progressive springs

[juse]

When trying to choose the best springs for my DIY-struts, I have started to think going progressive.
I read an old topic; http://www.germanlook.com/Forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1292&perpage=15&highlight=progressive&pagenumber=2
where Jeza writes;
"S1fter has gone for 200 lbs progressive springs, so this is the rating for complete compression, which is about 10 % stiffer than stock. He chose that after testing a stock spring (then carefully filed the info in the bin!!!). But from memory he said that the first inch was about 70lbs, the second was about 150 ish and complete compression was about 180lbs."
So if s1fter is still among us, did you have a spring tester when you got those figures?
Is the figure for first inch measured after the spring is pre-compressed, as it is when mounted on a stock strut?
And where did you get those 200lbs progressive springs, I could use a pair too?
Also I have heard of a guy that put Honda Civics rear coilsprings on a super. Does anyone have experience on this?
That would be a good lowbudget-way if you`d know the rates on them..

Justin

[Wally]

Hi Juse,
I've got another low buck spring tip for you that will keep it VW:
Use old (1978/79/80?) Passat rear springs. They fit the stock superbeetle strut, are about 25% stiffer (my experience) and lower the car about 4cm from stock!
Walter

[juse]

Wally;
Can you remember the diameter of those springs?
Because I`m looking for a smaller diameter spring than the original, for getting some extra clearance for wider wheels, camber adjustment etc.
Justin

[Wally]

Sorry Juse, but like I said, they fit the stock strut and therefore have the original diameter. This low buck tip is no use for extra clearance :-(
Walter

[s1fter]

Hello Juse,

When I got those springs tested, (The standard ones) they gave me a scrap peice of paper which I soon lost, ever since that day it has been a pain, as the correct figures would of been useful to otheres like your self and also my good Jeza. The figures that Jeza said are what I remember, and also I remember that the first few inches where very soft, they where divided into thirds the measurements that is.
Most good race prep shops should have a spring measuring tool, so maybe a short trip to them and some mecanich currency (BEER!) can go a long way I find.
As for the springs I used they are http://www.kingsprings.com/ King springs (Pro sport) part number KST-200, they are motorsport withed (65mm) and are single progressif. 200lbs.
The springs used on a Honda Civic are a smalll coil maybe even smaller that 65mm, but as for the lbs rating who knows only a trip to the race shop may tell you the actal lbs rating (don't forget that older springs will be a lot softer than out of the box springs)

hope this helps ????

[juse]

Thanks s1fter for replying and for the link.
You forgot to tell about the progressive springs you have. How do they feel? Are they what you expected them to be?
My search for better and firmer budget-springs will soon continue, I am now in a middle of buying a ragtop superbeetle.
And very anxious to try out some new parts I have made for its suspension...
Justin

[craazy Cooter]

just a freindly tip - when measuring spring rates, a 100lb spring
compresses 1 inch per 100 lbs. 2 inches at 200 lbs and so on.
these are linear rate springs.

[juse]

Yes, I am aware of the differencies between linear and progressive ratings.
Justin