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Auto Racing/Choosing Coil Springs

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Expert: - 11/27/2007


Question
I have two dodge neons, one a 1996 and another a 1998 neon RT. We race a a local 3/8 mile circle track. I want to lower the cars. Would the best bet be to buy a regular lowering spring kit, or would it be better to buy race springs(with different rates..etc If possible can you recomend a spring combination(like spring rates for each wheel. THANKS

Answer
Absolutely buy the race springs.  I believe they are subjected to a lot more quality control than the aftermarket stuff.  Plus they are available in 8 and 10 inch lengths, and a number of rates.

I have no experience setting up Neons, and my one friend that knows anything about them is in Africa, of all places, right now. Thus, I can't offer you specific rates to try for. Normally though, when setting up a circle track car , we try to add about 50 to 60 Lbs. of rate to the RF corner, then juggle the others based upon data from tire temps after a few hot laps.

Good luck

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida

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Dan Liddy

Expertise

Anything concerning race cars, 20 years competition experience, Senior Competition Driver Instructor , car builder, mechanic, welding, fabrication, tuning , engine modifications, set up, suspension design. Specializing in Datsun/Nissan products. Please submit questions about RACE CARS ONLY. No street cars, no video game scenarios Thank you.

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I have been racing for 20 years, I have been the Central Florida SCCA Regional Championship points for 5 years running, and won the championship in my class 2 times. During my first start in the 60's I won many solo awards and the State Championship Drags. I serve as a senior instructor for SCCA, and have taught in Mercedes AMG events at Daytona, and Dodge Viper Days at Sebring International. I have been in the thick of the competition for all of my career. At one time or another I have driven race cars at speeds nearing 195 MPH. It's quite a ride !

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