Convertible + coilovers: Megan/BC spring rate and length questions

[JMAL]

I have read every megan and bc thread i could find on here and e30tech but im still not sure what i need to get what im looking for. I have never owned a vert before so you can say im definitely new to the chassis flex of a vert. I know everyone is going to say just get ground controls, but i have driven cars with both megans and bcs in the past and i am definitely going to try them.

The car is not my DD, its a toy, I have (all yet to install) sparco front strut brace, and a lower front frame brace, new m3 lower control arms, m3 offset cabs and lollypops.

Wheels are euroweaves

Megans have
F: 200mm length; 8kg/mm
R: 135mm length; 8kg/mm

BCs have
F :200mm 6kg/mm (336lbs/in)
R: 160mm 6kg/mm (336lbs/in)

I want something that is very athletic but not jarring. But because of the flex of the frame, i am not sure what spring rates to get. BC you can supposedly customize for a small charge. My instincts tell me 8k front, 10k or 12k rear. Im not sure if those stock springs would rub euroweaves but i know you can potentially get 6" spring up front and 5" rear. Im not looking to dump the car to the ground, im looking lower,clean, adjustable, drive-able with out smashing my oil pan/skid plate every time i drive.

Given the wants, and haves, would i be fine with one of the two above? If its worth customizing the BCs what rates and lengths work best with a vert?

thanks,
J

[JMAL]

Well since no one chimed in, ill just tell you guys what coilover i ended up doing.

I got BC BR type coilovers from Fernando at RacingPartSolution (he is a good dude). He was able to get me custom spring heights, rates, and valving for less than getting from BC directly. They are an authorized dealer so I figured nothing to worry about.

Also a side note, all the specs you see online are old. The BC coilovers come with 6" 8k front springs and 5" 8k rear springs by default now. They said based on application feedback, they went with shorter and stiffer springs. These supposedly can get reallllllly low and are less likely to rub the wheel. This was a running change about 6 months ago.

I went with:

160mm Front springs @ 8kg/mm
120mm Rear springs @ 12kg/mm - being custom valved

fingers crossed. Take 2-3 weeks for custom valve order.

[Jdesign]

I know this is a few months old now, but did you get them installed? How does it ride? I am following you in the same path. Need special rates fora vert and am not sure who to go with, Megan vs. BC

[JMAL]

I am mostly happy, thank god its not a daily driver.

I would recommend the spring lengths of 160mm front and 120mm rear.

I would how ever not recommend 12kg/mm rear springs. Its fun/unforgiving/stiff. I cannot drive the car with the windows closed all the way, the windows hit each other to the point in scared its gonna break. I have the dampers on the softest setting and its still hard. When you jack up the car. basically one pump on a floor jack and the rear is off the ground. I have a front strut brace, which if you dont have, definitely get. negates most of the vert frame twist. I love the BC quality, but i wish i got softer springs. maybe 6kg fronts and 8kg rears. Might contact BC and see if i can get a set of 8kg rears to swap onto mine in the spring.

J

[JMAL]

oh if you are considering megans, they are good rates probably, but the springs are longer. if you want to get low easy, you would need shorter, esp in the rear.

Fernando at http://racingpartssolution.com helped me out, i also contacted BC directly to see the options available. They were very knowledgeable

[Jdesign]

I called BC Racing today and they were extremely friendly and very helpful. The man I spoke to suggests the same specs you have JMAL.
160mm Front springs @ 8kg/mm
120mm Rear springs @ 12kg/mm - being custom valved

My car will be a daily driver in the summer, but I have had some harsh riding cars in the past. My wheel setup is really aggressive and I rather have stiff suspension then redo bodywork all the time. If need be, and I have to take someone’s mother out to dinner, I will have a spare car to take.;D

Anyways can you help me with the following:

How low is your car?
What are your wheel / tire specs?
Do you have any pictures you can share?

I also contacted Megan Racing but they were less than helpful. The 15 year old boy or girl (I was unsure:o) that answered the phone was reading me everything from there website. The only information I was unable to receive (after being put on hold with terrible music blasting out my ear drums) was that they do not offer custom rates for E30s. Cool, guess that makes up my mind.

[JMAL]

I have 2 pics, this one is current. Im on euroweaves 15x7. There is plenty of room to drop the front and some more room in back.


here is pretty dumped on bottle caps. was too low, scared me in NYC since i didnt have a skidplate. The ride was identical, just lower. The glory of full coils.



honestly, i really dont recommend the 12k rear spring. it basically hops on bumps and makes keeping traction dicey. i would say no more than 10k, but 8k is probably best. you will get a ton of rattle if you have a vert with 12k.

[JMAL]

If you really want 12kg, order 8 or 10kg 120mm springs for me and ill swap you mine. They have only been on for 3 months and less then 1k of driving on them. Im serious btw if you want to work something out.

[Jdesign]

If you really want 12kg, order 8 or 10kg 120mm springs for me and ill swap you mine. They have only been on for 3 months and less then 1k of driving on them. Im serious btw if you want to work something out.

This sounds like a good idea to me. Here is a pic of my wheel set up. My specs will be changing and the rear wheels will be push in another 10mm if I can. now you have an idea of why I want a stiffer rate.

[JMAL]

nice vert. It makes more sense since you got some poke. You are right the 12k is prob perfect.

If you can order 8k rear 120mm springs ill trade you for sure. car is just sitting in my garage sleeping so when ever you are down we can work something out.

make sure you have them valve your rear shocks to 12k rate tho. mine will be a little off but ill deal with that.

[Jdesign]

nice vert. It makes more sense since you got some poke. You are right the 12k is prob perfect.

If you can order 8k rear 120mm springs ill trade you for sure. car is just sitting in my garage sleeping so when ever you are down we can work something out.

make sure you have them valve your rear shocks to 12k rate tho. mine will be a little off but ill deal with that.

Thanks!!That was going to be my next question for you. If you are fine with your valving lets do it. My car is just sitting gin my shop too. I plan on ordering this week. FYI.

[JMAL]

ok solid, im in. maybe you can order a full 8k rear set. shocks valved at 8k and 8k springs at 120-140mm length, and ill send you my full 12k rear set. how does that sound? If not ill just send the springs, but ill cover shipping either way.

J

[Jdesign]

ok solid, im in. maybe you can order a full 8k rear set. shocks valved at 8k and 8k springs at 120-140mm length, and ill send you my full 12k rear set. how does that sound? If not ill just send the springs, but ill cover shipping either way.

J

I am still looking for a good vender. If you have any suggestions that would be awesome.

[JMAL]

Fernando at http://racingpartssolution.com i used them, nice guy.

or you can order from BC directly.