Topic: need help with the springs
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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So here is where i need some input. I ordered new coil springs in through my local store when i received them they were about 3" shorter than the old ones i took out. Old ones have approx 9 coils and new ones have about 7. Looking at ebay i see both on there and they all say like 63 to 82 years. so are the ones i ordered correct or not
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They probably are the correct ones. I replaced mine about 7 years ago and the new ones where shorter than the originals. Makes them a lot easier to install and the car still sits at the proper height. I think I ordered what they called the touring grade from VBP.
The old spring should be longer than the new one. When the spring is worn out it expands. At Bair's seminar Brian pointed out that the spring must be installed a certain way. He gets a lot of calls from people who put them in upside down. He said there is a mark on the spring that indicates which way it needs to be installed.
They also need to be installed in the right rotational position. If not, they can hit sections of the frame.
7 coils vs 9 coils means they will fit, but they are stiffer. If you had the original coils you will find they ride softer than what you are putting in the car. That's okay. It usually will also improve handling with fewer coils. If you look at the pound per inch rating you will find the original are probably a smaller pound number.
Now having said that, depending on the coil wire itself, there can be some varations as well. So a spring with fewer coils, but different coil wire MIGHT come out about the same. Again compare inch pound ratings. That will tell you what you need to know.
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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