Why are my H&R Race springs higher then H&R Sports?

[JGood]

Doubtful. Just make sure your springs are seated properly, then drive it like you stole it.

I already drove it like I stole it, probably 500 highway miles, several autox's, back roads and bumps, everything, maybe a total of 2000 hard miles. When I drive this car, I drive it hard. It's done settling.

When it's on the ground, I can feel the spring ends butted up against the perches.

I'm just confused, there is not a single other e30 with Race springs that sits as high as Sport springs. It makes no sense, and I'd like an answer. I don't care that it's higher, but a reason will make me happy. I called H&R and they told me they don't make the Race spring for my car. Ha. I guess I'll call back and tell them I have an e30 M3.

[matt]

Ok, let me change that. Drive it like you stole it and quit worrying about it.

[JGood]

Ok, let me change that. Drive it like you stole it and quit worrying about it.

I'm not worried, I'm looking for an explanation as to why my parts I just dumped $1000 are not similar to everyone else's. It's a legitimate concern. If I put something together wrong or something is wrong with the parts, it needs corrected, especially when this car will be on the track with my life, my instructors life, and anyone else on the tracks lives on the line. It's probably nothing major, but I'd like an explanation, so I'll keep trying to figure it out.

[mayhem]

Did you add camber plates?

[JGood]

nope

[ErykTheRead]

nope

The lack of camber plates could certainly do it. Most camber plates are shorter than normal strut mounts, allowing the top string perch to sit higher/closer to the body.

My car does not look nearly as low as I thought it would with the race springs, but it was also crazy high before the springs. I am very happy with the race springs.

Another thing to keep in mind is that it is about rate as well as spring loaded height. If you add 400 pounds, the sport springs would probably be lower since they are softer springs, until the coils bottomed out.

I've also heard a LOT about variations in E30 ride heights. I know BMW has a whole array of stock springs to correct ride heights. Also, as chassis age the bodies tend to slump. Collisions can affect ride height. If you can get even camber left to right, that is all you really need to worry about.


-E

[JGood]

The lack of camber plates could certainly do it. Most camber plates are shorter than normal strut mounts, allowing the top string perch to sit higher/closer to the body.

My car does not look nearly as low as I thought it would with the race springs, but it was also crazy high before the springs. I am very happy with the race springs.

Another thing to keep in mind is that it is about rate as well as spring loaded height. If you add 400 pounds, the sport springs would probably be lower since they are softer springs, until the coils bottomed out.

I've also heard a LOT about variations in E30 ride heights. I know BMW has a whole array of stock springs to correct ride heights. Also, as chassis age the bodies tend to slump. Collisions can affect ride height. If you can get even camber left to right, that is all you really need to worry about.


-E

Thanks.

As I said, I'm not comparing my ~2800lb 325e on sports to my ~2730 lbs 325is. I'm comparing my 325is on Race springs to EVERY other e30 I've seen on race springs, with or without camber plates.

I'm not in the slightest way concerned about performance with the slightly higher ride height... 1/2 inch or so of height isn't going to make a noticeable difference. The spring rates are perfect, that car is very neutral.

The car was never wrecked, and all suspension parts are brand new.

Stock spring rates and ride height is not any concern with this issue, I'm comparing my 325is with every other e30 on race springs. If I see another e30 on race springs at my ride height at around 2700-2750 lbs I'll be satisfied :D

[ErykTheRead]

Thanks.

As I said, I'm not comparing my ~2800lb 325e on sports to my ~2730 lbs 325is. I'm comparing my 325is on Race springs to EVERY other e30 I've seen on race springs, with or without camber plates.

I'm not in the slightest way concerned about performance with the slightly higher ride height... 1/2 inch or so of height isn't going to make a noticeable difference. The spring rates are perfect, that car is very neutral.

The car was never wrecked, and all suspension parts are brand new.

Stock spring rates and ride height is not any concern with this issue, I'm comparing my 325is with every other e30 on race springs. If I see another e30 on race springs at my ride height at around 2700-2750 lbs I'll be satisfied :D

?

-E

[JGood]

?

-E

Got a better pic of the side or anything?

[ErykTheRead]

Got a better pic of the side or anything?

Not currently. I have a super narrow driveway, so hard to get a full on side shot without pulling the car out. I am due to clean it up and take some pics, so perhaps I will have one soon.

-E

[FredK]

Wow, two outdoor faucets y-ed into one. It's like a built-in powerwasher. J/k.

[ErykTheRead]

Wow, two outdoor faucets y-ed into one. It's like a built-in powerwasher. J/k.

Or, you know, one is hot and one is cold water... ;)

-E

[VAPORBLADE]

Or, you know, one is hot and one is cold water... ;)

-E

Makes is simple to hook up a washing machine outside too! ;)

[NomadE30]

you never known when your going to want to take a shower out side either

[rwh11385]

pics of your car from side? early cars don't look that low... (arches).

and sports come in many varieties. maybe it was for a lighter car than your first one or made to be lower than standard sports. my car on sports is SLAMMMMMED.