock mounts, so that's something I need to keep in mind. No rubber mounts any longer.

    What do you guys think? Thanks.
    '89 BMW 325is Zinnoberrot / '88 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW GTI 16v Bright Blue Metallic / '91 BMW 325i Black / '91 BMW 325i Sport Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Montana Green / '01 Audi A4 Avant TQM Silver Metallic / '01 VW Jetta GLX VR6 Black
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    • jlevie
      R3V OG
      • Nov 2006
      • 13530
      #2
      It sounds to me like you have conflicting requirements. Ride quality on rough roads and handling are pretty much fundamentally opposed. For handling you want high spring rates and little suspension movement, but for ride quality you want soft springs and generous suspension travel.

      Although it doesn't clearly say, the minimum spring rates for the GC kit appear to be 375/475. Stock springs on a 325is would be 118/265. That is a pretty big difference. As a point of comparison, H&R Race springs are 315/570. And those are decidedly harsh.

      If you don't mind a really stiff ride, the the GC kit may be fine. But on a daily driver H&R Sport (or OE) springs might be a better choice.
      The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
      Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

        Comment

        • Cinnabar325is
          E30 Enthusiast
          • Mar 2011
          • 1064
          #3
          Originally posted by jlevie
          It sounds to me like you have conflicting requirements. Ride quality on rough roads and handling are pretty much fundamentally opposed. For handling you want high spring rates and little suspension movement, but for ride quality you want soft springs and generous suspension travel.

          Although it doesn't clearly say, the minimum spring rates for the GC kit appear to be 375/475. Stock springs on a 325is would be 118/265. That is a pretty big difference. As a point of comparison, H&R Race springs are 315/570. And those are decidedly harsh.

          If you don't mind a really stiff ride, the the GC kit may be fine. But on a daily driver H&R Sport (or OE) springs might be a better choice.
          For sure the requirements are conflicting, I'm accustomed to the idea of compromise on a street/auto-x car. My GLI was in the same boat. And again, as you can see by the rates on my GLI, I'm willing to put up with a stiff ride on the street.

          In fact, I would be happy to have the E30 ride similiarly to the GLI, I just don't have any way of knowing what spring rates that would require.

          Good info on the stock and H&R Race spring rates, it helps to have those reference points.
          '89 BMW 325is Zinnoberrot / '88 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW GTI 16v Bright Blue Metallic / '91 BMW 325i Black / '91 BMW 325i Sport Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Montana Green / '01 Audi A4 Avant TQM Silver Metallic / '01 VW Jetta GLX VR6 Black

            Comment

            • jlevie
              R3V OG
              • Nov 2006
              • 13530
              #4
              If you are happy with the ride on the GLI, I think GC springs would be okay. But the best advice I can give you is for you to talk to Ground Control. They should be able to tell you what would be approximately equal to the GLI.

              As to sway bars, if you are up in the territory of H&R race, I think the IE 22/19mm sways would be appropriate.
              The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
              Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

                Comment

                • Cinnabar325is
                  E30 Enthusiast
                  • Mar 2011
                  • 1064
                  #5
                  Originally posted by jlevie
                  If you are happy with the ride on the GLI, I think GC springs would be okay. But the best advice I can give you is for you to talk to Ground Control. They should be able to tell you what would be approximately equal to the GLI.

                  As to sway bars, if you are up in the territory of H&R race, I think the IE 22/19mm sways would be appropriate.
                  Sure thing, I plan to speak to GC. Thanks.
                  '89 BMW 325is Zinnoberrot / '88 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW GTI 16v Bright Blue Metallic / '91 BMW 325i Black / '91 BMW 325i Sport Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Montana Green / '01 Audi A4 Avant TQM Silver Metallic / '01 VW Jetta GLX VR6 Black

                    Comment

                    • Cabriolet
                      R3V OG
                      • Apr 2010
                      • 9620
                      #6
                      I am currently DDing on H&R Race springs are 315/570. i just put them in on Sat. its too stiff. i think ill back to my soft springs after autox season is over. if you want to DD, id get the 375/475.
                      Much wow
                      I hate 4 doors

                        Comment

                        • Cinnabar325is
                          E30 Enthusiast
                          • Mar 2011
                          • 1064
                          #7
                          Good info, what struts/shocks are you running? Thanks.
                          '89 BMW 325is Zinnoberrot / '88 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW Jetta GLI 16v Tornado Red / '89 VW GTI 16v Bright Blue Metallic / '91 BMW 325i Black / '91 BMW 325i Sport Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Black / '92 VW GTI 16v Montana Green / '01 Audi A4 Avant TQM Silver Metallic / '01 VW Jetta GLX VR6 Black

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