Cutting the Springs...

What sets your Spider apart from the rest?
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MIGHTY 8
Posts: 307
Joined: Sat Mar 04, 2006 9:55 pm
Your car is a: 1980 Spider
Location: North Chatham NY

Cutting the Springs...

Post by MIGHTY 8 »

I have heard both arguments (i.e. pros versus cons.)

I installed the IAP "performance" springs on my spider, but although happy with the front set, the back could use some furthur lowering-Just too much space there in the wheel well!

Would cutting a portion off adversely affect the geometry of the spring?

If the general consensus is towards "no", then where can I go to find a shorter spring for my car?

Thanks in advance for everyone's imput.
bandit

Post by bandit »

i have cut them as much as a coil and a half off the rears but that was a bit
low so my next choice is to try some clamps and see how that ends up
i have the clamps now i need another set of springs if you can wait a week
or 2 i'll take some photos before and after .


Daniel
TVST*R

Re: Cutting the Springs...

Post by TVST*R »

MIGHTY 8 wrote:I have heard both arguments (i.e. pros versus cons.)

I installed the IAP "performance" springs on my spider, but although happy with the front set, the back could use some furthur lowering-Just too much space there in the wheel well!

Would cutting a portion off adversely affect the geometry of the spring?

If the general consensus is towards "no", then where can I go to find a shorter spring for my car?

Thanks in advance for everyone's imput.
Do you have (or anyone) pics of your car lowered?
I'd like to see how this looks before doing it.
T
bandit

Post by bandit »

Hi Tom and Mighty


I just lowered my blue spider 2 months ago and i have before
photos but no after so i'll take some as soon as the weather clears
and post them .


About the springs being cut it does make the seating a little out of
place but of all the cars i have lowered it's never been an issue .
Cutting the spring at the right point has been . To much and your to
low not enough and your taking it all a part again errrr :x .


Daniel
Torxx

Post by Torxx »

Please keep us updated on this. I just purchased koni shocks and springs from Bruce's. I am prepared to cut the springs to get the car to set as close to level as possible without going too far (don't want rear lower than the front). I think I would start with a half coil cut.
So Cal Mark

Post by So Cal Mark »

give the new springs some time to settle before cutting them. I'd wait a month
Torxx

Post by Torxx »

That's good advice which I would not of thought of.
Thanks Mark

P.S. If the rear was higher than the front after the install wouldn't the front be likely to settle more than the rear due the weight of the engine?? just brainstorming.
So Cal Mark

Post by So Cal Mark »

both ends will settle, if you look at the weight distribution of the car it's something like 55-45, front-rear
bandit

Post by bandit »

Here is a side view of my spider before and after the trim is still
sitting in my work area i worked on this Spider for hours putting
back together after the paint job .

Image
Now with it lowered and new paint
Image
Image

Maybe this helps ??? Edit
Last edited by bandit on Wed May 23, 2007 4:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.
TVST*R

Post by TVST*R »

I don't see the difference.
bandit

Post by bandit »

look at the back tire about a 2 inch drop but the photos are at different angles ill take better ones soon !
Gerard Del Monte

Post by Gerard Del Monte »

Especially if the front is dropped, would you not need to install an oil pan guard?
bandit

Post by bandit »

The front is lowered on this car and i don't have any issues but i drive
it easy over speed bump and dips so maybe a graurd would be needed
for a normal driver ? IAP sells them ...


Daniel
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