Which has a greater effect on ride quality - spring rate or damping factor? (m)
11-13-2001, 10:20 PM
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As of now, the Stasis coilovers are using the same valving as the Vortrag coilovers. I think that valving can accomodate a range of rates between about 500 and 800lbs (including using the rebound adjuster on the shock). I don't think Stasis has decided on any changes, but one option they've considered is revalving it so that the shock can accomodate a higher spring rate range, like maybe 600 to 900 or something. This change won't affect most folks' decisions, but might allow a little more flexibility for the hardcore track junkie.
About setting the shocks to full soft, we tried that just to get an idea of what range of damping our new shocks were capable of. On full soft, I would guess that the damping could be well matched to perhaps 600/700 springs, but with 800/1200 the car bounced quite a bit. I did mention that the ride harshness was not that bad, but that's only in a straight line. I would hate to hit a big undulation mid-corner with those settings, cause the car could possibly bounce right off the road! Having the car underdamped, could possibly lead to an unsafe situation, in my opinion.
Once we got the shocks dialed in for our spring rates, transition rates, and cornering characteristics, ride quality had pretty much diminished to nothingness. ;-) That's ok, though, cause we don't street that car too much anymore.
I think you're hypothetical comparison is backwards, what you probably wanted to compare was 600/650 with full soft versus 500/550 with medium. Yes? If not, then the 500/550 on full soft would definitely feel softer. If yes, then that's a tough choice, but since Koni's usually have a large range of adjustment, the 500/500 with medium shock setting will probably feel stiffer in most situations.
Keep in mind that "full soft" and "medium" were terms only used for relative comparison, and shouldn't actually be used for setting your shocks. You really should make sure that your shocks are valved/adjusted appropriately for your spring rate and application. Often times having an overdamped system is ok, whereas being underdamped can significantly reduce the transition (slalom, lane change) ability of your car. Kinda like that old beater Pontiac with worn out shocks.
About setting the shocks to full soft, we tried that just to get an idea of what range of damping our new shocks were capable of. On full soft, I would guess that the damping could be well matched to perhaps 600/700 springs, but with 800/1200 the car bounced quite a bit. I did mention that the ride harshness was not that bad, but that's only in a straight line. I would hate to hit a big undulation mid-corner with those settings, cause the car could possibly bounce right off the road! Having the car underdamped, could possibly lead to an unsafe situation, in my opinion.
Once we got the shocks dialed in for our spring rates, transition rates, and cornering characteristics, ride quality had pretty much diminished to nothingness. ;-) That's ok, though, cause we don't street that car too much anymore.
I think you're hypothetical comparison is backwards, what you probably wanted to compare was 600/650 with full soft versus 500/550 with medium. Yes? If not, then the 500/550 on full soft would definitely feel softer. If yes, then that's a tough choice, but since Koni's usually have a large range of adjustment, the 500/500 with medium shock setting will probably feel stiffer in most situations.
Keep in mind that "full soft" and "medium" were terms only used for relative comparison, and shouldn't actually be used for setting your shocks. You really should make sure that your shocks are valved/adjusted appropriately for your spring rate and application. Often times having an overdamped system is ok, whereas being underdamped can significantly reduce the transition (slalom, lane change) ability of your car. Kinda like that old beater Pontiac with worn out shocks.
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