H&R Springs installed - My impressions

Indy_M5 · 10th March 2006, 21:48

Just got back from putting the springs on and thought I'd weigh in on what they are like for those of you still considering.

First of all, for all of those that say there is little to no difference in ride I don't think you drove your car much before swapping the springs. I could DEFINITELY notice a difference in the ride. I would put it this way:

"Comfort" setting is gone, kaput, outta here. The Comfort setting now feels like "Normal". Normal now feels like "Sport". Sport setting is now re-named "Obnoxious".

Having said that, the car HANDLES much better and looks the way the car is supposed to look.

NO REGRETS WHAT-SO-EVER! I LIKE IT!!!

Just wanted all you guys to know that if you want your "Comfort" setting, don't lower your car. Put your car in "Normal" and drive it around awhile, if you like that, you'll like it lowered. If you don't, I'd pass if I were you.

Just my opinion and submitted as such.

canysmc · 10th March 2006, 21:49

Any before and after shots?

Indy_M5 · 10th March 2006, 21:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by canysmc

Any before and after shots?

Ok, I have before shots and I'll snap an after shot tonight.

M-bitious · 10th March 2006, 22:21

That is why I went with Hartge. No difference in ride, even in comfort.

Frank.

NavM3/5 · 10th March 2006, 22:56

M-bitious, how much did the Hartge springs set up back?
How much of a drop did you get?

I'm almost convinced to get the H&R setup, but it'd be nice to get your thoughts on the Hartge.
Thanks

dteray1 · 11th March 2006, 00:17

Is there anyway where we can get the spring rates of these aftermarket springs so we can all compare the stiffness of each brand.
Are H&R springs progressive wound or straight?

M-bitious · 11th March 2006, 08:33

You can see the Hartge info here:

Hartge lowering superb

I think I paid 600 euro/700 dollars incl. labour.

Frank.

Wolverine · 12th March 2006, 04:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by M-bitious

That is why I went with Hartge. No difference in ride, even in comfort.

Frank.

From a physics standpoint, this is not possible. You cannot make a spring shorter and not alter it's properties. The simplest thing to think about is that under full weight, a shorter spring has less room to travel, and will have to be stiffer to prevent bottoming out.

What you are saying is that you haven't noticed a difference in ride or comfort under the conditions that you've experienced. Perhaps you haven't driven on rough roads, or with heavy loading.

It sounds like the Hartge springs may be a bit softer (more spring travel) under lighter loads. But that could also mean a compromise in agressive driving. It sounds like the H&R springs may be geared for more agressive driving, and so have better travel and ride under heavier loads.

I'll bet you lunch though, that anyone who installs shorter springs in their car will eventuall notice a difference in ride stiffness, all other things equal, and provided the springs meet or exceed the OEM specs.

Cerberos · 12th March 2006, 05:21

I agree, but so far the trade-off has been well worth it.

NobleM400 · 12th March 2006, 07:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolverine

From a physics standpoint, this is not possible. You cannot make a spring shorter and not alter it's properties. The simplest thing to think about is that under full weight, a shorter spring has less room to travel, and will have to be stiffer to prevent bottoming out.

What you are saying is that you haven't noticed a difference in ride or comfort under the conditions that you've experienced. Perhaps you haven't driven on rough roads, or with heavy loading.

It sounds like the Hartge springs may be a bit softer (more spring travel) under lighter loads. But that could also mean a compromise in agressive driving. It sounds like the H&R springs may be geared for more agressive driving, and so have better travel and ride under heavier loads.

I'll bet you lunch though, that anyone who installs shorter springs in their car will eventuall notice a difference in ride stiffness, all other things equal, and provided the springs meet or exceed the OEM specs.

From a practical standpoint though, it is possible with progressive rate springs. The ride feel would be pretty much identical, though the stiffness difference would be felt with larger bumps. If this is case with this example, I have no idea. But, properly developed progressive springs can give you most of (though not all) the best of both worlds.