Lowering my Cobra (Questions inside)

[greenscobie86]

Hello All,

After picking up my 96 Cobra I would like to get rid of the 4x4 look rather badly.

My previous car had H&R Supersport Springs and I was happy with the ride and definitely happy with the handling.

However I was not really happy with the roads here in NYC and what they did to the underside of my car... I was constantly clapping the x brace on the ground and making my car get more rattlely over bumps.

This time around I'd like to get a really subtle drop to work with my newly acquired Bilstein shocks. Not too much lowering, preferably right around the 1" mark or so.

What are my choices? FRPP, Eibach, Steeda?

I'd like a progressive rate spring if possible but I guess if I have to stay with a fixed rate I'll deal with it. Also some rake would be good, but I guess I could achieve that by playing with the isolators...

I've already looked at the Lowering Spring Database at the top of the section, but I would like some more input.

Thanks all! :headbang:

 

[Javi]

Pro-kit.....

 

[GDTrumbo]

The FRPP "B" springs are a progressive rate spring (1.25/.75 drop) and you can utilize the OEM shocks/struts with them. That is probably the route I'm going to take. Don't forget the CC plates & shorter sway bar end link kits......

GT

 

[greenscobie86]

Thanks for the input. The "B" springs sound like they might fit the bill...

I just overhauled the entire front end and even installed my Steeda 4 bolt CC plates just because I knew that I was gonna put springs on it.... Need to get some Energy Suspension end links, a set of springs, then an alignment and I'm set.

 

[greenscobie86]

I've researched the FRPP stuff and this is what I came up with...

PART NUMBER MODEL YEAR AMOUNT LOWERED (V-8) SPRING RATES (LB./IN.)
FRONT REAR
M-5300-B 1979-04 .875" .5" 425/530 200/300
M-5300-C 1979-04 .875" .5" 650 200/300
M-5300-F 1979-04 1.2" 1.0" 460/570 170/310
M-5300-G 1979-04 1.2" 1.2" 500/570 170/310

The G spring is a convertible only spring. Would it Be okay to use the B or the C? Is it better to get a higher or lower spring rate(I'm clueless as to what the rates mean...)

 

[blackpony]

i went from eibach sportlines, to h&r race springs, and couldnt be happier. I have bilstein take off from an 04 cobra, and the ride is great. I kept the isolators out, so my car is pretty low, but with poly iso's i bet that would be what you are looking for... Just my input...

 

[greenscobie86]

^

Thanks! Definitely appreciate the words. How is the ride with the H&R Sports? Is it on the rougher side?

 

[SRT Handz]

I have Sportlines and they are Slammed low... But i am riding No ISOs. With ISOs in, it wasnt that bad.

Honestly, I think you are looking for Eibach Pro-Kit w/ Poly Isos all Around. Thats the height and ride you want.

 

[greenscobie86]

Thanks Greg! I'm looking into purchasing a a poly ISO set as we speak...

 

[sn95gtvert]

I've researched the FRPP stuff and this is what I came up with...

PART NUMBER MODEL YEAR AMOUNT LOWERED (V-8) SPRING RATES (LB./IN.)
FRONT REAR
M-5300-B 1979-04 .875" .5" 425/530 200/300
M-5300-C 1979-04 .875" .5" 650 200/300
M-5300-F 1979-04 1.2" 1.0" 460/570 170/310
M-5300-G 1979-04 1.2" 1.2" 500/570 170/310

The G spring is a convertible only spring. Would it Be okay to use the B or the C? Is it better to get a higher or lower spring rate(I'm clueless as to what the rates mean...)

what makes the G springs vert only?

 

[greenscobie86]

^

The site where i got the info sheet from said so... I dunno if its totally true but Jegs also listed the G spring set as a conv't application.. So :dontknow:

 

[OnyxCobra]

I had Steeda springs at first (1-1.25") and the car did not look lowered, so depending what you want I'd suggest more drop than that. If you liked H&R you could always try the Sport springs for a less aggressive drop.

 

[greenscobie86]

^
That's a good point Onyx...

The more reading I do, the more I'm leaning toward a progressive rate spring... The H&R Sports are a fixed or progressive?

 

[blackpony]

the ride with the sportlines was horrilbe.... With my current h&r race springs, it is fantastic!!! If you buy any of the motorsport springs, do not use iso's, or there will be very little drop... I have also had the motorsport c springs, and they only lowered about 1/2 inch and the back stayed the same....

 

[greenscobie86]

Aha! thanks for the info.

Does anyone know the rates of the H&R Race springs off hand?

 

[OnyxCobra]

H&R springs are progressive rate springs, here's some info i found.

Springs spring rate front rear drop front rear
H&R Sport 490-575 250-285 1.60 1.50
H&R Super Sport 700-760 275-300 1.75 1.60
H&R Race 750-850 260-280 1.25 1.00
H&R Super Race 950-1050 260-300 1.25 1.25

 

[greenscobie86]

thanks very much Onyx!!!

 

[greenscobie86]

thanks for the help everyone I went with H&R Race springs. Couldn't be happier!

 

[OnyxCobra]

sick! lets see some pics.

 

[greenscobie86]

Coming up in a couple of days. I am going to try and take pics in the EXACT same spt as the previous pics so the difference could be see.. Again thanks for the input everyone!!!!