Ground Control (Group Purchace List) Very close! - Page 16

atdeneve · #**226** (**permalink**) 07-28-06, 08:55 AM

I had similar thoughts. Wanted the stiffest springs necessary to achieve the greatest amount of grip, balance, and control - not stiff just for the sake of stiff; i.e., properly tuned suspension.

I wanted the greatest grip possible (nicely strapped down and hugging the road), but didn't want the car to be skittish/nervous over rougher roads that exist in the real world - like taking a turn at speed and get thrown off the road because of a pebble, ya'know.

When I spoke with Ground Control, they assured me that this was not the case and that grip would be further enhanced with the 600/650 set up - not skittish/nervous.

So, that's what I went with. It's been a week and a day now, and I think I should be receiving them today. Whoopee!

thebigjimsho · #**227** (**permalink**) 07-28-06, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atdeneve

I had similar thoughts. Wanted the stiffest springs necessary to achieve the greatest amount of grip, balance, and control - not stiff just for the sake of stiff; i.e., properly tuned suspension.

I wanted the greatest grip possible (nicely strapped down and hugging the road), but didn't want the car to be skittish/nervous over rougher roads that exist in the real world - like taking a turn at speed and get thrown off the road because of a pebble, ya'know.

When I spoke with Ground Control, they assured me that this was not the case and that grip would be further enhanced with the 600/650 set up - not skittish/nervous.

So, that's what I went with. It's been a week and a day now, and I think I should be receiving them today. Whoopee!

Hey, let us know how that turns out. The guys at GC were hinting that I really may like 600/650 but with so much positive feedback on the 500/550, I chickened out. If 600/650 gets rave reviews, maybe I'll get those springs too.

Silver Baron · #**228** (**permalink**) 07-28-06, 11:02 AM

Anybody who is undecided between 500/550 or 600/650 get both springs from GC.

atdeneve · #**229** (**permalink**) 07-28-06, 02:53 PM

Yeah, same here. I figured, if it was not to my liking, I could just pick up another set of springs. But I have a feeling I'm gonna like 'em - I hope. We'll see.

Will definitely share my thoughts on them as soon as they're on, but I don't know when I'll get to the install. Hopefully soon!

Dreamin · #**230** (**permalink**) 07-28-06, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildwhl

Dreamin can answer the FE4 question with certainty.
WW

You dont want to go higher than 500/550 with the FE4... that's as stiff as they'll handle... My car already feels just a hair 'underdamped' with that much spring.

With FG2's the 600/650 looks like it works, but if you're concern about ride, go with 500/550.

I'll ask GC what spring rates the "Street Perf" vs. "Hot rod" vs. "track-day" equate to...

Dreamin · #**231** (**permalink**) 07-28-06, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stkshkr

Would there be any benefit for drag racing with this kit? i.e. weight transfer from front to rear? If so what spring rate.
OK guys...I know....try the curves yada yada but I really would like some hep with the launch

No, these may hurt your launch a bit... For maximum bite at launch, you want all of the car's weight to transfer to the rear wheels. Thus, you want nice, soft springs that allow the rear to "squat down" and take the weight.

But maybe you could get a second set of soft rear springs and swap them in at the drag strip... it's very easy to do.

wildwhl · #**232** (**permalink**) 07-29-06, 12:53 AM

Good points, Dreamin.

The rears can be swapped in <30 minutes if you're determined.

WW

stkshkr · #**233** (**permalink**) 07-29-06, 10:50 AM

Any idea what shocks or springs would do that? I think the Nivomats (self leveling) hurt the launch. I have FG2's on the car and the stockers in the basement.

Dreamin · #**234** (**permalink**) 07-29-06, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stkshkr

Any idea what shocks or springs would do that? I think the Nivomats (self leveling) hurt the launch. I have FG2's on the car and the stockers in the basement.

Springs, we're talking about GC kit... and swapping rear springs for drag racing.

For shock, the load leveling should hurt the launch... they dont react that fast. What could be hurting is that they're valved pretty stiff... you want soft shocks for drag racing, again to get the rear to squat (helping transfer the weight to the rear quickly)... Unless you're willing to go with dedicated drag shocks... I dont think FE4 vs. FG2 are going to make a big difference...

Dreamin · #**235** (**permalink**) 07-29-06, 09:12 PM

Quote:

If you enjoy the ride quality of the FE4s and are looking primarily to lower the stance and slightly tighten the feel, I'd buy the kit and go with the 400/450 rate. Drive it for a year to understand the difference in handling through all four seasons. After that, if you think you could tolerate more stiffness (go ahead Florian, I gave you another great straight line!) buy the 500/550 set.

There isn't enough travel in the front suspension to go softer than 500F... I'm pretty sure the "Street Perf" is 500/550... and the "Hot rod" / "track-day" are stiffer... but i'll check w/GC next week.

Dreamin · #**236** (**permalink**) 07-29-06, 09:14 PM

Quote:

The springs themselves are relatively inexpensive (see Stealth V comment above).

The springs can be found for $50 each... I think GC sells them for close to that ($60?)

Dreamin · #**237** (**permalink**) 07-29-06, 09:16 PM

Quote:

When I spoke with Ground Control, they assured me that this was not the case and that grip would be further enhanced with the 600/650 set up - not skittish/nervous.

Yep, It's a heavy car... 600/650 wont make it skittish... but you'll want FG2s...

Dreamin · #**238** (**permalink**) 07-29-06, 09:18 PM

Quote:

I think it is intereting that they are getting the initial view that stiffer is better as far as handling goes. Probably shows that we don't have enough bar/shock. In any balanced race car, you want more grip.....softer.....to an extent of course. I know open wheel cars like Indy Lights were running under 150lb springs at the end there

Cuz Indy Lights weigh <1500 lbs.

Dreamin · #**239** (**permalink**) 07-29-06, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alcast082

I would never think about use the springs that are currently on, I do want to retain ride quality if it stiffens up 20 30% o well as long as the handling gets better.
I also plan to put on the swaybars at the same time the gc kit goes on.
I have stockers with 275's on the rear, what are the sprng rate suggestions guys?????

Rear tires aren't the deciding factor... shocks are... as posted above FE4/FG2 work great with 500/550... FG2 will handle stiffer spring rates.

stkshkr · #**240** (**permalink**) 07-29-06, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dreamin

Springs, we're talking about GC kit... and swapping rear springs for drag racing.

For shock, the load leveling should hurt the launch... they dont react that fast. What could be hurting is that they're valved pretty stiff... you want soft shocks for drag racing, again to get the rear to squat (helping transfer the weight to the rear quickly)... Unless you're willing to go with dedicated drag shocks... I dont think FE4 vs. FG2 are going to make a big difference...

Any idea what shocks and springs would work? Manufacturers, part numbers, etc. I'm willing to change both