Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension Koni/KYB Struts with Stock 95 Springs...

Spring replacement howto

I don't know the conversion factor off the top of my head, but what I've done in the past for conversions is type in "xx to yy conversion" into google and it'll usually pop right up for me.

Those coil springs that BAT sells will not work with your stock struts. You'll need their coil over setup. I can't recall anyone talking about the BAT coil over setup.

I threw my stock springs away when I moved or I would go measure them.

Thanks again Perry. Never used google. It got me to the right spot, just gotta check the spec chart again.

As far as the how-to, been there done that. 1st thing I read, then the BAT descrip., then the spec chart, then asked you guys.

Here's the real kicker:

If I use stock length springs with BAT Struts and their coilover kit, but get an upgraded stiffness spring, when I lower the car via the adjustment how will that affect the characteristics of the spring and the ride of the car? Trying to weigh the postives and negatives of the setup I want which is BAT Strut, w/ coilover with stiffer springs stock height springs, with 24mm rear sway and stock E0 wheels on 205/50 ZR tires.

Thanks,

Ed

Firstly, doing a spring/strut install is a HUGE job, especially if your car's a little older (like mine) and winter driven in snow/salt/slush (like mine). The How To is very incomplete and I had many further issues to deal with. Therefore, I did not try the springs out uncut. I did a before/after spring rate calculation first.
I wanted a positive rake and was able to calculate how much to cut off to get the proper "stance". I cut less than 1 full coil at the front and 1/4 coil at the rear to get the drop I wanted (1"FRT, 1/4" RR). There was very little change in the spring rate. As far as I know, no one publishes their spring rates except for the info. available on the CEG site. I've seen the Roush and Eibach springs and based on the diameter of the wire they're softer than the stock 95 SE springs. They use a more progressive wind to keep the car off the bump stops.