kitt23

iTrader: (4)

has anyone ever cut any amount off their springs before?

plum92_camaro

Yes, lots of people. I did it this week on my 69. Chip Foose does it on Overhaulin'. If done right, it's a great way to lower your car and increase the spring rate for a little better handling.

Rules for cutting springs.
1.DO NOT get the spring hot when cutting. I used an angle grinder and cut a little at a time when i could feel the cut getting warm to the touch i quit and let it cool. It takes some time but its worth it to do it right. Torches are absolutely NOT an option.

2.DO NOT FORGET RULE #1!!!

3. Unless your sure how much to cut off the first time, only cut a 1/4 coil off at a time. This is the part that has kept me away from cutting springs until now. I don't have the patience to pull the springs every week and cut a 1/4 coil off until it sits the way i want.

4. I can't remember which end you suppose to cut, top or bottom but a search will tell you. Cutting springs is at least a 1000 threads shy of being a new topic.

I'm sure there are more things to consider but thats all I can think of right now. A search on this topic, although there will be thousands of results, would be worth your while. Lots of guys have cut springs, usually moog.

visitor

Wtf.. when lowering springs cost like $125 a set... why is this even being contemplated?

See sig..

visitor

To answer your title question, summit springs are decent. Buy the correct and applicable springs

plum92_camaro

Visitor, if it makes you feel better I run weight jacks in my thirdgen.
Just remember somebody cut the store bought lowering springs too. Metal working is not rocket science but there is definitely a right and wrong way to do it. It is much easier to buy lowering springs. Cutting springs can be a PITA unless you know EXACTLY how much to cut. Otherwise it's pull the springs, cut a 1/4 coil, re - install, give it time to settle, and repeat until it's where you want it. If you cut to much you have to buy new springs and start over. And every change in ride height will screw up your alignment.

My advice fits my sig too.
Cutting springs the right way is good and cheap but it's not the quick way.
Buying springs is a good and quick way to lower but not cheap
If you cut the springs the wrong way it can be done quick and cheap but it won't be good!

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

I agree with everything plum92 has said. All of it.

The alignment problems and other concerns are the same as if you have lowering springs, though.

The other issue is that the General used a computer selection algorithm that took into account the car's trim level and weight to figure out what springs it should get on each corner. Lowering springs are a one-size-fits-all affair which means the amount of drop and the amount of performance isnt tailored to your car as well as the factory spring (once you cut your factory springs that gets thrown off, but the point is it's no different than lowering springs at that point). The spring rates are also usually a bit softer for them, which makes for a nicer ride but worse performance. That doesnt matter a lot unless you're autocrossing or something, though. And once

Also you may want to consider using these in addition to extended ball joints. Im seriously contemplating going to a .5" drop ball joint for performance reasons, but Im not convinced of long term viability yet. But it's something you may want to keep in mind for the front.

85Z28NOS

iTrader: (2)

I bought a pair of the summit brand lowering springs for my 88 GTA. I was unhappy with the final ride height. Ended up cutting half a coil from them in the front. Rear was to soft also for my taste. Finally bought some Eibach pro and was very happy. Run the pros in my camaro and just installed the sportlines in my firebird

Marc 85Z28

iTrader: (3)

Who makes springs that provide an adequate drop on a light car? There is NOTHING wrong with cutting springs if done the right way. How do you think they manufacture them?!

InfernalVortex

iTrader: (4)

Yup!



Is your time worth more than $125? Maybe.

Mine isn't. Cut springs for me too.

aaron7

iTrader: (7)

Just don't cut them too much... it'll rattle over bumps haha

Marc 85Z28

iTrader: (3)

I've cut mine quite a bit since my car is right is around 2950-3000 pounds. While I never had that problem, the rear springs BARELY stay in place with the rear axle in full droop.

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

Not sure of the Summit and DropZone or Vogtland springs but the Eibachs are the same rate as the IROC springs (5662?) just 1.5" lower installed height. I wouldn't be surprised if the Summit springs are just the DropZone springs rebranded.

Jester84

iTrader: (1)

So....tell me where these magical $125 Lowering springs are located ?? Eibachs are $250+, Bell tech same , Hotchkis same, Vogtland-8 week backorder, Other than the no name ghetto looking ones tell me where a good set of springs is for that price and I will buy them today.

I dont even mind getting a used Pro-Kit...No one has one for sale and the one that is wont respond.

Thanks!
Dave

Alice89

iTrader: (6)

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/su...t/model/camaro

I think they went up in price. (If they ever were $125)

Jester84

iTrader: (1)

Yeah...a couple people said they got them and were not satisfied,...not gonna spend money 2x ya know.

Jester84

iTrader: (1)

Just bought a brand new in box Pro-Kit for $175. Finally someone that priced things right.

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

From where?

visitor

Set of lotek springs are like 130 shipped. Several guys in my area run em, like em just fine.

If you think those are more ghetto than cut springs... Dunno what to tell ya.

Some People on this forum are so pathetically cheap/stupid it's appalling. Just do it right one time.

Ferro

What's up gentlemen? I'm new here but like many have been reading around for a while. Learned quite a bit. I'm working on a 91 rs. Want to lower it by cutting the stock springs. I know the pros and cons and associated costs. However, I'm a do it yourself-er who's worked on many cars and would like to go this route this time. I would like to lower my third gen about 1" all around. Anyone know how much to cut off front and rear springs? Thanks in advance...

plum92_camaro

I can't tell you exactly how much to cut, but the rule of thumb is 1/4 coil at a time, and let things settle before you do it again. Another search might get you the exact amount.

Anwitzeledmaro

I'm kinda new to this cutting springs thing . And I wanted to know do I cut the top or bottom of the spring? I'm also doing this while the spring is still in the car?

85Z28NOS

iTrader: (2)

You can't cut the front springs while in the car. You cut the bottom and make sure to index the end of the coil into its proper spot on the control arm