Spring poundage?

[Iain]

Dean,

It's a Ford 302 with a 4 Speed Toploader gearbox. All cast iron I'm afraid.

I was supplied 400lbs for the front based on a Jag V12 engine but have changed to 450lbs.

[steamyrotter]

Cheers

Looks like some trial and error when i get to that stage then..

[Deck]

Originally Posted by Iain

If it's any concellation, the front springs on my kit were an inch too long. The suspension was sitting too high and was as hard as a rock. I got no movement either.

The rear shocks and springs are also too long so they need changing aswell.

The funny thing is that I all the Avo suspension parts with the kit from Ken "Super Knob" Cook!

It just goes to show...

Keep going chaps! I'm hoping to drive this thing next year and it would be nice to meet up with some other Viper owners!

Don't feel too bad now! Bought my fronts off a guy who said they were for a Viper. Had to mod the mounts a bit to fit them on and then had to replace springs!!
Looks good in the garage now:rotfl: :rotfl: might be different in the light

I'd challenge you to a race to completion but I've seen yours...(eh, on the previous page.) Looks really sweet!!.
Reckon I could make next year too seeing as there's nothing left to replace...except the chassis and the bodyshell...did I just say that
May the Force be with us
Dec

[jemburrett]

Hi everyone,
I'm having a whale of a time with my MkIII Sumo, Ford based with Chevy 5.7 apart from the persistent grounding of the sump! Springs and shocks under review - any advice as to the best setup of shocks/springs/ride height gratefully received.
I have been advised that I need 600lbs front, 700lbs rear - what do you think, which shocks are best suited and where would you go to buy the springs/shocks?
My car is the one with the Cobratops hardtop - picture under gallery, General pics.
Regards
Rudolph Hucker

[kevchard]

Hi Dean
Thanks for info :thumb:
Trouble is with coil overs, you will need to strengthen the lower wishbone, as instead of the weight of the spring 'pushing' the top of wishbone down (acting on a large strong area), it 'pulls' down (on a thin plate from under the wishbone).
That is what's putting me off (and the cost for a min).
Thanks for the offer Dean of your shocks.
We will be down in Nov for Exeter car show (hopefully).
Cheers
Kevin

[Iain]

Originally Posted by jemburrett

Hi everyone,
I'm having a whale of a time with my MkIII Sumo, Ford based with Chevy 5.7 apart from the persistent grounding of the sump! Springs and shocks under review - any advice as to the best setup of shocks/springs/ride height gratefully received.
I have been advised that I need 600lbs front, 700lbs rear - what do you think, which shocks are best suited and where would you go to buy the springs/shocks?
My car is the one with the Cobratops hardtop - picture under gallery, General pics.
Regards
Rudolph Hucker

You might want to get in contact with a guy called Tony Merrick. I believe he is currently altering the suspension on his Sumo. He posts under "tonym"

[steamyrotter]

Originally Posted by kevchard

Hi Dean
Thanks for info :thumb:
Trouble is with coil overs, you will need to strengthen the lower wishbone, as instead of the weight of the spring 'pushing' the top of wishbone down (acting on a large strong area), it 'pulls' down (on a thin plate from under the wishbone).
That is what's putting me off (and the cost for a min).
Thanks for the offer Dean of your shocks.
We will be down in Nov for Exeter car show (hopefully).
Cheers
Kevin

True.

However I am going to fabricate a bracket that will transfer the load to the inside of the lower wishbone. this should provide the strength and adaptability.
Other than that it will be a complete remodel of the front suspension for something a little more adjustable................

I should be around in Nov. May try to get to the show but very busy at work at the mo. 9 week shutdown again......You are welcome to the sprngs as they are cluttering up the garage at present.

Cheers

[Iain]

With regard to suspension and the Viper, if your car is using Avo dampers/springs and you are having trouble then it might be worth contacting Avo.

I spoke with them today via several e-Mails, one of which I let slip that the suspension was bought with the kit direct from Ken "Super Knob" Cook. At that point the guy completely understood my problems. I have now got a new suspension (2off dampers and springs) which should hopefully sort me out!

Just so that you guys know, I am not using the standard Jag setup with 4 dampers (2 per side) but instead I am fitting just one. Along with that, I am bracing the wishbone to strengthen it up and then I am removing the Jag Radius Arm completely. I saw that the "Jaguar Car Club" racer boys do this to their cars for racing so it should do me a treat! :thumb:

Anyone having problems with their Viper suspension (and it is an Avo setup) then it might be worth a call.

Their web site is http://www.avouk.com/

Cheers...

[kevchard]

I have fitted 235 Lb springs to one side, but car is still too low and too soggy. I have now ordered 270Lb Heavy Duty springs from Rally Design.
Hope these are better.What do you think is the stance on 'spring assistors' for SVA?
Cheers

[kevchard]

We have installed 270Lb springs. The car hardly moves at all now when we lower it from the axle stands.
The car is legally high enough for SVA and suspension is soft enough.
We will be looking into coil overs after SVA for more flexibility tho.
Not sure what the difference is in weight between the RV8 and our V6.
Cheers