1968 Spider springs

[mbouse]

anyone have any idea about the length and strength of 1968 spider springs as compared to the springs on a two litre?

would a set of these old style springs drop my 1980 significantly, and thus filling the wheel well...w/out detracting from handling performance?

i am looking for cosmetic changes without suffering handling. is this a good or bad alternative?

[kmead]

I would definitely try them. The rear springs are easy to change so its a relatively quick and easy change. The fronts not so much (easy that is).

I know the earlier cars were lower, whether that was due to progressive sag from age (something we know well...) or an actual difference in spring length I am not sure.

I would do the rears measuring to see where you are and then look at doing the fronts.

Will the handling be better if the car is lower, not that you would notice in all likelihood. If you are after handling improvements you may want to go to a custom spring with a higher rate and a shorter static length than the factory springs.

[perthling]

The spring height increased from 1975 to meet the US regulations brought in by Ralph Nader. Same time as the bumpers changed for the same reason.

[spiderrey]

68 springs will lower a later car. Lowering springs for later cars will raise earlier cars,

[mbouse]

Karl, are you insinuating that i have first hand sag knowledge? har har har i certainly resemble that remark! By the way, we are having an engine pulling party at my house on the 30th of January---you are welcome to attend.

Rey, those IAP 'performance' springs are taller than the '68 springs?

well... since i have a full set of '68 springs and i am definitely changing the shocks on my '80 this coming spring, this would be the perfect time to check all this out.

[spiderrey]

We installed a new set of lowering springs on my sons 1st 68, it raised the car so we removed and sold them. Ended up cutting stock springs.

[stefhahn]

Mike,
I did that spring change on my 79 two years ago - it lowers the car by 2cm. Great look!
ciao,
Stefan

[mbouse]

Stefan,

i realize there is a factor of wear... but did those '68 springs have any change in the handling of your '79 ??

[stefhahn]

Well, I think yes. I had the restiffened before installing them by a specialist who did sand/media whatever blast them and then did some heating/hardening - the car feels more glued to the road but: the ride is still very comfortable esp. compared to the "performance" springs.
ciao,
Stefan