Spider Springs

[David Ziglin <davidz@domain.elided>]

Hello Greg,

My personal experience only : I have recently installed new springs on my
Duetto.  I did a fair amount of research on this subject.  The best advise
I received was from Alfa people who were racing spiders.  They strongly
suggested not going overboard on spring stiffness and so on.

I purchased springs which they considered perfect.  (Ward and Dean are
likely much too stiff for your purpose it has been suggested.)  These were
the performance springs from CENTERLINE.  These springs are 20% stiffer
than stock.  These are shot-peened springs, and powder-coated.  They will
lower your spider about an inch.  However, this is an inch below stock
height.  This means that when you replace your springs with these springs,
your car will *rise* in height because your springs are utterly gone now.
You may actually wish to cut a bit off off the springs if you wish greater
lowering.  (Do research this first.)

These springs are very nice on the track; further, they are excellent on
the road as they are stiff but not harsh - a fine ride for anyone who has
not been jaded by Chevy Water Beds.

(Note : the Duetto did not have a rear sway bar.  CENTERLINE recommends
against larger than standard sway bars either front or front and rear.)

These springs sell for $88 per pair - front and rear.


I do have a sump guard and will install it but have not yet.  Before
replacing my springs my Duetto sat low and cock eyed but never bottomed at
the track; this included a bit of off roading and sufficient rumble strip
experience.  I never harmed the sump.  Now, the car rides higher, and there
is even less likelihood of bottoming.   (I am planning on snipping a bit
off the springs to lower the gravity center but am unsure about this
proceedure and final effect.)

Best Wishes,

David

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