Re Springs and handling

["Ian Lomax" <ilomax@domain.elided>]

David,

There is a simple formula that you can use to calculate the rate of a coil
spring.  It involves the diameter of the wire, number or coils, and maybe
overall diameter of the coils?  It's been a while since I looked it up.  But
your friend is basically right, but a little over-enthusiastic.  If you cut
the coils you will raise the spring rate, but cutting 1/4 coil off a spring
with 10 coils will not make them hard as a rock!

Unfortunately all my engineering books are back in the 'burgh, but maybe
someone could post it (Mr. Storhok?) for us.  I would like it to calculate the
rates on a couple pairs of Shankle springs I have lying around, and you could
determine the increase in stiffness that would result from cutting your
springs.

Good luck!

Ian Lomax
former mechanical engineer, currently MBA student...
Ann Arbor, MI
71 Spider
88 Milano 3.0
- -------------------------------------------------
David Ziglin <davidz@domain.elided> writes...
Subject: Re Springs and handling

Any helpful commentary will be much appreciated.

I recently installed sports springs ( 20% stiffer over stock ) and Koni
yellow adjustables on my '66 Duetto.  Interestingly, the car was raised not
lowered.  The discarded springs and rear shocks were well worn.  For
aesthetics and lower center of gravity for the track, I had considered
cutting some length off of the coils.

In response to this idea, I received the following from a friend....

------------------------------