Help with Springs - gmax lb rate + stiffest

[sri_130]

I currently have G-max ?spelling? front springs that were on the car when I bought it. The car is a track only car.

On every track day I am running on three wheels and I would like to get some stiffer springs to prevent it. I think these Gmax things are for shows and not cut out for it.

What is the stiffest front springs that you can run with standard front dampers?

And

Do you know what the lb rating is for these Gmax jobs?

To be fair, the car handles really well, but a car on 3 wheels is cornering slower than a car on 4.

[MrChris]

To achieve best cornering youll want uprated shocks as well

Loads of people favour the bilstein b8s for track

[sri_130]

To achieve best cornering youll want uprated shocks as well

Loads of people favour the bilstein b8s for track

They do - but the standards are doing the job, its just not sprung stiff enough.

When I have researched the B8 front setup, you need Faulkner springs from kamracing with the shortened B8 dampers (or the GMC ones - which i can't find the lb rating of btw). This is £500.

I am seeking a cheaper alternative by just trialing harder springs if possible - these Gmax things must be 115lb ? not much more than standard

[greyjasper51]

tbh mate we run 275lbs for track.. 3 wheels aint always the best, adjustable damping is where you need to be heading before spring rates... spring rates are for bound and not rebound... your struggling with rebound, you need a slightly softer damper... gaz or ast tbh mate is the way forward for you ;)

[sri_130]

tbh mate we run 275lbs for track.. 3 wheels aint always the best, adjustable damping is where you need to be heading before spring rates... spring rates are for bound and not rebound... your struggling with rebound, you need a slightly softer damper... gaz or ast tbh mate is the way forward for you ;)

Ffs. Gonna have to go and read that how to make your car handle book again!

So can you explain what is going on then? In laymans terms. I'm a mongo.

[Mochachino]

Ffs. Gonna have to go and read that how to make your car handle book again!

So can you explain what is going on then? In laymans terms. I'm a mongo.

Just get betters springs and dampers. B8s and 155lb faulkners are ok, GMC springs are around 180lb. Good tyres too and you will be off to a good start.

[AlexB]

theres a lot more to it than oh im on 3 wheels my springs are too soft im affraid
it could be one of a few things but i will say even with my 225s on the front i can get a rear airborne on track and ive seen cars running 300+lb doing it too

watch the civics in btcc for example they cock a wheel occasionally

in a direct reply though you wont be able to get a decent spring rate on standard dampers
dont bother with b8s go straight for the group ns and some 180 faulkners of higher
then blue capped group n rears

[AndySAXO]

gmax are rubbish for a car which is just a track car, what torsion bars are you using? as balance front to rear is impotant to get all for tyres working well.

like stated, it not just the spring that contorls the suspension, it a whole package!!

also remembering the coil to coil distances, if the damper travel more, then your get coil to coil contact, that never good.

after my experience of track driving, i found that even on 225 lb springs where too soft to really work my tyres.

once i spoke to some people moved to 400 lb springs soo much better!

[AndySAXO]

To achieve best cornering youll want uprated shocks as well

Loads of people favour the bilstein b8s for track

people favour them due to cost i would say. no good for track.

[sri_130]

What are you running suspension wise Andy?

[AndySAXO]

22mm torsion bars
24mm rear arb
Ast stock hatch rear dampers
Ast sport line 1 dampers
400 lb 6 inch eibech rsr springs
Ast top mounts 2 degrees camber.
Poly race bushes.

I used to have 225 lb springs,

[KamRacing]

Gmax are road springs so are not really any good for a dedicated track car.

Basically virtually every mass produced spring will be too soft. They are all designed for road use. The B8's again are a road damper.

You have a choice. Run road springs and standard tyres, then just have fun.
For a dedicated track car that controls weight transfer then you need 285lb minimum. If you want to go low as well thats really coilovers only. On a budget you can get GAZ coilovers (http://www.kamracing.co.uk/citroen/citroen-saxo/saxo-suspension/coilover-kits/citroen-saxo-gaz-height-adjustable-gha-coilover-kit.html) for about £450.