B Spring Question

[DocZG]

After reading way too many spring posts, it seems as though the general consensus is that b springs are too soft to be "sporty". What im wondering is why people who have used them say they are too soft, is it excessive bottoming out or too much body roll? The reason im asking is because my bro is looking at getting b springs with some tokico blues and he is also adding the eibach front and rear sway bar kit ($100 brand new ). Hes looking for something that still has a good ride, but handles better (4banger suspension). Im thinking that if its just a little too much body roll that the sway bars will make it an pretty nice package.

please dont flame me with "h&r race springs and bilsteins" cuz thats totally out of the question.....

Thanks
Zach

 

[Maryland Stang]

Soft certainly isn't a word I'd use to describe mine. My car will easily go beyond my tires ability to keep cornering traction without significant body roll. The car feels like it's on rails.

 

[DocZG]

see i cant see how they are so bad... people say they are way too soft, but they are stiffer then stock. They also lower the car which should help to reduce body roll because the center of gravity is lower. They sound like they would be a really good street spring, but some people seem to really hate them... The car isnt going to be in autoX just want it to handle better.

 

[ttop88]

They are a sporty spring. They do what you want them to do. Eibachs are a racier spring and handle better and ride worse than the B spring. If you use ford springs spend the money and get a nice set of shocks and struts.Most people that complain about the ride or the handeling do not have parts that complament each other.

 

[DocZG]

He was planning on getting tokico blues. Which i have heard nothing bad about.

 

[ttop88]

He will be happy with that combo.

 

[cevtv]

The only time I hear a complaint about them is from a certain "mechanical engineer" on here.....give it time - I'm sure he'll chime in.....

 

[Fast63]

I have the C springs and they are really stiff for the street. I think the B springs would probably have a good ride.

 

[BYRDPE]

The only time I hear a complaint about them is from a certain "mechanical engineer" on here.....give it time - I'm sure he'll chime in.....

opcorn: .....

 

[Nibbie]

I also use the c springs and they are stiff. They lowered the car like I wanted them to but the only complaint I have about them is the rough ride over bumps. But they still worked out really good and are a lot stiffer than the stock ones and thats a plus in my book. I really dont like squishy cars.

 

[cevtv]

opcorn: .....

 

[JustA5.0]

see i cant see how they are so bad... people say they are way too soft, but they are stiffer then stock. They also lower the car which should help to reduce body roll because the center of gravity is lower. They sound like they would be a really good street spring, but some people seem to really hate them... The car isnt going to be in autoX just want it to handle better.

Actually, 'B' springs have the same spring rate as 87+ Fox V-8s (425-530F and 200-300R progressive rate springs). Infact if you were to cut the stock springs it would increase their stiffness beyond the 'B' springs, but that is a whole other set of calculations and plausible risks. You are right lowering the CG will improve cornering ability, but this is also offset by the springs being progressive which can cause a jacking sensation during cornering.

If you use ford springs spend the money and get a nice set of shocks and struts.Most people that complain about the ride or the handeling do not have parts that complament each other.

X2
I would consider Blue Tokicos (HP) to be the minimum with a lowered Foxbody (I'd personally get at least a Koni Red myself). Skip the cheapo KYBs, cuz you will be spending more down the road once you realize they can't dampen lowered applications properly. Anyone who recommends you a KYB(admitedly, not sure about the AGX though) hasn't driven with them long enough, or only drives their Foxbody for looks.