Dampers/coilovers.....again!

[berni29]

Hi Guys

Apologies for starting another thread on this, but I have been through many threads and instead of increased certainty as to the right choice I am just more confused.

I have a Fedral TCS that I am restoring and I am in the UK.

I was going to get GAZ coilovers (GP7-2154 front, GP6-2155 rear) because I can get them at a good price and the quality seems good.

However, when I enquired about the spring rates I was told the following:

Front GP7-2154 uses 8 inch x 160lb
Rear GP6-2155 uses 10 inch x 140lb

I do not know if the spring length is the fitted i.e. not free, and also the rates seem wrong, at least for the rear which seems high in relation to the front.

Does anyone have experience with GAZ kit for the TCS?

Many thanks

Berni

[BDA]

People have used a wide range of spring rates. Richard Winter recommend I use 250# x 8" on the front and 130# x 13" on the rear - which are about twice the stock spring rates. This seems really stiff but it doesn't feel as stiff as you'd think. I replaced them because they are a little "tiring."

I replaced them with 150# x 10" on the front and 115# x 14" on the rear. This were a bit more relaxing to drive than the stiffer springs. You could tell the difference between the two setups but they didn't really feel THAT much different (I guess the quality of your roads would be a factor). Those springs are currently set at the bottom of the spring perches on my Protech shocks so I'm considering replacing them with 150# x 8" and 115# x 12" or 13" so I can have a bit of adjustment room. It's not bad the way it is now but I'd like to lower the front a little and might want to make changes to the rear. If you did a search, you'd probably find other setups. 

Another option is to go back to the stock spring rates. It has been a long time since I drove my car with stock springs but my memory was that it was very comfortable and nobody was ever disappointed in the handling of a stock Europa.

[berni29]

Hi BDA

This is exactly the type of response I was after. I know GAZ can do different spring rates, and I very much like the sound of the 150# x 8" and 115# x 12" combination.

I did think about the stock spring rates, but I think going up a bit is not unreasonable.

Many thanks again

Berni

[dakazman]

  Very interesting stuff here. 
BDA, are your protech shocks double adjustable?  I've been putting off buying shocks due to, I don't know a thing about them, other than ordering a set that fits a model. I went with KONI's for my vette and they worked. I guess.  When is the shock actual performance felt?
     Ride height is another factor , I like the look of a slightly lower front end but can handle a level look. 
Dakazman

[BDA]

I got my Protech shocks from SJ Sportscars. They are the single adjustable type but they also make double adjustable shocks.

Single adjustable shocks are pretty easy to dial in. When they are too soft, the car is bouncy and when they are too stiff, it’s easy to feel that too.

To get the optimum ride height you have to analyze the suspension geometry (roll centers, camber change, etc.) but I think for spirited driving, ride height is more a matter of looks and speed bumps. I don’t think if your ride height is off by a little, you probably wouldn’t be able to tell (I’m speaking from my experience, of course. Someone with a finer tuned butt might be able to tell.).