Linear vs. Progressive Springs

[aesic]

I've read in many places that Linear springs are better than Progressives. Is this always true and if so, why? I'm thinking about running H&R Sport Springs (progressives) with AGX's.

-aesic

EDIT: I just called Tein since the S.Tech/AGX combo seems to be the "standard" and I wanted a comparison. They said that the S.Techs are progressive.
Modified by aesic at 12:56 PM 7/27/2005

[hannibal]

Progressive spring rates are usually better. They get stiffer the more theyre compressed.

This means when you hit a small bump, the spring will easily compress to absorb it. When youre taking you favorite off ramp, the springs will be more compressed and therefore stiffer to handle the cornering.

I'd bet most aftermarket springs are progressive. I know coilovers usually use progressive rate springs.

Welcome to NICO! Be sure to check out the Wheels, Tires, Brakes & Suspension forum. The guys over there really know their stuff. Make sure ya read the FAQ first

[swwifty]

Linear springs are a much better choice from a performance aspect. I noticed a huge difference in car stability and performance when switching from progressive springs to linear springs. Most high-end coilover systems will come with linear springs. Most springs (like Eibach, etc) that you swap in are progressive.

Progressive springs are better for the street because if you hit a big bump it takes a while to compress the spring and actually reach the true advertised spring rate of the spring. Linear springs are better for autocross, and road racing situations. They are streetable by all means though. I've had them on my car for over 2 years, and will be going always with linear springs in the future.

[aesic]

Thanks for the info.

Wanna: I searched and have read the FAQ and didn't see any answers. I've also been talking to other NICO people and they were interested in the same question so I figured I'd post it. True, I probably should have posted it in the suspesion forum.

-aesic

[skydragoness]

I rocked Suspension Technique's linear springs on my coupe, the ride isn't any harsher than it was before, the stability is top-knotch and i can't wait to get them off my totaled car and swapped onto my new s13

[aesic]

How do your linear ST's compare to another progressive spring?

-aesic

[JimmyMethod]

Sorry for being an engineer, but is it really a spring if it's not 'progressive', i.e. doesn't behave as a spring?i.e. PE=-(Spring constant)*(distance), or so be more precise, the whole Young's Modulous thing, with stress and strain...

[hannibal]

When I first posted, I thought about the constant rate of a linear spring being better for racing. Consistency is very important. Thanks for the info.

The coilovers I was referring to include Tein and JIC. True racing colis like Agusto (sp?) and Ohlins have linear rates I guess.

aeisc, I noticed you were new and wasnt sure if you had a chance to look around yet. No problem posting in here...

Jimmy, I'm not sure what youre getting at, but a spring can have a constant rate or a variable (progressive) rate over a certain range of travel. Of course, the rate changes drastically when its fully compressed (= bottomed out). I dont know what Young's Modulous is...

[skydragoness]

How do your linear ST's compare to another progressive spring?

-aesic

I ran Sportlines before, which drop way too much and are progressively rated. Needless to say, my front shocks (agx's) blew prematurely (one year to be exact). It's probably been almost two years since i had sportlines on and i can't really give a distinct impression of them. I just knew they sucked, they definitely weren't as responsive or stiff as the ST's. I love my ST's and they're a good price too.

[drifter_for_life06]

You mean Aragosta?

[swwifty]

I know for sure most JICs have linear rates, but I'm not sure about all the Teins.

[hannibal]

Yeah, Aragosto...

And swwiffty, youre right about the JICs.

I'll stay down here in this hole I'm digging...