Are your stock shocks original from when you bought the car? New oem shocks can make a difference as well, imo.

 

I'll provide another data point for this discussion, though I was initially hesitant to because it's based on very limited experience, so may not be of much value.

I just installed JRZ's with 425 lb front and 550 lb rear springs. Ride height is just over 1/2" lower in front and a bit more in the rear. Tires are 17" 225-45 front 255-40 rear Michelin Sport Cups. I took the car to Holtville track on Saturday for it's first test. I was extremely impressed with how balanced and controllable the car was. As there were only less than 10 cars total there (because HWY 8 was eventually shut down because of high Santa Anna winds) and often times I was the only car on the track (which is wide open as it's an abandoned airfield), I deliberately pushed the car beyond it's limits at times, but never got inside wheel spin. This may be partly due to the fact that I also have the newer Comptech adjustable bar set at #2 hole (+80% stiffer than stock), and the car was corner balanced but my alignment was more aggressive than I have seen here on the board : -2.2 camber front with 1/8" toe out and -3.4 to -3.6 camber rear; just hadn't had time to do re-alignment yet. I don't know if the fact that the track is concrete and not asphalt also contributed. The car was very neutral, no under- or oversteer in a constant corner like the second hairpin.

Based on this very limited experience, I think the 425 F/550R springs work fine in combination with the other factors, esp. the stiff front swaybar, and so would not swap them around to put the stiffer springs up front. I am now also thinking that when I do the alignment I might set the camber at no less than -2 front and -3 rear. The real first test and verdict will come at Sears Point in 3 weeks (SpeedVentures).

It may be useful if others with coilovers also share the other settings on their car as so many other factors (including test/track conditions) contribute to the final handling characteristics.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Prolene
[B] Are your stock shocks original from when you bought the car?

 

It would be interesting if you got the shocks tested. I think even at 23K, fresh ones would make a difference, especially after some of those miles being hpde days.

 

the stock ohlin spring rates w/ the springs reverse. I replaced the ohlins w/ JRZ because I needed the extra adjustablity and JRZ is sponsoring me.

 

How long do the coilover dampers generally last? Are they supposed to be rebuilt after a certain amount of time or miles?

 

no idea. I think it depends on a number of factors.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by krazik
[B]the stock ohlin spring rates w/ the springs reverse.

 

Yes. I am also running slightly different rates than you. I have 450's in back.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by krazik
[B]no idea.