Suspension upgrade: Should I increase springs rates or add a camber kit?

[jayuuey]

I am currently running eibach sports/billy HDs, IE sways, fr & rr strut tower bars, and rolling on 205/50/15 Kumho SPTs. The springs came with the car when I purchased it in case you are wondering why I have them in the first place. I have had two track days so far in this car and I feel like I have too much body roll. I also don't feel confident carrying more speed into sweepers (tires are telling me to slow down?). I know seat time is probably the best solution to get more out of my current setup, but I am curious on which upgrade I should consider next in terms of bang for the buck.

Thanks for the advice.

[Danny]

Stiffer springs. Eibach prokit is soft like Fidhle007's moobs.

[z31maniac]

H&R Race would be a good addition if you aren't willing to step up to coilovers.

However, if you are going to be more and more track work, I would suggest coilovers. Not only can you fine tune the ride height/cross weights, but you'll also be able to easily experiment with spring rates.

[jlevie]

Should I increase springs rates or add a camber kit

Both! Switch to H&R Race springs and add GC camber plates. Then dial in 2-2.5deg front camber and set zero toe (for those tires).

[e30s50dan]

Both! Switch to H&R Race springs and add GC camber plates. Then dial in 2-2.5deg front camber and set zero toe (for those tires).

dildo...i mean diddo! :)

[Massive Lee]

@OP- Coil-overs are indeed your best bet. Keep your current shocks. Aim at a spring rate that is 50% more at the rear than the front. 400-600, 450-675, 500-750

[JRKOUPE]

track

I run HR race......you cant beat them for bang for buck..install and forget......
hey spec e 30 uses them.

But they are a bit soft as you get really fast.


do c . plates as well........

and poly bushes and motor mounts!

[XvillainousX]

Obviously get H&R race springs. Disconnect your rear sway bar. Depending upon your tire setup will determine your camber. Our testing showed that RA1s can use used with more camber. R888 should be used with less camber. But what works for me may not work for you. You can find used sets for pretty cheap from one of your local racers.

[325ix]

Obviously get H&R race springs. Disconnect your rear sway bar. Depending upon your tire setup will determine your camber. Our testing showed that RA1s can use used with more camber. R888 should be used with less camber. But what works for me may not work for you. You can find used sets for pretty cheap from one of your local racers.

Why obviously? From what I have read in this thread coils are the way to go because of the reasons others stated.

[JRKOUPE]

Why obviously? From what I have read in this thread coils are the way to go because of the reasons others stated.

based on the above posts......I would say HR race wins over coils....but that is just based on those posts.

I see no real reason to get coils..unless you are a street poseur that needs to be slammed......or you are a hardcore track guy looking for adjustability.

Its hard to beat HR race for BANG,.............I run away from a ALOT of cars set w/ coils and big powa....

and you can ALWAYS sell HR race and recoup well.

[XvillainousX]

Why obviously? From what I have read in this thread coils are the way to go because of the reasons others stated.

Given jayuuey's current set up, changing to H&R race springs and R compound tires would be the most logical, economical, and easist way to achieve his next set of goals. It will help him reduce the roll and improve grip. After that will be brake compound.

Question..
Have you tried to race a SpecE30 racer? Spec racers know how to slide the car into corners and keep the momentum through corners. You'd be surprised just how good H&R race can be.

[nrubenstein]

Given jayuuey's current set up, changing to H&R race springs and R compound tires would be the most logical, economical, and easist way to achieve his next set of goals. It will help him reduce the roll and improve grip. After that will be brake compound.

Question..
Have you tried to race a SpecE30 racer? Spec racers know how to slide the car into corners and keep the momentum through corners. You'd be surprised just how good H&R race can be.

...you think he should do R-compound tires before getting decent brake pads? If he can drive at all competently he'll need serious pads before upgrading the tires. If he doesn't, he's not ready.

The H&R Race spring setup is pretty decent. It does, however, drop the car quite a lot and you lose all choice. Given the relative cost difference of throwing a GC kit on the car vs. H&R Race, I would (and did) do the GC kit. If the car is driven on the street, being able to run the car a bit higher is a VERY good thing.

[Jean]

...you think he should do R-compound tires before getting decent brake pads? If he can drive at all competently he'll need serious pads before upgrading the tires. If he doesn't, he's not ready.

The H&R Race spring setup is pretty decent. It does, however, drop the car quite a lot and you lose all choice. Given the relative cost difference of throwing a GC kit on the car vs. H&R Race, I would (and did) do the GC kit. If the car is driven on the street, being able to run the car a bit higher is a VERY good thing.

Exactly. H&R race springs are not that great of a deal when they cost almost $400 and the GC kit is about the same price......

[kishg]

Exactly. H&R race springs are not that great of a deal when they cost almost $400 and the GC kit is about the same price......

Not if you get the full kit with the koni sa's. I've had both.

When I was just doing DEs, my setup was GC coilover with koni sa and 450/650 eibach race springs that you can select with the kit. that's completely different to the eibach prokit saggy dampers that you have now. my original intent going with that kit despite the higher price was adjustability so I could change the ride height for street vs track. In practice, that never happened, once the car was corner weighted properly (very important with a coilover setup), the ride height was never impractical for street use (even in NJ), so I just kept the height fixed. handling wise, that setup was pretty darn good and you could really put the car anywhere and not be afraid to put the power down.

With the SE30 car, I have no choice but the H&R Race and it's quite a bit softer and initially there was some adjustment but once you get used to it, the H&R Race setup is pretty nice and still quite fast. So I would say it's a good choice for DE car esp given the price differential. There's also less to worry and keep track of re adjustability. Just adjust the nut behind the wheel.

If you do decide to go the coilover route, there are other options these days besides GC as well. Look into the AST setup. Either Terry Fair at Vorshlag or Jack Money @ Elephant Motorsports can discuss options with you.

Oh and get camber plates either way. They are invaluable to maximizing grip and saving your tires.

[joshh]

If you increase the spring rates much you need to upgrade the shocks. No if and or buts about it. Bil HD's wont control higher rate springs well. And do not upgrade to R compounds till you're proficient with the car in instructors minds.

What makes you think your car sways too much? My initial thought is you just need to get used to it and learn to drive it as it is. Turn in will just have to be a bit earlier than if you had a stiffer suspension. And if you do HPDE's in the rain you're going to want to have a softer suspension set up anyways.