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Old 03 Feb 2005, 09:21 pm
eliminator eliminator is offline
Fresh Cruiser
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA, USA.
Posts: 37
Default Lowering Springs, part II


I had the Vogtland springs and Konis on my GT. Handling was much improved over stock, and the ride was still pretty smooth. I chose the Vogtlands because they are variable rate, the initial rate is close to stock and the ending rate is a fairly stiff. They are a little stiffer than Eibachs and others, which I think is good, and the drop is a little less which is also good.

I sometimes go for "spirited" drives in the country, and I found that the relatively soft initial rate of the Vogtlands would allow the suspension to hit the bump stops fairly easily under aggressive driving. Not a good thing for handling. Actually, it's about the worst thing possible from a handling point of view.

I ordered a set of Mopar Stage 1 springs to try out. The drop is a mild 1" all around. I like this because there's some wheel travel left. Also, the Mopar springs are LINEAR rate (200# front, 160# rear). The higher initial rate and constant rate, (compared to Vogtland, Eibach, etc) keeps the suspension up off the stops during most manuvers (which improves handling), and reduces roll and pitch (which improves handling more). Even though the rates are stiffer, the ride is still pretty good.

In my opinion, the Mopar Stage 1 springs and Konis are the way to go. Like the Stage 1 ECU, this is how the GT should have been from the factory. The only thing that could possibly be better than the Stage 1 springs would be the coil overs.
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