What are the best springs for Bilstein Group N dampers?

[Jackzillaaa]

Hello, I have an 03 Saxo VTS and have recently purchased the Bilstein Group N Tarmac Dampers (front and rear).. I have been speaking with Faulkner to get some fast road / track use springs made..

I have done a bit of research and i'm thinking of 185lb springs..as I the Eibach/H&R springs are too soft. I am wanting to minimise body roll.

But I am wanting to lower the car -40mm lower than standard (on the front, I will lower the car -30mm on the rear).

But I am unsure on what length spring I need?
Faulkner seem remember selling a set of 7" 185lb springs for a saxo earlier this year. But they could not tell me how much this lowered the car...or how they performed..

Also, is there any way of checking what mm torsion bar I have without removing it?

Any help would be extremely appreciated.

Thanks, Jack

[Mickswan]

Ring Kev at Kam Racing, he'll sort you out

[Liam_]

You will want 240mm free length to lower approx 40mm with 185lb.

The springs will be slightly loose in the pans when jacked up but was never really an issue for me - just make sure they seat properly as you lower the car back down.

[Jackzillaaa]

Brilliant! Do you think 185lb will be too stiff for a standard VTS torsion bar? I don't want to unbalance the car too much, or cause under-steer.

I have just spoken with Kamracing, and he recommend a 160lb or 165lb spring, if i was to use the standard torsion bar. And that a 250mm spring would be the best length..

But that tells me that the lowering will be much less?

He also mentioned about changing the ARB's to the 24mm ones... much benefit?

[SimpleJoee]

Mine currently sat on 160lb springs (about 35mm), with the rear lowered 40mm.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8061/28965683673_f0e325cab9_z.jpg

[SimpleJoee]

In regards to 185lb being too stiff, it will be fine.

[Liam_]

Brilliant! Do you think 185lb will be too stiff for a standard VTS torsion bar? I don't want to unbalance the car too much, or cause under-steer.

185lb will be fine with the standard torsion bars, but like you say, going any stiffer without upgrading the rear will tip the balance towards understeer even more.

I used 240mm 180lb with standard and then 21mm torsion bars. Back of the car felt like it wandered around less mid corner with the latter, but wouldn't say it was a must for that spring rate.

24mm rear ARB will help with the turn in.

[KamRacing]

The 240mm free length is the issue as it does not seat and MOT testers don't like it. We can make a custom spring with a progressive wind so it can be longer but this costs more than the 160lb ones we sell.
As the car is mostly used on the road I dont see slightly softer as a big problem