Difference between OEM springs and coilover springs

Ailfenergy · Post by **Ailfenergy** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 2:29 pm

Is there a difference between OEM springs and springs for coilovers? If so, what is different (shape, ratios, everything

)?
Somebody offered me a set of Teins (he doesn't know the model as the coilovers are still on the car). He said that one spring is broken. How costly is it to replace it? Does it need to be a Tein spring or there are some other options available?

106pete · Post by **106pete** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 2:37 pm

Most coil overs use a very basic single rate spring that would cost about £45 each. But you would need to replace both sides to be sure it's even.

Some use dual rate springs which look more alike oem springs but that's all. You would have to get these from the manufacture.

Do you have any pictures?

Ailfenergy · Post by **Ailfenergy** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 3:01 pm

Hopefully I can take some pictures today

bb1boy · Post by **bb1boy** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 3:54 pm

An OEM spring will not fit a Tein coilover. Even if it did you'd have one corner of the car totally different to the rest - not good.

You will most probably need to get hold of Tein to get a new spring (or pair of springs as said above).

Ailfenergy · Post by **Ailfenergy** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 5:31 pm

It doesn't sound like a cheap solution to me

Confused · Post by **Confused** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 6:57 pm

As pete106 said, most coilovers use a single-rate spring, rather than the progressive-rate OEM springs.

This, combined with weight removal, is why most people find that coilovers are "hard" - firstly, the spring rate is too high for the lower-rate stuff that the OEM springs absorb, because they don't get progressively harder. Secondly, the spring rate chosen by the coilover manufacturer will be based on providing an overall "similar" spring rates to the OEM springs, based on replacing just the shocks/springs on an otherwise standard car.

When you add in weight reduction, bigger wheels (with smaller sidewalls) and the single-rate springs - all of these affect the effect of the springs - which is why most cars with coilovers often are described as having a "harsh ride"

mercutio · Post by **mercutio** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 10:59 pm

my tein flex kit is amazing not harsh at all and the roads near me are shocking and they are even better with 2 people in the car
so as the others say with a lot less weight they may feel harsh

Ailfenergy · Post by **Ailfenergy** » Sat Jan 25, 2014 9:36 am

What are the dimensions of Tein springs? Are they different in different coilover kits (Superstreets, Basics etc.)?