If I get some used WS6 springs from the junkyard would cutting a half a coil off increase the spring rate?

I've heard that springs do eventually wear out, and I was wondering if doing this would be equivalent (or at least approximate) to buying new springs.

Also, would doing this affect the pinion angle to the point where I'd have to get LCA relocation brackets?

Any info regarding this would be really appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

[This message has been edited by Fbird88 (edited November 30, 2001).]

 

WS6 springs have a rate in the neighborhood of 548lbs/in. Cutting ½ a coild will increase the rate by 10%, do you really want that harsh of a spring?

A standard (SC or RS) spring has a rate somewhere around 360lbs/in. Those would be a much better choice to cut.

Higher rate spring does not = better handling, just a more bone rattling ride.

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my springs are butter now after 165k miles. If I had better shocks it would ride just like a caddy (which it did before the shocks went out)

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-Tas
'89 Formula WS-6

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Springs do not "wear out".
As they age they can get shorter (sag), meaning the car sets lower, but their spring rate does not change with age or from sagging.

Cutting them will increase spring rate though, and obviously will make them even shorter.

You could debate over the improvement or lack thereof that spring rate has to do with handling, but it definately increases ride harshness when you increase spring rate.

You don't "have" to get LCA relocation brackets if you lower your car, but you will lose traction if you don't.
If the body/chassis is lowered either by installing new shorter lowering springs, by cutting springs, or just by the original springs sagging over time, the angle of the control arms will change, moving the IC (instant center) forward, hurting rear wheel traction durring acceleration. The relocation brackets allow you to adjust where the instant center of the control arm is so you can tune for best traction/handling for your situation and needs. They are useful for the same tuning on non lowered cars too.
As far as relocation brackets go, it's not so much a "pinion angle" thing as it is a "control arm angle" thing.
To correct pinion angle an adjustable torque arm is the "thing".

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Tracy /AKA IROCKZ4me
'86 IROC-Z Camaro
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[This message has been edited by IROCKZ4me (edited December 03, 2001).]

 

Don't cut your springs, very bad idea. It can make them unsafe, they are meant to work the way they are. Spend a couple of bucks and go buy some aftermarket springs if thats what you want. Trust me I know form experience.