I contacted Bilstein yesterday and they back to me with the following data:

PSS9 Spring (progressive) rates - 325# front , 345# rear
PSS9 Valve full soft (compression/rebound) - 1470/970 frt, 2650/1020 rr.
PSS9 Valve full firm (compression/rebound) - 2100/1330 frt, 3230/1370 rr.

NEW SP adjustable inserts/shocks (aka. Sports)
(compression/rebound) - 1415/960 frt, 2085/840 rr.

It would appear that the SPs are more compliant. Note the difference in the rear C/R numbers. I'm waiting to hear from Koni on their new coilover package.

Cheers,

 

The progressive rate springs should come with two rates each, do you have this info too?

The rebound is fairly aggressive relative to the front compression, but inline with what appears to be the upper end rate for each spring. But, see how the rebound is almost the same for the rears while the compression is much higher. This will keep the spring from 'rebounding' to static ride height too quickly....read, not too twitchy, removes some potential for a snappy back end if you bend in and out of a turn too quickly...avoiding a deer perhaps. Nice.

This would be a very stiff ride if not for the progressive rate springs. The most sophisticated dampers I've ever used/felt have been Bilstein. I just can't handle stiff rides any longer.

Thanks very much for the info.

 

MEB,


That's all the data they (Bilstein) gave me. I did call them back because I had a few more questions but they were not responsive. It would have been different if it was the "racing department" I was talking to. In any case, the SPs and the PSS9s appear too stiff for a daily driver here in New England.

FWIW, I called KW about their V2 coilover (Konis in stainless steel) kit and was told that their valving was the same as Konis, also too stiff based on the #s they quoted (I lost my notes).


Frankly I'm tired of being beat up every time I jump in the MCS. I've got H-Sport springs and have removed the runflats - both of which helped but the car still rides harder than my old Porsche track car!

Cheers,

 

You, know, and this will seem silly to some, I'm considering the JCW suspension kit. I'm slightly bugged because I cannot get any spring rate info. However, between my conversations and emails, I feel this kit has the potential to offer a better compromise than the stock S. I've been very wrong before.

I used Biltstein's HD dampers with progressive rate spring in the past and the ride was really nice. Handling was also improved. I think the upper rates for the progressive springs were 260lb front and 180lb rear...they may have been a little heavier, but I cannot remember. These are not killer rates by any stretch, especially if you consider these are the stiffer rates. These were used in a 2,350lb front wheel drive car used for commuting. All else was left stock.

 

I recently gave my pop his first ride in my MCS (with Ledas), and he made two comments that still crack me up whenever I think about that drive.

After hitting some somewhat rough road...

TonyB's Dad: I think you forgot to re-install your springs

TonyB: , it's somwhat of an aggressive set-up, a little on the responsive/stiff side...

TonyB's Dad: certainly not the best ride for one with a bladder problem!

TonyB: [laughing too hard to coherently say anthing!]

A few minutes later after merging onto the freeway...

TonyB's Dad: What the hell was that screamin' sound?

TonyB: That's the supercharger.

TonyB's Dad: Sounded like a stuck pig...



My fronts and rears are somewhat tame for Leda standards: 250/325 (linear). The jolts keep the abs tight, and the arms firm .

Oh, to get back on topic here, Bilstein (many months ago) said that they would not give me their exact spring rates, saying that it was confidential information. Well, then my money will be confidential also .

Ciao

 

High Tony,

Dads are great...enjoy him while he's still around.

I had the same trouble a couple years ago when I was trying to find out what the rates were for Konis new coilover system. I'm still waiting...along with that pink rabbit.

ciao

 

Sorry guys, Koni's rep didn't come back with any meaningful information on their coilovers. Anyone else want to try? MEB - I agree Bilstein HDs are incredible. I had them in two Carreras and had the best of both worlds handling benefits and superb compliance.


Cheers,

 

Considering that the H-Sport springs are max ~ 275#F / ~ 350# R those
spring rates you show are pretty stiff on the front. There was a guy here
that complained about excessive roll with those PSS9's...not sure why
he would get excess roll with those spring rates + aftermarket rear
swaybar he had. I have very minimal roll on my current setup which
is just H-Sport springs and a 22mm rear swaybar...plus the ride is pretty
comfy.


As comparison, my sixty-something year old dad (he says he lost
count after 60 ) rode along with me on my MCS a while back and
he said the ride was pretty comfortable. He's a Lexus kinda guy.

 

I am currently refining my set-up with the Ledas and the Webb camber plates, and after chatting with Randy a couple of days ago, he doesn't agree with the PSS9 spring rate choices for the MINI. If interested, I'm sure he can elaborate...

 

I think Randy means that the front spring rates are too high causing
excessive understeer.

 

I wouldn't think the above rates would cause excessive understeer as these are still ever so slightly biased to the rear. I cannot speak about the Mini, yet, but most front wheel drive cars are much more biased to the front by 60-80lbs. An even rate such as above with a well chosen front(15-16mm) and rear(19-22mm) bar would actually produce a pretty neutral set-up for some cars. I set one up in such a way.

TonyB, did Randy say why he didn't like these springs?

Some guys do not like progressive rate springs. They are not particularly the fastest set-up for the track, but can provide an incredible compromise for the street. I actually think they work better for street and every day driving...depends upon the damper too.

 

humm...yah,it might be the progressive rate springs. Progressive rate tends to shuffle and roll the center of gravity around due to varying spring rates
as the car rolls. performance setups calls out linear rate.

 

Just as a comparison, does anybody know the compression/rebound numbers for the Konis?