Any way to the OP I feel bad...the car dosen't look bad just uneven fork out the cash match the fronts,n lower it!
oke: Yea, hi there......
With all do respect, you're a moron.
I understand that you assume that if you pay for something, it automatically makes it better. It makes sense typically. HOWEVER, in this case you are not correct.
03/04 Cobra's come with linear rate springs. I will find the equation if you like. (edit: just looked it up....the rate is 600lb/in front and rear and vert is 500lb/in front 470lb/in rear).
Now your argument would make sense if the Cobra's had PROGRESSIVE rate springs which travel distance comes into play changing rate as the spring is compressed. However with linear rate, the rate remains constant through the entire distance of compression. Cutting springs do NOT affect the integrity of the spring itself. A linear rate spring has a constant spring rating, no matter how much the spring is compressed, for example 600lb/in. This means that for every 600 pounds of pressure, there will be 1 inch of spring compression. A progressive rate spring will have a variable spring rate, for example 425-630lb/in. This means that it may take 425 pounds for 1 inch of compression, but as the spring compresses more it will rise to as much as 630 pounds of pressure. To put it simply, the spring "progressively" gets stiffer as it is compressed.
Unlike linear rate springs, progressive rate springs will change when cut. The tension changes on progressive rate springs change as they are compressed getting more tension as they are compressed. Understand? Therefore, if you cut some spring out, you reduce the distance the spring has to travel to reach full compression.
Now, I know what you are thinking....
You are wondering if the tension rate of said cut spring is effectively similar to your "$275 springs". I have plugged in the numbers once before on another site for this particular reason (someone thought what you thought) and guess what? The rates are almost identical on H&R SS max compression. Aftermarket springs ARE however Progressive rate, which SOME would argue are better, but I would rather my springs not be as soft on the initial compression because of how low my car is. Although the mere 80 or so lb/in difference in initial compression (depending on the spring) is a miniscule ammount when compared to overall comression rate and cant really be noticed, unless you are running around "The Ring".
So BASICALLY what this means is a stock spring cut to the SAME height as....say an H&R SS, will maintain the same tension rate thus giving you the same benefits of having the aftermarket springs unless you are pushing your car in auto X to the ABSOLUTE EDGE of the envelope.
So, unless you are going with a coilover setup or something a bit more extreme, or you autocross daily, you are waisting money. Because in everyday driving, you arent really ever going to notice the ~80lb/in initial difference (again depending on spring).
Unless of course you are one of those people that just want them to add to a mod list and make people think you bought the "best".
And before you say it.....I have had both.
:beer:
If you would have done 18's in the rear, I think it would have looked ALOT better! looks like you have 18's in the front and 17's in the rear.....
wow well written. I think what he was saying was if u take the time to take the spring out just replace with new while its out? Do tension rates vary with mileage on the spring, and if your not doing your own work, can u trust someone else to cut springs so they are both exactly the same? Do springs even cost 275?? I think I paid like 150?? ne whoo good debate either way. Now i will duck as i get hammered for writing this:bash:
If you would have done 18's in the rear, I think it would have looked ALOT better! looks like you have 18's in the front and 17's in the rear.....
I'm about to get off my lazy rear and cut some springs.
lol im not diggin them, but i think if u slam it, it'll look ok:beer: