Basically, is it the higher the spring rate the stiffer the spring, or vice versa?

Eg. 550lb spring is stiffer than a 400lb spring?

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1993 red M6 Z28; custom control arms; bushings; strut bar; Eibach Pro-kit;17x9.5" OZ Monte Carlo & Bridgestone RE71 275 tires; Mac exhaust; K&N cold air; airfoil; TB bypass; 3.73 gears; KVR pads & rotors; -1 camber alignment

 

You've got it right - higher rate = stiffer.

Dave

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1997 LPE 383/n2o Camaro Z28 Convertible
12.39@112.2, 1.76 60' (na) 11.27@124.6, 1.76 60' (n2o)
LT1 Diagnostics, New to Nitrous? Northern California Racing Club

 

I read a post in here that said the DMS springs were a better handling spring than the Eibach. I am assuming this is refering to the Pro-kit since the ride heights are similar. But the spring rates (lbs) of the DMS are lower than the pro-kit. I would think this makes for a softer spring, therefore a worse handling spring. Am i wrong?

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1993 red M6 Z28; custom control arms; bushings; strut bar; Eibach Pro-kit;17x9.5" OZ Monte Carlo & Bridgestone RE71 275 tires; Mac exhaust; K&N cold air; airfoil; TB bypass; 3.73 gears; KVR pads & rotors; -1 camber alignment

 

"Better handling" is a pretty broad statement. To some, it may mean "feels nice", others might think "stiff ride", and others may actually have compared the two springs on a road course or autocross and come to the conclusion they can get around the track faster with them. I'd verify with the source, which bucket they're in.

Dave

 

I think that is exactly the communication problem. I consider good handling, being able to take a corner faster. That's why i was considering the Sportline's - for lower COG and more negative camber. But some prople tell me otherwise.

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1993 red M6 Z28; custom control arms; bushings; strut bar; Eibach Pro-kit;17x9.5" OZ Monte Carlo & Bridgestone RE71 275 tires; Mac exhaust; K&N cold air; airfoil; TB bypass; 3.73 gears; KVR pads & rotors; -1 camber alignment

 

This is complicated, which is why you'll get very different opinions.

All other things equal, soft springs are _better_ for handling, because the wheels follow the road better. But stiffer springs increase roll resistance, let you run the car lower and give you better camber. Antiroll bars and static camber settings make a difference. It's hard to learn enough to figure this all out. And then it's still hard which is why the NASCAR guys get it very wrong sometimes. But if you know nothing and mod your car you're blindly trusting some guy on the Net or some company that's trying to sell you something.

A good starter book is How to Make Your Car Handle. The graduate course is Tune to Win.

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2000 Firebird convert, chameleon/tan, M5, Y87, TCS
KBDDs, BMR STB and Panhard, 245/50-16 GSCs

 

400 pounds = 400 pounds pressure per inch travel, which is 800#s for 2 inches travel.

As was said, "better handling" really doesn't amount to anything, because it all depends on the track, car, and to some degree driver technique. This would either be marketing BS or misconception on some owners part.

 

There is only so low you can go, and with those springs being at such a low rate, AND so low to the ground, you will probably be bottoming out on the track, unless your speeds are pretty slow. I have 600# in front, which are close to that low (height), and the car really should be raised a bit for road course use.

 

My car doesn't see the track, just street use. And even then, it's not really a daily driver. But i think the Sportline kit might be too soft. I would like stiffer.

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1993 red M6 Z28; custom control arms; bushings; strut bar; Eibach Pro-kit;17x9.5" OZ Monte Carlo & Bridgestone RE71 275 tires; Mac exhaust; K&N cold air; airfoil; TB bypass; 3.73 gears; KVR pads & rotors; -1 camber alignment