Back when I had my Max, Progressive rate springs were definitely preferred over linear rate offerings. I've been reading the Z/G forums and seeing some people prefer the linear rate. Can anybody let me in on why?

 

linear springs are more responsive and dont need as much compressions vs progressive for feedback.

 

I know it's early on, but I'm hoping for some good discussion here. So are you saying linear springs are more bouncy, or less bouncy, than progressive springs? What's better for the street, and what's better for the track such as autox , etc...?

 

636racer nailed it on the head.

bouncy or not....
your factory springs are linear, does it feel bouncy? no. because the damping is
matched. could a progressive rate spring feel bouncy? yes, if the damping is not
matched.

progressive rate is more comfy on the street as the spring rates are low during
initial bump..downsides are that the car will roll more during initial turn-in and weakens
the responsiveness of the car along with less vehicle feedback coming back to the driver. You
compensate by using higher damp rate and swaybars.

nutshell:
linear rate with matched dampers = performance setup
progressive rate with matched dampers = street/sports setup

 

Good thread. Any preferred " linear" springs with minimal to modest drop?

 

Well said kenchan. As far as linear springs with decent spring rates and a modest drop I would say check out the RSR springs, Hotchkis, Tein 350Z H-Techs. Drop depends though on what car you are using them for.

 

So, how about the TEIN S-tech springs for the G35, are they liner or progessive?

 

neither, they are junk.







(front progressive rate-ok, rear: too soft but linear-very bad).

 

kenchan, are the TEIN S-Tech springs really that bad or just the rear springs? If their not progressive rate or liner rate, what are they? I'm seriously thinking about buying these springs soon, help me avoid a big mistake!!! Are the Tein S-Tech for the 350Z a better choice for me?

 

i wrote next to my face that the front is progressive rate and are okay, the rear are linear rate and are too soft (not good).

If you're stuck on TEIN's try the H-techs for the 350Z. imho, those don't drop
enough but they have good rates.

 

Has anybody seen any actual data out there to back up what good spring rates are for these cars?

 

balaguru- good spring rates for what kind of application?

gsedan35 has listed many times all the available spring rates. you just have to know which to choose for what application.

 

Yes, and making that choice is the tricky part. I'm not trying to be an ***, I just have some healthy skepticism. I was wondering if any testing has been published from the skidpad and slalom on these spring/shock/swaybar kits.

 

Hotchkis, which is only made for the Z from what I can tell. These are one of my top choices I'm looking into right now...

 

In order to do that you have to list not only the hardware, but alignment
settings, tire sizes, pressure, and all the variables including temperature,
road conditions, etc. etc. etc. i don't think one has the time nor funds
to make such claims. But for reference sake if you keep the nominal
spring rates below 400lbs, you get a comfy ride.