Cutting springs???

mattdouken · 11-20-2009, 04:27 PM

Ok I never have and depending on the advice I get, never will.

But has anyone cut stock springs on there 91 2nd gen?

If so, how much of a drop? How much did you cut off? and how much of the spring rate it change?

I know it's stupid and many people are against it, but if a slight cut will improve the handling and lower the car, I may do it.

deucethemoose · 11-20-2009, 05:00 PM

Haven't ever ridden in a MR2 on cut stock springs, but one of my last Celicas had cut stock springs when I bought it. It was a bit over an inch lower, and rode like absolute crap. I thought the guy had put some cheap spring on, until I pulled them to find they were cut.

I highly suggest steering clear of cutting them. Buy new springs and install them, and while you're driving around destroying the stock shocks you can save up for a set of Koni's or AGX shocks. Cutting springs shouldn't ever be an option.

Don't Worry, It's Just Me · 11-20-2009, 05:30 PM

when i got my 92 the spring were already cut. and badly cut. rides like poo. Don't think the guy who owned it before me knew what he was doin.

nitrofreak06 · 11-20-2009, 05:38 PM

Glad i have a nice suspension system in mine

Handles like a dream.

Don't Worry, It's Just Me · 11-20-2009, 05:43 PM

mine is just sittin here waiting to be installed.

nitrofreak06 · 11-20-2009, 05:45 PM

I need to repaint mine.. The paint is all faded or just gone. What type of paint would stick to springs and still be slightly flexible? Sorry for slightly hi-jacking...

mattdouken · 11-20-2009, 07:01 PM

does anyone know the affect of it being done right, like a even cut on all springs...only a half coil taken off?

nitrofreak06 · 11-20-2009, 07:33 PM

wouldn't it rub on the wheel well and fender? When you go fast around a sharp corner or something? Sense your lowering it and keeping the same stiffness, the only thing i can think of is possible rubbing. But i'm not really sure though.

mattdouken · 11-20-2009, 07:37 PM

well i was reading the cutting spring threads for the MK1 and i assume if the spring rate changes when you cut them(they become stiffer with a proper cut) then it would apply the same for the 2nd gen.

I just want to take off a half of coil, but i want someone who has done it to chime in with there experience.

Bama420 · 11-21-2009, 11:54 PM

Just understand that it's going to ride like ****, but it looks good. It's going to bounce like crazy like all the Hondas you see when they cross an intersection and the rear is bouncing the whole time. BUT, it's a free way to drop your car.

Davis · 11-22-2009, 12:24 AM

If your going to go through all the trouble of pulling the struts off, might as well buy some nice lowering springs with some nice struts to go with it.

mattdouken · 11-22-2009, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davis

If your going to go through all the trouble of pulling the struts off, might as well buy some nice lowering springs with some nice struts to go with it.

I have not worked in almost a year, So thats not a option. I think I will just wait till one day I can afford coilovers.

byza213 · 11-22-2009, 03:56 AM

my rears r cut atm rides like crap just waiting for some extra cash for aftermarket shocks and rear springs .. not worth it IMO

mattdouken · 11-22-2009, 03:58 AM

How much they cut?

mrturrari · 11-25-2009, 06:04 PM

There are a few things to consider before you cut springs, even when doing it the "right" way. As you know when you shorten a spring you increase it's spring rate. This can be good on a mk2 in the front because the rates were set low in the first place to give a more comfortable ride. You feel the fronts more then you feel the rears and since there is less weight the changes are more dramatic. For performance though many feel the front needs a higher rate to balance the car out but I'm sure much of that has to do with personal preference. Cutting springs is a good way to increase spring rate... it is not a good way to significantly lower the car.

When you cut springs, depending on their design, you also may make them slide in their seats or even pop out under full extension. There is a fine line that you must figure out with each new spring you try this with. If your springs have an end that tappers down so they are flat on one end then you will cut the opposite end. This will allow the spring to rotate to fit in the bottom perch which is shaped and still sit flat on the top. You will probably have more success cutting these kind of springs. So if you have that flat side of the spring then leave that alone.

With progressive springs you will probably want to cut the dead coils to keep more of the springs height. That will help keep it in place during full extension but it does change their progression from soft to stiff so more of the springs travel is at a higher spring rate.

If your springs do not have a flat end or if you increase the rate a lot then it gets trickier. Without that flat end or when the spring is really stiff they may want to slide around on the tops because only part of the spring will be in contact with the outer ring. It also may cause your ride height to go up at first until you cut off enough to make it sit flat again. Also make sure you cut them with something that puts as little heat as possible into the spring so it doesn't change it's properties.

I can't tell you how much to take off because I have only tried a couple of different variations. What I did with mine though was start at 1/2 coil, install them, drive around and let them settle and see where it sat. I just went in small steps of 1/6 - 1/8 after that to see where it would end up and how it rode, keeping the amount I cut on left and right even. Also remember that where ever you end up it will still settle some more over time.

I ended up cutting about 5/8 off a stock set of 93s and it dropped the car (92 NA) maybe 1/4" but it put the spring rate where I like it. They still move around a little in the seats though and the noise is a little annoying at times. I think if you went as high as 3/4 to 1 coil off a stock 91 or 93 spring you wouldn't like how harsh it was for the little drop it would give you. So if you are thinking of cutting springs just to lower the car you are much better off saving up for some lowering springs.

I also have a set of Falcon springs that are similar to the Eibach Pros and I ended up cutting off 3/4 of a coil from those. They make no noise and sit probably 1/2" lower then they did before I cut them and the spring rate is again where I like it front to back. These are on my 93 NA but it has Koni inserts that can take the drop as well as RCAs.

mattdouken · 11-25-2009, 07:07 PM

thanks mrturrari , I'm not going to cut them since it is something I can't reverse for free...

11-20-2009, 04:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
mattdouken Driver Of The Seven Sea's Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Greensboro,NC Posts: 701 Thanks: 53 Thanked 29 Times in 18 Posts iTrader Rating: (9/100% )	Cutting springs??? Ok I never have and depending on the advice I get, never will. But has anyone cut stock springs on there 91 2nd gen? If so, how much of a drop? How much did you cut off? and how much of the spring rate it change? I know it's stupid and many people are against it, but if a slight cut will improve the handling and lower the car, I may do it.

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11-20-2009, 05:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
deucethemoose Cage Fighter Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: University Place, WA Posts: 114 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Haven't ever ridden in a MR2 on cut stock springs, but one of my last Celicas had cut stock springs when I bought it. It was a bit over an inch lower, and rode like absolute crap. I thought the guy had put some cheap spring on, until I pulled them to find they were cut. I highly suggest steering clear of cutting them. Buy new springs and install them, and while you're driving around destroying the stock shocks you can save up for a set of Koni's or AGX shocks. Cutting springs shouldn't ever be an option.

11-20-2009, 05:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
Don't Worry, It's Just Me I'll have skills someday! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hopkins, MN Posts: 923 Thanks: 23 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts iTrader Rating: (5/100% )	when i got my 92 the spring were already cut. and badly cut. rides like poo. Don't think the guy who owned it before me knew what he was doin.

11-20-2009, 05:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
nitrofreak06 Cage Fighter Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 235 Thanks: 2 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Glad i have a nice suspension system in mine Handles like a dream.

11-20-2009, 05:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
Don't Worry, It's Just Me I'll have skills someday! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hopkins, MN Posts: 923 Thanks: 23 Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts iTrader Rating: (5/100% )	mine is just sittin here waiting to be installed.

11-20-2009, 05:45 PM	#6 (permalink)
nitrofreak06 Cage Fighter Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 235 Thanks: 2 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I need to repaint mine.. The paint is all faded or just gone. What type of paint would stick to springs and still be slightly flexible? Sorry for slightly hi-jacking...

11-20-2009, 07:01 PM	#7 (permalink)
mattdouken Driver Of The Seven Sea's Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Greensboro,NC Posts: 701 Thanks: 53 Thanked 29 Times in 18 Posts iTrader Rating: (9/100% )	does anyone know the affect of it being done right, like a even cut on all springs...only a half coil taken off?

11-20-2009, 07:33 PM	#8 (permalink)
nitrofreak06 Cage Fighter Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 235 Thanks: 2 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	wouldn't it rub on the wheel well and fender? When you go fast around a sharp corner or something? Sense your lowering it and keeping the same stiffness, the only thing i can think of is possible rubbing. But i'm not really sure though.

11-20-2009, 07:37 PM	#9 (permalink)
mattdouken Driver Of The Seven Sea's Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Greensboro,NC Posts: 701 Thanks: 53 Thanked 29 Times in 18 Posts iTrader Rating: (9/100% )	well i was reading the cutting spring threads for the MK1 and i assume if the spring rate changes when you cut them(they become stiffer with a proper cut) then it would apply the same for the 2nd gen. I just want to take off a half of coil, but i want someone who has done it to chime in with there experience.

11-21-2009, 11:54 PM	#10 (permalink)
Bama420 it's my girlfriend's car. Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Naples, Fl Posts: 33 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Just understand that it's going to ride like ****, but it looks good. It's going to bounce like crazy like all the Hondas you see when they cross an intersection and the rear is bouncing the whole time. BUT, it's a free way to drop your car.

11-22-2009, 12:24 AM	#11 (permalink)
Davis Radical Dreamer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Long Beach, California Posts: 4,536 Thanks: 85 Thanked 125 Times in 113 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (7/100% )	If your going to go through all the trouble of pulling the struts off, might as well buy some nice lowering springs with some nice struts to go with it.

11-22-2009, 03:56 AM	#13 (permalink)
byza213 Cage Fighter Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: auckland new zealand Posts: 232 Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	my rears r cut atm rides like crap just waiting for some extra cash for aftermarket shocks and rear springs .. not worth it IMO

11-22-2009, 03:58 AM	#14 (permalink)
mattdouken Driver Of The Seven Sea's Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Greensboro,NC Posts: 701 Thanks: 53 Thanked 29 Times in 18 Posts iTrader Rating: (9/100% )	How much they cut?

11-25-2009, 06:04 PM	#15 (permalink)
mrturrari I <3 my 5sfe Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 655 Thanks: 2 Thanked 170 Times in 113 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	There are a few things to consider before you cut springs, even when doing it the "right" way. As you know when you shorten a spring you increase it's spring rate. This can be good on a mk2 in the front because the rates were set low in the first place to give a more comfortable ride. You feel the fronts more then you feel the rears and since there is less weight the changes are more dramatic. For performance though many feel the front needs a higher rate to balance the car out but I'm sure much of that has to do with personal preference. Cutting springs is a good way to increase spring rate... it is not a good way to significantly lower the car. When you cut springs, depending on their design, you also may make them slide in their seats or even pop out under full extension. There is a fine line that you must figure out with each new spring you try this with. If your springs have an end that tappers down so they are flat on one end then you will cut the opposite end. This will allow the spring to rotate to fit in the bottom perch which is shaped and still sit flat on the top. You will probably have more success cutting these kind of springs. So if you have that flat side of the spring then leave that alone. With progressive springs you will probably want to cut the dead coils to keep more of the springs height. That will help keep it in place during full extension but it does change their progression from soft to stiff so more of the springs travel is at a higher spring rate. If your springs do not have a flat end or if you increase the rate a lot then it gets trickier. Without that flat end or when the spring is really stiff they may want to slide around on the tops because only part of the spring will be in contact with the outer ring. It also may cause your ride height to go up at first until you cut off enough to make it sit flat again. Also make sure you cut them with something that puts as little heat as possible into the spring so it doesn't change it's properties. I can't tell you how much to take off because I have only tried a couple of different variations. What I did with mine though was start at 1/2 coil, install them, drive around and let them settle and see where it sat. I just went in small steps of 1/6 - 1/8 after that to see where it would end up and how it rode, keeping the amount I cut on left and right even. Also remember that where ever you end up it will still settle some more over time. I ended up cutting about 5/8 off a stock set of 93s and it dropped the car (92 NA) maybe 1/4" but it put the spring rate where I like it. They still move around a little in the seats though and the noise is a little annoying at times. I think if you went as high as 3/4 to 1 coil off a stock 91 or 93 spring you wouldn't like how harsh it was for the little drop it would give you. So if you are thinking of cutting springs just to lower the car you are much better off saving up for some lowering springs. I also have a set of Falcon springs that are similar to the Eibach Pros and I ended up cutting off 3/4 of a coil from those. They make no noise and sit probably 1/2" lower then they did before I cut them and the spring rate is again where I like it front to back. These are on my 93 NA but it has Koni inserts that can take the drop as well as RCAs.

11-25-2009, 07:07 PM	#16 (permalink)
mattdouken Driver Of The Seven Sea's Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Greensboro,NC Posts: 701 Thanks: 53 Thanked 29 Times in 18 Posts iTrader Rating: (9/100% )	thanks mrturrari , I'm not going to cut them since it is something I can't reverse for free...