56 replies to this topic

[tiger99]

Some HiLo type height adjusters intentionally have a different shape for the part that contacts the cone to change the rising rate characteristic. I forget which brand it was that first made those claims, but they were very good. Whatever you have, compare your devices to standard trumpets and you will probably see the difference. If your trumpets have sufficient depth of engagement in the cones to still be safe, you could turn up some shims on a lathe with various profiles to do some experimentation.

 

As for coilovers, don't ever fit those without strengthening the shell. The damper mounts, front and rear, can not safely carry spring loads too.

[Spider]

Some HiLo type height adjusters intentionally have a different shape for the part that contacts the cone to change the rising rate characteristic. I forget which brand it was that first made those claims, but they were very good. Whatever you have, compare your devices to standard trumpets and you will probably see the difference. If your trumpets have sufficient depth of engagement in the cones to still be safe, you could turn up some shims on a lathe with various profiles to do some experimentation.

 

For Standard Rubber Cones, THIS IS where it all happens, not in the cone itself.

 

The Red Spot and I'm pretty sure the Yellow Spots work differently.

[ansmania]

Good day guys,

May I know what the ratings for your coilover springs used on our cars? Anyone has any ideas?

[nicklouse]

Good day guys,

May I know what the ratings for your coilover springs used on our cars? Anyone has any ideas?

it all depends on the weight of your car and the driver and the coil mounting. and then the track you are racing on may have some bearing.

 

if it is a road car do yourself a big favour and just fit new genuine rubber dounuts.

Edited by nicklouse, 28 May 2019 - 11:20 PM.

[Ethel]

The purpose made coilover kits are rising rate (but not comparable to rubber). You'd probably be looking at around 100lb springs for the rear, just to give you a starting point. As said, plenty of variance from car to car. 

 

It shouldn't be too hard a calculation. Find out what your corner weights are (allow for the lever rate on the front), get springs that are long enough to not fall out at full rebound and will compress to give a reasonable ride height. Also count and measure the coils to be sure they won't bind before you hit the bump stops. 

 

Once you're happy you won't break anything or get thrown into a ditch have a play with a calculator such as this

[ansmania]

Thanks all for your feedback.

I’ve gone down the coilover route on my daily driver after trying coil replacements (okay handling; fix and forget) and cones (great handling; annual change). Coilovers for me currently has good handling; fix and forget with much less things to worry about like knuckles and cones.

Unfortunately, I don’t know of anyone who does corner weights here. Anyone has an approximate corner weights of a typical mini with an A+ engine?

[cal844]

Thanks all for your feedback.

I’ve gone down the coilover route on my daily driver after trying coil replacements (okay handling; fix and forget) and cones (great handling; annual change). Coilovers for me currently has good handling; fix and forget with much less things to worry about like knuckles and cones.

Unfortunately, I don’t know of anyone who does corner weights here. Anyone has an approximate corner weights of a typical mini with an A+ engine?

You change cones every year?

[DeadSquare]

Don't kid yourself that the bottom bush on a coilover is fix and forget.

 

The rubber may have improved. but 50 years ago the bushes on an Imp were knackered after 2 years.

[ansmania]

Well, I changed cones like once every 1 1/2 - 2 years. Yes, I clock about 100kms each working day and do go on road trips. I figured I’ve got lesser to maintain with coilovers.

And about changing the bottom / top bushing of the coilovers, something I can do quite easily with the limited facilities I’ve got (we live in apartments here) much less the need for fiddle diddling a special tool, removal of the tower bolt, etc.

[nicklouse]

As the coilover kits are crap and give a falling rate suspension and any racer that has fitted coils will have them fitted in the correct position to give a rising rate setup their settings will be very different. You need to know your corner weights and how much sag you want and how much preload you need is shock and coil length before you can even start. Sorry you have entered a who works of pain and expense. Seriously bin then and fit new M parts rubbers from Minispares.

[nicklouse]

to be honest whatever the supplier provided should cover 95% of all applications.

 

but as they never say what there spring rates are it is very hard to say what to change to.

[ansmania]

Thanks Nicklouse for your replies. I’ve ordered new springs with higher poundage and prayerfully it would work fine.

KAD / minisport just screwed me today: attempted to fit in my rear discs kit only to find out they left out their brake cable extension in the box! Had to remove everything and reinstall my drums again to get the car moving. Sigh.