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Spitfire Spit Mk1 Front spring rate/value.

britishcarfreak

Jedi Hopeful
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Does anyone know the rating on the mk1 spitfire front springs.

I want something harder and suprise! I noticed that my spare 2500 saloon rear springs are the same free length and diametre as the spitty ones.

The coil wire thickness is greater and I'm sure they'll be heavier.

I know that my 2500 rear springs are 277lbs.

What are the mk1 front springs? My haynes manual doesn't say.
 
The stock coil spring rate was 200 lb/in for the GT6 and I believe it's the same for Spits. SpitBits sells an "uprated" spring that I think is 250 lb/in.
 
Glen,
if the wire diameter is thicker then they will be stiffer, roughly in the proportion of their diametrical ratio. However, bear in mind that a stiffer spring of the same free length will give a higher ride hight.

Alec
 
Hello Glen,
I think that you will find that you will be disappointed, the dampers don't have any influence on ride height. It is the spring that supports the car, the damper does just that, dampen spring oscillations. Chop the saloon springs and you'll increase the spring rate and lower the ride height.

Alec
 
I've got the SPAX with the adjustable seat height which changes the mounting location of the spring.

If I don't chop the springs and set the seat to the lowest setting I may just get away with it.

You are right though as I will probably have to chop them as well to get it low enough. I'm running a datsun motor and gearbox which is already lighter than the triumph and I'm going to be running a fibreglass bonnet.

I expect that the springs will have to be chopped to counteract the lightweight car.
 
For a quick answer to your spring rate question, call one of the LBC parts suppliers such as SpitBits, etc. Nigel at SpitBits will most likely provide the info you need.

BTW, 62-66 Spits use a different part number for their coil springs than the MK IV and 1500s, for whatever that's worth!

Please let us know what you find.
 
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