Performance springs?

[HH5053]

Hello everyone.
While in the midst of completely rebuilding both the front and rear suspension system on my 79 Spider I have been considering replacing the stock springs with performance springs such as those from IAP.
KYBGR2s are part of the ongoing re-do
What should I expect in terms of ride stiffness/handling improvements as compared to the OEM items?
It also seems that these springs address the issue of lowering the car somewhat, creating the "fill in the wheel wells" effect?
Being well into the "middle ages" of life I'd rather not alter the ride characteristics of the car to the point of creating a bone jarring ride, but a small tradeoff in terms of better responsiveness and handling might be worthwhile.

Thanks so much, Jim Hayes

[So Cal Mark]

it's well worth the effort and the ride is not overly harsh unless you put a tire on it without any sidewall

[narfire]

I'll second Marks comment. I,however did put 205/50 15's on the car and it is a bit harsh as I have a stock car to compare to, but sure corners well. I cut one coil off the rear(even with IAP springs) and I think it looks alot smarter. Left the fronts alone for now.

[HH5053]

My thanks to both of you.
One more item goes on the to do list.

Jim Hayes

[maytag]

I'll second Marks comment. I,however did put 205/50 15's on the car and it is a bit harsh as I have a stock car to compare to, but sure corners well. I cut one coil off the rear(even with IAP springs) and I think it looks alot smarter. Left the fronts alone for now.

Narfire: you gots any pics of the car, after cutting-off that coil in the rear?

[narfire]

Narfire: you gots any pics of the car, after cutting-off that coil in the rear?

Ok see if this works


as mentioned I did not cut anything off the front. These were IAP springs
This before the spring chop. The car had just finished being painted the second time(first time another paint shop did a shite job) I thought the car sat up a bit high in the rear.

Heres another

[maytag]

i love it.

this photo just diplaced my family as my desktop screensaver.

[narfire]

Thanks, I did the same,much to my wife's chagrin

[azygoustoyou]

Hi Narfire,
I just bought IAP springs. Can I see the before pic in a larger size. I would like to compare the two.

[narfire]

See what I can do later. I tried, but I think I uploaded to photobucket in a small format and it won't let me edit to the larger.
Gonna have to see if I have that photo somewheres on the computer and upload again.
Time to leave a scotch out for santa
Chris

[MNspiderman]

Boy would a Chrome roll cage look nice against that red car. ---this could be taken as a hint---

[narfire]

Ok, think it worked, changed the 2nd picture.

Boy would a Chrome roll cage look nice against that red car. ---this could be taken as a hint---

Hmmm... Yeup your right I think it would look good.. BUT I have a couple of 72's to rescue. One should be ready late winter/ early spring, the other ???? so kinda have to watch to fiat account. If one should fall on my lap real cheap...

I thinks I have a real bad case of FODS
Christmas morning.. what am I doing... talking fiat of course

[azygoustoyou]

THANKS NARFIRE.
I think it looks good. Maybe just a bit high in the back. I just can't bring myself to cutting my new springs.

[narfire]

Well try them full size and see what you think.Perhaps with a tire with more sidewall,the wheel well would look a bit fuller.
The rears can be cut while still on the car, jack the body up, let the axle hang and have at it with a cut-off-wheel. Have to cut twice to remove the chunk of spring of course.

[pc124]

I recently added the GR2s and the IAP springs, along with new 185/70 13s (at about 32 psi). The ride is great, comfortable and firm. As mentioned by others, the front (slightly) and the rear (more) still sit too high from the aesthetic perspective.