Selecting a spring rate for the 240sx
Base case specifications :
OE front spring rate : 112lbs/in
OE rear spring rate : 112lbs/in
Car weight : 2850lbs
Weight distribution : 53/47% (f/r)
Unsprung weight : ~75lbs/corner
Front sprung weight : 700lbs/corner
Rear sprung weight : 600lbs/corner
Wheel base : 2m
The springs will be matched with adjustable Koni sport shocks in the front. I already have Tokico rear shocks in good shape in the rear of the car. I�ll keep them. The damping of the Tokico beeing not adjustable and tuned for after market lowering spring, the spring rate must be kept in the 150-160lbs/in in the rear. The front will have to match even if the Koni can be adjusted for spring up to 300lbs/in.
|
Stock |
Case 1 |
Case 2 |
Case 3 |
Front spring rate (lbs/in) |
112 |
175 |
175 |
150 |
Rear spring rate (lbs/in) |
112 |
175 |
150 |
150 |
Front wheel freq. (cps) |
1.252 |
1.565 |
1.565 |
1.449 |
Rear wheel freq. (cps) |
1.352 |
1.690 |
1.565 |
1.565 |
Zero pitching speed (km/h) |
122 |
152 |
Infinite |
140 |
Fearing too much oversteer from Case 1 and 3, Case 2 is selected.
Selecting a spring length
Coilover springs are available in 10 and 12in length. Calculated static deflection is 4in. but installation shows a 3.5in static deflection. Car is weigth must be overestimated or unsprung weigth under estimated.
10in-175lb/in Afco made spring have a maximum stroke of 6.3in before coilbind. Since static deflection is 3.5in, only 2.8in of suspension travel is left before coilbind. The suspension bottom must be a rubber bumpstop. It must not be coilbind. If coils bind, spring seats may break or strut tower may rip. Shocks must not bottoms either. Thus a 10in-175lb/in spring in the front requires a least a 1in drop in ride height to prevent coilbind.
A 12in-175lb/in springs in the front allow the car to have its normal ride height without coilbind but the maximum drop is about 1in.
At the rear, the problem is similar. 10in-150 lbs/in springs require at least a 1in drop to prevent spring bind. 12in-150 lbs/in springs is correct the maximum drop is 1inch.
Usual spring rate are in increment of 25lbs/in. But Afco also offer a 12in-160lbs/in spring. The final spring choice is 12in-175lb/in springs for the front and 12in-160lb/in springs at the rear.
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