Understanding Lowering Springs

[zfuzz]

Hey Chase, regarding the Pfadt springs I just stumbled across this thread http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=214262 that was started in 2012. It discusses the Pfadt springs /isalators and spring noise.

The image below is what Pfadt said was the proper position for the isolators on the rear springs.



Here is an image of the springs that I just purchased. The rears appear to have the isolator in the same spot. My question is this still correct and is there a right and wrong position for the isolators on the front springs. It appears they come with two.

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by Dropspeed

Pedders claims they are a "linear rate" and I received that text from an email I sent to Pedders AU after Pedders USA closed shop. It was very interesting to me as before I got them Pedders USA stated the spring rates were higher than the stock springs rates, but would not provide the rates. My car sits 14/15mm lower in the front and 30/35mm lower in the rear with the Pedders set-up.

What is the difference between a linear rate spring and a dual or multi rate spring? Assuming all Gen5 drops springs that are installed on a stock strut (not coilovers) have to be one or the other.

Thanks,
Matt

The spring on the left in the picture below is a true linear rate spring. The coil size and spacing is the same throughout it's entire length.

The middle spring is the dual rate. You can see that there are two distinct regions at the top and the bottom of the spring. It is kind of like stacking linear rate springs on top of each other. The first part of the spring that compresses may have a softer rate, like the 130lbs number mentioned previously, to soak up pot holes and bumps and then it jumps to a stiffer rate after that.

Then, while not being the best visual example, on the right is the progressive rate spring. The coil diameter gets progressively wider from top to bottom on this one. The picture I posted in the OP is a much better example.

Originally Posted by kream88

Great read lots of great information.

Originally Posted by billk

Thanks for the info Chase! I was just coming on here today to order springs for my 1LE. Perfect timing!

Glad it was helpful.

Originally Posted by zfuzz

Hey Chase, regarding the Pfadt springs I just stumbled across this thread http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=214262 that was started in 2012. It discusses the Pfadt springs /isalators and spring noise.

The image below is what Pfadt said was the proper position for the isolators on the rear springs.



Here is an image of the springs that I just purchased. The rears appear to have the isolator in the same spot. My question is this still correct and is there a right and wrong position for the isolators on the front springs. It appears they come with two.

The isolators should be placed properly right out of the box.

[DP Valentino]

I definitely know about high/low slopped driveways, speed bumps, and dips in the middle of the street Because here in L.A there is a $#!t load of them, and I have scrapped my car on them a couple of time while riding! Overall good informative post!

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by DP Valentino

I definitely know about high/low slopped driveways, speed bumps, and dips in the middle of the street Because here in L.A there is a $#!t load of them, and I have scrapped my car on them a couple of time while riding! Overall good informative post!

You definitely have to have more situational awareness after you lower a car. Thank you.

[mwendorf3]

Great post and helped me decide as well as some PM messages from Apex. I just placed my order tonight for BMR 1" drop springs and Sways for my 2013. Can't wait to get them installed soon..

Thanks for the info.
Marvin

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by mwendorf3

Great post and helped me decide as well as some PM messages from Apex. I just placed my order tonight for BMR 1" drop springs and Sways for my 2013. Can't wait to get them installed soon..

Thanks for the info.
Marvin

No problem. Thank you for your order.

[jschlitz2]

Hey Chase by looking at the picture of the springs ion the box, which would be front and which would be rear?

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by jschlitz2

Hey Chase by looking at the picture of the springs ion the box, which would be front and which would be rear?

The middle two are the fronts, the outer two are the rears.

[CCMADONNA]

Chase, you gave me some information a couple of months back regarding lowering my car. If you could please be more specific to the issues involved in lowering a convertible. I am not interesting in going to the track, and I don't want noise, just a nice ride with a slightly lowered stance. Thank you

[bluerl10]

What "supporting modifications" are require if any for lowering springs? 1-1.5" more specifically.

Is an alignment required after install?

[Dropspeed]

Anytime you raise, lower or alter the suspension an alignment is required.

[mpiersd]

Funny that I find this thread after the weekend I install my ZL-1 springs.
Good info.

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by mpiersd

Funny that I find this thread after the weekend I install my ZL-1 springs.
Good info.

Of course. Congrats on the upgrade.

[mpiersd]

Originally Posted by Apex Motorsports

Of course. Congrats on the upgrade.

Thanks. Liking the ride, wish it were a little lower, but the price was unbeatable.