Group Buy On Rear Springs!!

[krewzer]

Talked to Kevin at Coil Springs Specialties today. He will make rear coil springs for $168.20 for a one off, or $138.60 per set, with a minimum of 5 sets produced. The only thing about the multiple sets is that they all have to be the same spring rate. Doesn't matter what stiffness, just needs them all to be the same. So, I'm a street car driver with a built-up 2.0L looking for about 10% stiffer than stock, maybe stock ride height. I don't want to interfere with wheel and tire set-up. Also, apparently there is a spring dia. difference between the early and later GT models. High compression versus lower. My GT is a '70 and my springs are bigger dia. than '72-'74 models.

Does anyone on the site have the early spring specs? I need o.d, i.d, free length (unloaded), and total coil. Or just an extra early coil to send to them to measure.

There may be enough interest in these springs to do a few batches (5 minimum per run) with different spring rates, heights, etc. So let's see what happens

Chime in!

Wes

[jmbinjax]

I would be interested in a set. I have a '73 GT. I'd like to keep stock ride height and probably a little stiffer.

John

[Phoenix]

Very cool idea. Can you post contact info, just incase someone wants to go out of their own with way different specs?

Personally, I have a 73 GT and am lowering it 2 in.

[Lindsay]

Coil Spring Specialties -- individually calibrated coil springs for any suspension need.

Just Googled the name for link. If I am incorrect, please correct me.

[krewzer]

That's the one. Nice folks. Kevin spent a lot of time on the phone with me.

[krewzer]

Group or individual purchases aside, does anyone have early spring specs?

[Lindsay]

http://www.opelgt.com/forums/3a-fron...-manta-gt.html
See Permalink #5 Lindsay

GT (rear only)
(stock rear is 150 lbs)
>160 lb stock height - For extra load capacity
>180 lb 1.25" lower - For use with sport front spring or shackles
>180 lb 2.5" lower - For use with shackles and sport spring
>200 lb 2.5" lower - For racing use with shackles and sport spring, or with fiberglass racing spring and special ball joints.

"Bob"

[GoinManta]

I will be giving them a call.. I will need heavy springs for the rear of the electric..

[GoinManta]

180 lb 1.25" lower - For use with sport front spring or shackles

Thats what I need for my Kadett as I will be rebuilding the front and rear suspension shortly. Hopefully before springfield.

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by GoinManta I will be giving them a call.. I will need heavy springs for the rear of the electric..

That's an understatement. You'll need stiffer and longer springs to handle the weight! And stiffer shocks to handle the higher spring frequencies and the greater sprung weight. You'll probably need a heavy welded framework in the trucnk to handle the weight...I wouldn't trust the sheetmetal alone! Some years ago I helped a local Tweeter build a show-truck (Dakota) for stereo soundoffs, I had to build a massive framework for the 12 Optima batteries it was running, cause the sheetmetal flexed so much under the load without it. The truck ended up weighing almost 9000 lbs by the time it was done!

BTW, have you thought about a driveshaft-driven alternator that works only while you're in motion? To help trickle-charge the batteries while in use. Common race-car technique.

[David12345]

So, I assume there wasn't enought interest in one type of spring to get a volumn discount. I would be interested in some stock springs .. not trying to raise or lower .. just want a better ride.
David

[Lindsay]

Originally Posted by David12345 So, I assume there wasn't enought interest in one type of spring to get a volumn discount. I would be interested in some stock springs .. not trying to raise or lower .. just want a better ride. David

Also interested in better handling, stock height rear springs. Wonder if a variable rate coil ( I can't think of exact word? ) would improve handling and maintain GT ride?

[jmbinjax]

I would also be interested in stock height springs. Not looking to lower vehicle but I'm sure 34 years have done a number on original springs.

[David12345]

Could someone tell me or direct me to the height specs for a '73 GT and where the measurement is made. I know my coil springs uncompressed are 11 1/2 inches .. maybe my front springs are old and weak also.
David

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by Lindsay Also interested in better handling, stock height rear springs. Wonder if a variable rate coil ( I can't think of exact word? ) would improve handling and maintain GT ride?

OGTS has (or had) the Lenk lowering progressive springs (variable rate). They are softer than the stock springs in fact. Ride quality improves, handling has more body roll, but if used in conjunction with sway bars it's not that bad.