E30 M3 spring rate question
Discussion
I've been running KW competition coil overs on my E30 for a while and whilst they're pretty much spot on for track, when it comes to fast road use they're a bit too stiff. Actually it mainly the rears that are too stiff and it's just a little too skittish for my liking. What I'd like, is some rear end squat and better rear end traction so I'm thinking a softer spring is the way to go?
KW V2's typically come with 390lb front and 440lb rear, while the competition spec (hence true coil over rear) are 1000lb front and 1120lb rear. I did try and find any markings on the current springs but had no luck.
I did see the ex Prodrive car that was for sale recently, where they quoted spring rates from their road/rally set up but KW said they were far too low to be correct. I have asked a few other sources but they seem to just run with whatever spring rates were supplied from the manufacturer.
So, what spring rates are people running?
What free length spring is ideal and what difference does it make?
I also wondered what shorter drop links people use when needed?
I appreciate that whatever rates I go with, they're going to be a compromise between road and track unless I want to start swapping out springs for specific events, but I figured it would be good to just get some experience and opinion from other owners. Mind you, there aren't that many people who actually track their E30 M3's anymore.
My KW's as they were when I first bought them.
'true coil over' rears.
KW V2's typically come with 390lb front and 440lb rear, while the competition spec (hence true coil over rear) are 1000lb front and 1120lb rear. I did try and find any markings on the current springs but had no luck.
I did see the ex Prodrive car that was for sale recently, where they quoted spring rates from their road/rally set up but KW said they were far too low to be correct. I have asked a few other sources but they seem to just run with whatever spring rates were supplied from the manufacturer.
So, what spring rates are people running?
What free length spring is ideal and what difference does it make?
I also wondered what shorter drop links people use when needed?
I appreciate that whatever rates I go with, they're going to be a compromise between road and track unless I want to start swapping out springs for specific events, but I figured it would be good to just get some experience and opinion from other owners. Mind you, there aren't that many people who actually track their E30 M3's anymore.
My KW's as they were when I first bought them.
'true coil over' rears.
Edited by e30m3Mark on Friday 30th March 10:46
Steve Rance said:
Do you not have any adjustment on the shock unit?
I do and although we softened them off the rear just doesn't have as much compliance as I would like and is just too skittish on anything but smooth tarmac.(incidentally, yes Steve mine is the true coil over rear pic above)
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