Coilover Owners: Would you pay for "better" spring rates?

[nickalltogether]

The title says it all, mostly.

As has been well documented on these forums, the included spring rates with all the coilover kits out there are pretty well terrible. Way too stiff in the front (3x more than stock) and almost stock stiffness in the rear.

I have been in contact with a company who can make custom springs to my specifications, and I'm curious if there is enough interest to make it worth my time and investment.

I would target a spring rate that is slightly stiffer than the current Eibach weights front and rear. This should cause the car to handle fairly neutrally like stock, but still be an increase in stiffness. I am also leaning more towards a progressive spring rate to make the ride a little less jarring over bumps.

So, if you have coilovers, or are seriously considering them, please leave your answer on the poll.

For reference:

I got the stock and Eibach figures from Eibach's site. The BC numbers are the advertised 6k front/4k rear. Most coilovers either come with a 3 or 4k rear rate. I believe you could conceivably go with a 3-3.5k front and the normal 4k rear and be fairly neutral from a handling perspective. You'd be overdamped in the front, but I think that's still preferable to the way over-stiff situation that now exists.

 

[carsNskis]

I'd be in if the front was offered with preload springs to take up the little bumps and vibrations

Been hunting Euro spec stuff for the opc but don't want to spend $3k

 

[nickalltogether]

I'm not familiar with the term preload spring. Do you mean the short spring stacked on top of the regular spring? I've seen that before, but I'd think a progressive spring rate would accomplish the same thing.

 

[carsNskis]

I'm not familiar with the term preload spring. Do you mean the short spring stacked on top of the regular spring? I've seen that before, but I'd think a progressive spring rate would accomplish the same thing.

Yes the preload spring is the small spring. The dual spring set up gives you better ride than a single progressive spring can offer, and why all upper level coil overs use the set up.

 

[nickalltogether]

Gotcha. I probably won't go to the extent - not sure if progressive will even be worth the investment. I definitely think getting the front spring rate "correct" will make a big difference in ride and handling.