Cutting spring coils

[trader]

I currently run Konis with standard springs. On the lower perch the car is about 15 mm lower than stock. I am relatively happy with this setup but would like to lower the rear at least another 15mm for looks only (I cant go much lower because bracing hangs too low). I've read Norman Garrett's comments where he states taking 1 1/8 coils off the springs will lower the car about 15 mm without changing the ride. Has anyone had a go at this and if so how does it feel? Seems a cheap way to drop the car a few more mm's.

[Fuzzlet]

Seems a cheap way to tell everyone you still love your old VL....

Seriously mate cutting springs is one of the dumbest things you could possibly do.....why lower a car by ruining its handling, in a car that was build exactly for that (handling)....

[rwf]

just get some king springs fitted only like $60 a corner to buy

or you could cut them and get the datsun 120y feel in the five

[tbro]

Calling Tezzax5

Tell the man what happens when some clown cut the coils please!!!!!!


Terry

[wun911]

A great weight saving idea, or are the aftermarket springs lighter again?

[trader]

I agree with the above sentiments however I was influenced by the favourable comments in the Mazda Miata performance handbook which indicates it "makes a pretty good suspension setup" without changing ride quality. RWF tell me if I'm wrong but I thought Kings would give me a firmer ride and also still have the rear sitting higher. How much lower would they be than the standard springs?

[GP]

Shorter springs have to be stiffer as you have less travel.

[Juffa]

Hi Trader,

I seem to remember a post where someone had an extra groove cut into their Koni shocks. This allowed them to reduce the ride height while retaining the original springs. Please note that you may find that you will bottom out and will need to cut the original bumpstops, or need to purchase some new ones from someone like fatcat motor sports in the US of A.

J

[trader]

Sounds like an option worth following up Juffa as I should end up with the same ride characteristics.

[Alex]

I don't know about this, wouldn't recommend it but seriously dropping it 15mm, can't see it making that much of a difference.
Not like the OP is talking about taking a few inches off.

[Benny]

A good suspension shop is able to re-set your springs WITHOUT cutting them, and this is what I would do if I were you.

I did this some years ago with my NB8A, and it worked very well and didn't affect the ride.

I don't know anyone in Canberra that can do it, but Heasmans in Sydney can do it for you, and it isn't expensive.

[Fabio]

There is nothing wrong with cutting springs, IF done sensibly. Here are some rules to work by.

1. If the end your cutting from is ground flat, it can't be cut. But if the coil is just cut off at the end, it will be ok.
2. If you want it really low, you need and engineered setup, and it won't include cut coils.
3. Don't over heat the spring, I use a hacksaw with a good blade, and it is not hard at all. Be careful if using a grinder.
4. When cutting a coil spring, you will increase it's spring rate, ie it will get stiffer for the same amount of compression after it is cut.
5. If in doubt, only cut small amounts off, if you want it lower, cut some more, but see rule No.2.

Cut your springs at your own risk. I've done it on other cars with good results, but it is generally just to 'fine tune' a setup.