Springs for Bilstein Group N's

10th May 2010, 23:51

I recently brought some billies and now need to source some springs...

I was planning to run Faulkner 155lb springs but have been advised that they are a little soft for the Group N's but ideal for B8's?

So what would you recommend for a fast road, daily drive setup? And where would I get them?

Guessing I'm looking for the softest springs that the Group N's work effectively with?

Willsy is specing a coilover conversion kit too, but I think that will cone in way over budget

but I'll wait and see

Any advice or recommendations will be greatly appreciated

James

11th May 2010, 00:16

higher poundage faulkners? coilsprings.co.uk will make some up to your spec as well

11th May 2010, 00:23

Depends what you use the car for.

For fast road use, I find the 155lb springs with Grp N billies ideal - the ride is choppy, but it's not enough to annoy you on a daily driver imo. The balance using the standard torsion bars feel fine too. I've been in cars with ~170 - 180lb springs and 21mm torsion bars and I wouldn't want something that harsh for daily use.

By all means, if your commute is short or you do plenty motorway miles, you might find such a setup acceptable.

11th May 2010, 00:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeumH

Depends what you use the car for.

For fast road use, I find the 155lb springs with Grp N billies ideal - the ride is choppy, but it's not enough to annoy you on a daily driver imo. The balance using the standard torsion bars feel fine too. I've been in cars with ~170 - 180lb springs and 21mm torsion bars and I wouldn't want something that harsh for daily use.

By all means, if your commute is short or you do plenty motorway miles, you might find such a setup acceptable.

Well my commute is quite long but 90% of if is motorway miles....

Might go with the 155lb's for now then....do they hold up well when your pushing it down the back roads or on track?

James

11th May 2010, 00:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim-Bob

Well my commute is quite long but 90% of if is motorway miles....

Might go with the 155lb's for now then....do they hold up well when your pushing it down the back roads or on track?

James

I think I read somewhere Kam are doing a good deal on the 155lb springs at present. Springs are something you could always change in future if they aren't to your spec.

I've not had mine on track yet, but I find them ideal for blasting around country lanes. Car feels planted when pushing on and still has the ability to absorb bumps without loosing your teeth. Maybe i'm a wuss, but I'd be reluctant to go any firmer given the state of our roads - I hit a pot hole leaving my estate a few months back and the force managed to open the drivers door.

Pretty sure sir_dave has used his on track with 155lb Faulkners and had nothing but good words to say about them. They are similar lbage to GMC's '40mm' springs I believe, and they're a tried and tested combo with Grp N billies too.

11th May 2010, 00:42

You have a PM

If your using it for daily use and a bit of fast road you dont really want to go past 200lb spring rate

Ive had a variety of springs now, from a simple koni kit through to coilovers which ive tried 200lb, 225lb and currently on 275lb and honestly although the 275lb is great for nice roads (which are of course rare) im finding it shockingly shit compared to what it was with the 200lbs on when doing b roads or lanes driving.

11th May 2010, 00:47

Is the 180lb mark not the limit for standard torsion bars in terms of balacing the front/ rear spring rates of the car? I'd be looking at 21mm torsion bars for springs in the region of 200lb, personally.

11th May 2010, 03:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeumH

Is the 180lb mark not the limit for standard torsion bars in terms of balacing the front/ rear spring rates of the car? I'd be looking at 21mm torsion bars for springs in the region of 200lb, personally.

No, standard bars are perfectly fine.

All personal preference really.

11th May 2010, 07:16

James, check the sticker i put in the box. phone them up and say "i'd like 170lbs / 240mm springs for a saxo (costs around £115 posted)

If you were seriously worried about ride comfort, you would have not bought a saxo. OR groupN's.

155's are on the soft side for groupN's so, get harder springs (which don't dramatically decrease comfort) or get B8's for the 155's

11th May 2010, 10:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashleyp

James, check the sticker i put in the box. phone them up and say "i'd like 170lbs / 240mm springs for a saxo (costs around £115 posted)

If you were seriously worried about ride comfort, you would have not bought a saxo. OR groupN's.

155's are on the soft side for groupN's so, get harder springs (which don't dramatically decrease comfort) or get B8's for the 155's

Cheers mate, I'll give them ring once it arrives

James

11th May 2010, 18:32

What diameter springs do i need?

James

11th May 2010, 18:40

the dudes at faulkner will know. just say 170lbs / 240mm

11th May 2010, 18:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashleyp

the dudes at faulkner will know. just say 170lbs / 240mm

Ok cheers buddy!

Just downloaded the price list so wanted to get an idea of prices

Going by the price list they should be cheaper than the £115 you quoted?

Looks more like £60 and whatever the delivery costs?

James

11th May 2010, 18:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim-Bob

Ok cheers buddy!

Just downloaded the price list so wanted to get an idea of prices

Going by the price list they should be cheaper than the £115 you quoted?

Looks more like £60 and whatever the delivery costs?

James

they charge £44 + VAT + delivery per spring

11th May 2010, 18:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashleyp

they charge £44 + VAT + delivery per spring

Ah that's why their cheap...no VAT

I'm guessing your running these springs as you know all the details?

James