Leaf Spring - Spring Rate

[Dustin The PcP]

I am looking into buying some composite leaf springs, and was curious as to what spring rate would be best. I am looking for great corning ability in autocross/road race. Anywhere from 35-225 are the rates available.

I know Hotchkis springs are in the 135 range, and I believe SS springs were in the 200+ range?

So is it the lower the number the better they handle (To a point of course) or what?

 

[72bluNblu]

SS springs are not that high, even the e-body SS springs start in the 160 lb/in range. XHD's are like 140 lb/in.

Mopar oval track springs were 120 lb/in back when they were available.

As far as the ideal number, it depends on how your car is set up, how much it weighs, the tire sizes you're running, whether or not you have a rear sway bar, and of course you're own driving style. Some guys like to have the rear end a little loose, others like to have it so that its only loose when they bring in the throttle, etc. And even then it depends on the track/conditions.

I would say that the 120-140 lb/in range would be a good ballpark to be in, coupled with an adjustable rear sway bar (like hotchkis). That way you can dial in more or less rear bar depending on how things are working.

 

[Dustin The PcP]

SS springs are not that high, even the e-body SS springs start in the 160 lb/in range. XHD's are like 140 lb/in.

Mopar oval track springs were 120 lb/in back when they were available.

As far as the ideal number, it depends on how your car is set up, how much it weighs, the tire sizes you're running, whether or not you have a rear sway bar, and of course you're own driving style. Some guys like to have the rear end a little loose, others like to have it so that its only loose when they bring in the throttle, etc. And even then it depends on the track/conditions.

I would say that the 120-140 lb/in range would be a good ballpark to be in, coupled with an adjustable rear sway bar (like hotchkis). That way you can dial in more or less rear bar depending on how things are working.

Thank you for the information.

 

[Dustin The PcP]

Ok so I have been doing lots of research before I jump into anything and it looks like the best spring rate for my car is around a 140.

Because I already have
1 1/4 Front sway bar
1.02 torsion bars
7/8 adjustable rear sway bar
Edelbrock classic IAS shocks on all four

The two places I have found to buy them from would be either Flex-Form or Hyperco. Anyone out there running either of these brands with any information?


http://www.flex-form.com/products.asp

http://www.hypercoils.com/