Springs / Rates for Coilover kit

[Rogue_Wulff]

Originally Posted by Kentetsu

"soft springs mean more pitching/squatting on brakes/gas, which are both bad for grip and handling". Absolutely not true, if combined with good swaybars.

The swaybars have no effect at all under accel/decell conditions, regardless of whether they are 1/8" or 5" dia. Spring rate and dampers are the only things that have any effect on dive/squat, aside from geometery.... Springs determine how far it goes, and dampers determine how fast it gets there.

Otherwise, you do have a valid point. Softer springs can be benefitial on rougher courses. Can go fast with the tires dribbling......
A wise man once said to me "Stiffer springs and swaybars will usually make a car faster, but harder to drive". Of course, he was refering to handling, not straight line speed. It was during an autox/road racing suspension seminar......
He also said to use springs to adjust the car, and swaybars to fine tune the springs.