steering and suspension Spring Question

[adavis]

Suspension is the next big project for my car and I need some advice.  I have a '76 and the current set up is original and very mushy.  I would like to drop the car about an inch for asthetics and handling.  This car is my daily driver, so the ride needs to be civil.  My first thought was to use the IE stage 1 springs with Bilstein HD shocks/struts.  But what is the difference between original springs with a coil cut and IE stage 1?  Are there any other springs I should be considering?  How much do they really matter if I have no plans to run the car at the track?  Thanks!

[jrkoupe]

qwik response..

 

ie stg 1 and billies hd is a good choice.

 

so is HR..folks like them....

 

eibach too....

 

 

re cutting oe springs vs IE:

 

do u know the miles on the oe springs?.

 

.i would assume a new aftermarket set will feel a bit tighter and more controlled....yet many rave about their cut springs..its all about your seat of the pants sensitivity. and springs are not that costly...even still, many cut even their new aftermarket set ups..lol

[Buckeye]

I recently replaced stock springs on my 76 with eibach pro-kit. Dropped exactly one inch. Ride and handling are just perfect. Very responsive and yet comfort not comparmised.

BTW, blistein HD on all for corners.

FYI , drop heights per mfg.

H&R sport spring - 1.25"

ST - 1.5"

[adavis]

I am not totally sure of the mileage.  The speedo says 43K, but it hasn't worked in a while.  The car is in good original condition so not sure if it has hit 100K or not.  Is H&R the only progressive spring on the list?  How would the Bav Auto springs rank in the list.  Is there really much of a difference between the new spring options or should I buy the cheapest of the above?

 

Buckeye, where did you buy the parts?

Edited January 7, 2014 by adavis

[BLUNT]

ST and H&R are both progressive .. IE Stage one are linear. (I believe)  Stage 2s were anyway.

From your description of your needs H&R are going to be best if you do indeed want a progressive spring  H&R sport and HDs is a very nice set up.  IE stage one is a great choice for linear

[Mike Self]

Coupla points...

 

73-76 US spec 2002s sit about an inch higher than 68-72 models, even with the front spacers removed.  The later springs are an inch or so taller so the bumpers will meet Federal height requirements that went into effect with the 1973 model year.  So you could put stock 68-72 springs on your 76 and get a bit of lowering.  That being said...

 

I put H&R (progressive) springs on my '73 that was already equipped with Bilstein HD struts/shocks, along with 22mm front & 19mm rear sway bars.  Suspension bushings are OEM rubber except for the sway bar bushings, which are urethane.  Very good combination for street (not too harsh), twisty back roads and occasional autocrossing (much less lean, and the sway bars come into play immediately since the urethane bushings don't compress.  I'm very happy with the setup.

 

mike

[DaHose]

I can add that I have a set of H&R's that will be used for my rebuild.  Everything I read says the progressive nature really isn't noticeable and they are stiff enough for sport and track day use.  

 

I also have a set of Billie HD's to use with the springs, but I am very curious about changing out to Koni yellow's.  The Bil's are single setting, but the Koni's have adjustable rebound.  So they could be changed for street or track depending on need.

 

Any first hand experience with both and preferences?  If I go with the Koni's for my application, I will of course have a set of Bil HD's for sale.

 

Jose

Edited January 7, 2014 by DaHose

[adavis]

Based on responses here and other searches, I am leaning towards the H&R's.  So the next question is shocks/struts.  The interweb says that Billie HD are not for lowered cars.  Are the H&R's considered lowered springs?  Does this mean I should get the Billie sports?  I am looking for a more refined handling ride and not a track car.

[AceAndrew]

Just like the "increase bottom end thread"  a lot of this is relative .....


For example I run Stg 1's with HD's and fixed plates and they are perfect for my daily driver and occasional canyon runner.  I originally bought the car with a brand previously mentioned and have ridden cars equipped with others.  Now that's my OPINION based on my driving style and expectations I want out of the car, it might not be the same for anyone else  (the same can be said for the other responses).

Another very important note you have to take into consideration regarding the quoted "lowering amount".  The quotes from IE, Eibach, H&R are relative to the original spring specs provided by BMW.  Now that these cars are 40 years old the stock springs have likely sagged quite a bit and are no longer true to factory specs.  In fact, I've seen where a set of "lowering springs" have actually raised the height of a car.  You can also fiddle around with the height of the spring pads in the rear.

Edited January 7, 2014 by AceAndrew

[adavis]

How would I know how much the suspension has settled?  The top of the front wheel well is about 24" from the floor with 2" gap between tire.  The back is 23" from the floor with 1.5" gap.  Tires are 175 / 70 r 13.  Is it normal for the front to be higher than the rear?  Thanks everyone for your help! 

[AceAndrew]

I'd think it would be pretty straight forward. 

1) Find the stock height specs (probably listed in MM so you'd convert to inches).
2) Find where on the car the specs were taken (i.e. they were not taken from the top of wheel well). 
3) Follow the same measuring procedure on your car, and kachow, you'll have your answer.

[roadhog0]

I rock some very short, very stiff Korman springs. They work very well but are rather harsh for a daily. It doesnt bother me too much though. This is H&R's up front and stock in the rear and second pic is Kormans

 

 

[adavis]

I like the H&R height up front in the first picture.  Did you take the spacer out up front when you installed them?

Edited January 8, 2014 by adavis

['76mintgrün'02]

Here is how mine sits on H&Rs with HDs (and ST 22/19) on 185/70/13s

(spacers removed up front and single dot pads in back)

This combination makes for a comfortable ride and handles well.

I am very happy with this set up.

Edited January 8, 2014 by '76Mintgrun'02

[Buckeye]

Buckeye, where did you buy the parts?

Purchased it online from AutoAnthing (authorized eibach dealer)