Hey,

I was wondering if anyone has cut a coil or two off of their aftermarket lowering springs (specifically the Maxspeeds). I finally got around to ordering a set and was thinking about trimming a coil or two off of each one, but I don't want to loose the handling and ride quality that they would otherwise offer. I don't want a bouncy ride at all, but I wouldn't mind being a half inch lower than they already lower it. Any input or suggestions on this topic is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

I was wondering the same thing. I am not really too happy with the drop that my Maxspeeds have given me - I wouldn't mind another 1/2" or so. But my passenger side front settled lower than the driver side (by about 1/4") and I don't want to chance making that worse. Any suggestions? Has anybody cut their Maxspeeds before?

 

Hey, I was doing a little searching today and I found several people that cut their aftermarket springs and nobody really had any complaints. One member cut the coils and had over 60k miles on the springs without a single problem. The general concensus that I obtained was that it is safe to cut 1-3 coils without incident. I've already had my springs cut 1 coil from each, and I may have another or maybe a half cut before installation. But if you're unhappy with the drop, I'd definetly take a coil or two off.

 

I suggest you use the search function more effectively. Cutting coils from your springs:

1) Reduces wheel travel
2) Increases harshness
3) Completely destroys the design of the spring
4) Increases your chance of buttoming out the strut and/or body of the car.



Dave

 

What about for progressive springs with dead coils such as Sprints? I am curious because I plan on doing this soon. I can see how 1 & 4 apply, not 2 & 3.
Thanks,
-Cyrus

 

Funny, I could tell you the same thing. In accordance with your previous post:

1) Reduces wheel travel...yeah...so what?
2) Completely false, as "more effective" searching would illustrate; as to personal experiences posted by members.
3) Again, completely false, as progressive springs can have 1-3 coils removed without any change in the designed structure or ride quality.
4) Probably does increase the chance, but still very unlikely.

 

I would pass on cutting the springs and just pay some extra cash to get coilovers or the air ride set up. Why mess with something that isn't busted. I just think your asking for bad news.

 

I'll cut you some slack newbie, but you're still wrong. Sorry to get testy with you, but when I see bad information, as in this case, I'm gonna call you on it.

1) Reducing wheel travel increases your chances of bottoming out the suspension which in turn causes a loss of control. Not a good thing "if" you really care about TRUE handling. If you're just a poser, then by all means, slame your ride to the ground and go for that Euro-GT setup most Hondas have. You know what I'm talking about, the Hondas you see bouncing down the highway because they've got .5" of wheel travel before hitting the bump stops.

2) The shorter the spring, the more harshness that's translated thru the chassis. The harshness is related to the reduction wheel travel which makes the struts work harder and in a stiffer range of valving, assuming you're using aftermarket struts.

3) I don't know where you get your info from, but cutting 2-3 coils from a progressive spring will take out all of the wheel travel. I'd venture to say the struts sitting on the bumpstops would be the only thing supporting the car. 3 coils is like cutting 3 inches from the spring itself. Clearly you don't understand that springs are compressed to about 50% of their size when their installed on a car. Think about it.

4) EVERY INCH YOU LOWER A CAR MEANS YOU HAVE AN INCH LESS TRAVEL. PERIOD. The stock Maxima suspension has ~3.2" of upwards wheel travel before hitting the stop. Depending on which spring you buy, the drop dictates how much travel you lose. YOU WILL BOTTOM OUT MORE FREQUENTLY. That's a fact.


Dave

 

"Newbie"?

Okay, I'll cut you some slack on that one, lol...

Dave ma' boy, use that search feature. It MAY bottom your car out, but it is VERY VERY unlikely. And the rest of your argument is simply not correct.

 

Personally I think this car can't handle for a hoot anyway, so go ahead and slam it.

 

you are an idiot.