front springs
 

Alright guys this is going to be a very basic question for some but keep the smart *** commets to yourself please..I could just ask for an answer and run with it but im trying to learn so please go in depth if can..thanks in advance!

What is the idea behind different spring rates on the front end? I understand the main idea is weight transfer but why go with a spring that origianlly was in a 4 cylinder car when running a V8 car? Is this only benificial for a car struggling to hook? If you have consistant 60 fts and aren't spinning the tires should you even waste the time and money to replace?

We are running the stock v8 spring front of our 88' mustang.. we have a line on a set of 4 cylinder ones, but we could afford to spend money on something better if its out there. What would be the best.. not best bang for the buck just simple the best option?

Thanks again
Braf

Re: front springs
 

Brad, softer springs compress further to hold the heavier car up, thus have more stored energy. The car will be more wheel stand prone. If that is a problem you can control them with shock adjustments and adjustable travel limiters.

Re: front springs
 

Moroso has "trick" front springs for fox mustangs, they work well, and are inexpensive !

Re: front springs
 

Brad, just use the 4cyl springs. Thats all we have used on any of the stuff we have built. If its not making 400+ hp, it really doesnt make much of a difference.

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Re: front springs
 

4 cyl springs work great! had them on my car, switched to a set of drag springs and the 60 ft's were a little better with the 4 cyl springs.

Re: front springs
 

Thanks fot the suggestions guys but other than the initial stored energy that I assume helps weight transfer is there another idea behind doing this? Car hooks great 60's are very consistant.. im not looking for any more suggestions on which spring to put in the car just some help understanding the true concept.. if what ed said is the only reason this is done thanks guys!! But If not im all ears!

Brad

Re: front springs
 

Best answer is you are not going to know without trying it...what works for one combo will not necessarily work on another. I have never come across a guaranteed anything when it comes to racing.

Re: front springs
 

You will typically have a smaller wire diameter and more coils to be optimum. The smaller wire diameter makes the coil spring "softer". This allows the weight of the front end to compress the car more at static height than the V8 springs it came with.
The purpose of having additional coils is to get the spring to recoil (if that's the correct terminology) once you launch the car.
So you have this soft, small wire spring that is ready to recoil to it's free standing height once the car is launched. That will promote a higher front end height which aides in weight transfer & traction.
Using a thicker wire will have the opposite affect unless of course your front end weight is much heavier.
The bottom line is you need the spring compressed as much as possible and once you launch it recoils and off you go.
Also, shortening the spring, any spring, for the "right" static height creates a stiffer spring rate and will not help the situation.
I tried every factory AMC spring available from V8 with no a/c to 6 cylinder springs. I eventually went to a custom set and even that took a few sets to get it the right ride height and launch characteristics. A quality set of springs will last a very long time. A cheap set will not.
Hope this answers your questions.

Re: front springs
 

thanks Jeff! maybe we'll experiment down the road.. not having traction issues as of now but as we try and go faster this maybe how we have to get the power to the track..