Hey

I am new to all of this but have a pretty nifty brother with cars. I know there is no cheap way to get coilovers so I think I will be cutting my springs for now. My brother is happy to do this but we are unsure how much to cut them by? I saw one that said roughly 100mm but that seems alot to me and not sure I want to dive right into that. I want a relatively low car but dont want it scrapping on drain covers so any ideas please?

Hey

I am new to all of this but have a pretty nifty brother with cars. I know there is no cheap way to get coilovers so I think I will be cutting my springs for now. My brother is happy to do this but we are unsure how much to cut them by? I saw one that said roughly 100mm but that seems alot to me and not sure I want to dive right into that. I want a relatively low car but dont want it scrapping on drain covers so any ideas please?

have a look at these mate

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_nkw=felicia+springs+&_cqr=true&_nkwusc=felica+springs&_rdc=1#

What is the pitch on the springs (height of one turn, assumes constant rate windings)? It's usual to cut shorten springs by 1 or 2 turns rather than by a specific distance. So unless the pitch happens to be 50mm, it's unlikely and unusual that you'd go down 100mm anyway. Also, cutting springs does increase spring rates, as long as you don't spoil the tempering.

I'd suggest that if you really don't want to buy lowered springs or coilovers, you take off 1 turn, and actually drive about like that for a bit, remembering that the effects of changes in spring rate are exponential, not linear (eg, if cutting 1 turn doubled the spring rate, cutting 2 turns would increase it 4 times, 3 turns 9 times...).

Finally, if you're taking this much out of the springs, you will need shortened dampers (which will probably cost as much as coilovers anyway) or retaining straps to make sure the springs remain seated on big bumps.

I've had it drummed into me by a very experienced ex- accident investigator, (who was previously a professional suspension designer), that cutting springs isn't the most sensible way to lower a car, based on his analysis of a number of 'boy racer' accidents.

And you'd be right. Cutting springs is not the way to go, and if you had an accident in a car with cut springs I'd think you would have the blame pointed firmly in your direction, particularly if said modification wasn't advised to your insurers, but even if it was it's not a correct way to do it and would no doubt be difficult to argue otherwise.

thanks for the advice guys, I ended up cutting the springs. It looks and even feels better, car feels more stable and ride quality is not too bad.

KenONeill - i only cut out one full turn thanks, front can go probably one more but back is low enough, thanks!

I bought a bundle of Practical performance Car mags at the weekend.In the October 2007 issue there is an article on chopping springs, aint read it yet. I guess the thing here is that you are possibly ok to chop springs until the insurance investigator has a look, which of course may never happen. Fingers crossed. When I rang and told my insurer to tell them I'd lowered my truck, they werent at all interested how I'd done it. As far as they know I simply waved an angle grinder about under the arches. (I didnt, I used ebay springs)

If you prang it though, that is when the friendly man from the insurers goes over your motor to find any excuse not to cough up. Chopping springs is a real no no in my book

I have heard that if the insurance company feel that it needs a further look, there are investigators who have based their decisions on the interior of the car as well as the exterior. I've heard of one being rejected as it was dad who was supposed to be the main driver, but the interior was dressed more for a late teenager. It was deemed more likely that junior was driving the car more than dad was and the insurance was deemed invalid.

Whilst it's a right arse-ache to tell the insurance people what you've done, it's a far worse thing to have to end up paying out of your own pocket for an accident. (Unless you're an Arach oil baron, Royalty or Bill Gates.)

I heard of a person who's insurers refused to pay out for an accident because the person was simply on their way to drop the days takings off at the bank and they didnt have business cover on their policy. Defo worth informing insurers about any changes however they were made!