i really want to know the standard spring rates for the 20vt, and i cant believe nobody knows this or wants to share it!

so i am going to try and get the figures myself, But i need some help!

if anyone has standard suspension can you PLEASE :

(A) measure the height of the springs with the weight of the car on them.

(B) if anyone has standard front springs laying around measure them unloaded with no weight on them.

i have some rear springs off the car so i can measure them, but i do need the above measurements to work the rest out.

the final question which is not critical for the front weight but would help for the rear is.....how much does a 20vt weight? i believe it is somewhere between 1310kg and 1400kg ,has anyone actually weighed one?

that question will probably have enough debate to start another thread

thanks in advance

forgot to add i know its cold to be reaching under the car but it would really help me out!

JBT and Joe could really help on this.

I believe all the info you need is in the technical manual? I'm sure it has free lengths, compressed lengths and KG/cm ratings in there?

From aforesaid manual

Front (20vt only)
height of spring released = about 430 mm
height under load of 415 daN = 171 mm
according to which, springs are then colour coded
yellow for load of 416 daN, height > 171 mm
green for load of 416 daN, height < 171 mm
with identical colours fitted each side (originally at least!)

Rear (20v/20vt)
height of spring released = 270.5 mm
height under load of 264-310 daN = 188 mm
according to which, springs are then colour coded
yellow for load of 264 daN, height > 188 mm
green for load of 264 daN, height < 188 mm
with identical colours fitted each side (originally at least!)

Oh, and unladen weight = 1310 kg, or with full tank of fuel, spare wheel, jack and tools + 370 kg (4 people + 90kg luggage) = 1680 kg

If you have a standard spring you need to know the coil diameter (centre to centre), thickness of wire and number of free turns (i.e. not counting the bound turns when laden) Then its easy to work out.

i cant believe info is in the manual the info i have come up with is probably far from spot on but rather an interesting ball park, im using this to work out the rates.

i have based this on the car weighing 1310kg which = 2888lbs
using the calculator before it worked out i have 850lb on my front corners leaving 594lb on the rear from the above weight.

front spring standing 16.9" ( is this right? :o)
front spring deflected 6.7"
with 850lb of force gives you: 83.3lb springs

rear spring standing 10.6"
rear spring deflected 7.4"
with 594lb of force gives you: 185.6lb springs

this is all based on them being linear rate and the low front rate comes from the long length which would change if they were progressive but i would not have a clue how to work that out!

i am happy to be corrected on any of the above, so let the flaming commence

Best to go on a weighing bridge where they measure each corner. Then you'll also be able to see the split left to right, which should be a bit 'off' on UK cars.

interesting that a another member quoted eibach told him the rates:

Eibach gave me 20vt spring rates:

Front progressive - 13-22N/mm
Rear progressive - 25-53N/mm

which equates to :

front 74lb - 125lb

rear 145lb - 302lb

i have thought about going to a weigh bridge for a while kajey.

wouldnt have thought so