GC vs other options

[325isStephen]

i'd go 450/650 or 550/750

Why do you say that? why such a big difference between front and rear?

Sorry im a noob when it comes to spring rates.

Steve

[Jean]

Both will work fine, it really is a preference. The reason why front to rear isn't 1 to 1 is because front vs. rear suspension (wheel rates) aren't the same.

Also, what one e30 driver recommends might be different for you, as you might run different size wheels/tires/shocks. One might be on camber plates and you might be on stock oem bushings.... too many variables....

This is really something you have to try and if it's too stiff, you can buy another set of springs from GC (front or rear or both) and swap to your liking.

[erik325i]

You need to run a stiffer spring in the rear because of the suspension design. The rear spring is located inboard on the trailing arm, whereas the front spring is located directly on the strut.

Erik

[kishg]

Both will work fine, it really is a preference. The reason why front to rear isn't 1 to 1 is because front vs. rear suspension (wheel rates) aren't the same.

Also, what one e30 driver recommends might be different for you, as you might run different size wheels/tires/shocks. One might be on camber plates and you might be on stock oem bushings.... too many variables....

This is really something you have to try and if it's too stiff, you can buy another set of springs from GC (front or rear or both) and swap to your liking.

i assumed he's getting the full kit including camber plates, koni sa etc. when i was selecting spring rates there was a rule of thumb of 2/3: 1 front to rear.. i think this was based off gustav's website which alas is down right now.

[325isStephen]

I think i might try 450/650, seems to be really stiff, but not overly stiff i guess. I just want to keep my oil pan from hitting the ground very easily, but dont want to make the ride excessivly rough when i dont need it

Steve

[gearheadE30]

Just remember that you are putting a great deal of stress on the stock bushings with those rates, or aftermarket suspension period. JStuff will wear out more quickly, especially if it wasn't designed for the load or already has a lot of miles.

If you are going with all new rubber bushings, the only thing I'd be worried about is the frunt upper strut mounts. They just won't last very long of you have any kind of rough roads with those rates.

[325isStephen]

So if i were to keep some the bushings i have, ie not touch them. then i would prob have to replace them in the future anyways? just due to all of the vibrations etc getting moved to them instead of being absorbed by the springs/shocks.

But the upper strut mounts, if i get the gc kit it will come with camber plates and all that good stuff, would i still have to worry/count on replacing it every year or something, or should it be fine.

by the way thanks alot for the info guys, really helping me out.

Steve

[Jean]

Camber plates don't have any rubber components to them, it's all metal and bearing. So, you'll bring more vibration into the car/chassis. I would go with H&R race springs if you are not going with camber plates imho.

[325isStephen]

No i am going with camber plates, as i said before i'll be going with the gc track school setup which includes camber plates with the package.


so is it the consensous that i will be fine with camber plates with stiff rates, or do i still need to worry about wearing out mounts?

Steve

[Jean]

Camber plates were designed in mind with stiff rates, so they don't have the same wear as the rubber mounts.

Rear OEM mounts will probably be the first to go.

[325isStephen]

the gc kit also comes with new rear mounts.

Steve

[E30trash]

go for stiffer rates, 600/700 i wish i got those.

my gc's go about this low



that's all the way down on the front with my modified strut tubes.

[E30trash]

also those are 205/40's

[scabzzzz]

Are you going to daily drive this car? Im running a setup no one else seems to be running..

[325isStephen]

yes this is my only car so I will be dailying it.

Steve