I now have AVO shocks for the front coil-overs on the Plus 2. I’ve disman tled the Konis and measured the spring length (14") and calculated the spring rate to be 115 lb/in. Given that the AVO’s are slightly shorter that the Konis and because the car was previously a bit too high, I probably going to fit 12" 125 lb/in springs. The adjutable spring platform should
get the ride height right - the 125 lb/in springs because it appears the options are either 100 or 125 in standard stocked spring specs. Has any one tried this combination, application is road using 185/70 13" tyres? Also is it worth refitting or obtaining new “dust covers”. Apparently they keep the grit of the damper rod and prevent premature failure? Are thety still obtainable?
Regards
Gerry
Gerry
Standard plus 2 springs were 14.19 inches free length and 110 lb/in. Fitted length was 8.6 inches. An optional longer spring at 14.59 inch free and 9.0 inch fitted was available to increase ride height.
Based on the above load on the spring is 615 lbs.
Your 125 lb/in and 12 inch free length springs will have a fitted length of 7.08 inch at 615 lbs. This should be OK if you want the car a little lower and have adjustable spring seats to take up the shorter fitted spring length if needed. The other thing to check that the spring coils dont bind at full bump. It is also worth talking to the spring vendor about maximum rated load for the springs and seeing if this is exceeded at full bump, if it is then then springs will sag rapidly due to the overloading.
The change to 125 lb/in spring rate versus standard of 110 lb/in will be only just noticeable if that. You usually need a 50% rate increase (to say 150lb/in in this case) to have a signficant change in the ride hardness that you actually can feel.
cheers
Rohan
Rohan, thanks for comprehensive reply: I can check the coil bound length fairly easily (will conservatively assume bump stops on shock are compressed by 50%). Good point re the maximum stress at full shock compression. I’ll keep this thread open re the benefits. & obtainability of the shock covers open.
Regards
Gerry