I just installed some swift spec R spring on oem shocks for my MY03 S2k, intial inpressions are, are these softer than my stockers? They feel just a tad softer over bumps, I really dont feel much of a difference in turns as in weight transfer. They are supposedly 7.4kg frost and 7.0kg rear, significantly firmer than the stockers but why do they not feel that way? Anyone else have experiece with these springs? The drop is modest and decent looking, im ok with that. Also why are the coils so close on the bottom side of the spring?. I looked underneath the car and the bottom springs are touching each other. Anyone have any insight on this?

 

This a common concern, and a valid one too. I have had a lot of experience with there springs... a softer more compliant ride is definately a good thing though, and the reason why swift springs feel soft is because the material they use to manufacture the spring 'H5S.TW'. This material is stronger than regular silicone chrome material and therefore allows less coils on the spring; while maintaining a strict linear spring rate. So the spring in turn may feel soft but in technical terms it is actually promoting travel of the strut without binding of the coil. If the spring was too stiff it would feel uber bouncy and would crash over bumps, unlike the swift springs which will adhere/contour the surface. Believe it or not, there is a crap load of engineering that has gone into those springs which is why they cost almost twice as much as other lowering springs.

If I'm not making any sense or if you seek a more detailed response give swift a call. I personally know the Sales Manager and he would love to hear your concerns/feedback.

Lenny@Swift Springs
1.909.923.9788

There is also additional information on their website...
www.swiftsprings.com

-Jacy

 

i have those springs on stock shocks (MY05) too.... they do feel similar to stock in terms of ride quality, but the springs are definitely stiffer than stock as i noticed the car actually have significantly less dive under hard braking.

 

Can you explain a little further how the spring feels softer, yet is actually stiffer? This seems to be counter intuitive. Also, wouldn't this increased travel be a problem for lowered cars that are looking to avoid the bump stops?

 

Interested +1

 

Did you do the install yourself? Did you preload the suspension when reinstalling? This car make a world of difference. my car on Swifts had a Large difference in drop. 1.25 front and rear, and you could tell as well. Ride was great, and handling was definitely changed. I want coilovers again but i would DEFINITELY get swift springs.

 

hypforlife32... how do you preload the suspension on OEM shocks?

 

Jack up under the ball joint just till the car comes off the jack stands then torque everything on the suspension on that corner of the car.

 

If you talk to the guys at Swift they can give you better details. But the reason why the springs feel softer is not because there is more travel but because the Swift material is a more responsive metal which decreases the mechanical lagtime between the shock and the spring. In other words there is more movement in the shock, but this does not mean that the shocks travel distance is increased. The spring rate goes hand in hand with the body roll, so the roll amount is decreased a significant amount. The reason why it feels more compliant is because of the springs absorbs the uneven surfaces of the road much better than a typical spring. This is the case in their coilover springs as well. You will find that the swift springs feel much smoother even with the same spring rate.