Jay wrote,
>If one cuts the front springs and makes them stiffer, is there a need to
>make some corresponding adjustment to the rear? Of course this assumes
>that the front and rear were already properly balanced from the factory -
>which everyone already knows is something I don't ever seem to accept as
>possible (rightly or wrongly, fact or paranoia).
>And, if there is something that needs to be done, what is it? Adding a
>rear sway bar?
There really isnt a simple answer here.
Cutting coils increases spring rate, but also lowers the car.
Lowering the car will increase camber, which will reduce some need for
swar bar rate.
The increased spring rate will also reduce sway, but only on the side
of the car that got the increase in spring rate.
Increasing the spring rate on an otherwise nuetral handling car will
increase
sway to the opposite end of the car (rear hear). Stiifening the rear
springs
could help, provided the stiffener dont effect ride height.
Adding a very small rear bar might also help, but I'd want to do some hard
testing before putting a rear bar on any alpine.
Since there is no rear camber on the rear, adding spring rate is more or
less
the same as adding sway rate (except the ride feels different).
The front is another matter, as it is the intent of the sway bar to control
the sway in such a way to maximize the outside tires contact with the road,
by using the inside wheel suspension, and the cars increasing outside
camber.
Jay, The rear suspension seems plenty stiff, particularly on series I and II
cars. Not certain about IIIs though.
I am running 335 lb/inch (225 is stock) springs on my front, and stock
rears.
I like the feel overall, and the car feels fairly well ballanced.
I also have installed spax shocks, and the reproduction early 7/8 sway bar
from SS.
I dont think I have added enough front stiffness so as to need a rear bar,
and since a larger front bar is not available, I see no need in ever
installing
a rear bar on my alpine.
Anyhow, I hope I havent confused the issue.
Jarrid
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