Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2004 17:48:25 GMT From: Bob <uctraingNOSPAMnospamanet.com> Subject: Re: 9-5 springs
On Wed, 31 Mar 2004 06:11:07 -0500, "BL" <brianlevernospamatico.ca> wrote: >I live in Canada and drive a 2000 9-5 wagon. >I'm planning to upgrade the springs, and my first choice of springs were the >Eibach pros however these are currently not available in North America for >this vehicle, and will be on back order for months? Try contacting Trent Saab in the UK. The last time I contacted them they were willing to ship Eibach's to the USA so I assume they will ship to Canada. I actually contacted Eibach about this and they told me that there was not enough demand to import some of their springs to North America. >I can get the H&R springs ( also not available in North America), which are >specially imported by SAAB tuner Taliaferro in the US.Does anyone have any >experience with the H&R springs? I have great respect for Taliaferro. You can usually call or email and speak to Nick T directly. They seem to really be into modding cars and helping people to do so. I would not doubt what they tell you about their practical experience. I don't have any H&R experience although a buddy of mine tried Eibach and Boge. He thought the increase in handling was lesser with the Eibach (expected) with no ride quality loss. The Boge he found a little stiff. I expect H&G's would be equivalent to the Boge. I've driven a set of Abbott springs and they are _very_ stiff. >I'm looking to minimize the floating ride, without making the ride >excessively harsh. I think the Eibach are probably the best choice since they are progressive and should not affect the ride in normal conditions. However, I would *highly* recommend a set of Koni adjustables. Springs hold the weight of the car, shocks control the damping of the spring's motion. Stiffer springs will also reduce bounce but at the expense of ride. Shocks simply reduce bounce although they will dampen the compression rate too and might give a slightly stiffer ride - but with Koni's you can adjust it to your preference. All these springs will also reduce your ride height and clearance and I don't think you really want that in a wagon. Also, you should never consider stiffer springs without stiffer shocks to control them since the stiffer springs need more control. So, if you do the springs you should _really_ do the shocks too - otherwise you might get an even bouncier ride. >Any feedback is appreciated. My suggestion is to just buy the Koni's. [The installation labor is the same job... so if you are not a DIY guy then the decision to skip the springs would be more substantial since you'd end up paying labor twice if you don't think it is stiff enough]. But, I think you'll find the Koni's do what you want without any spring change. I went with the Koni's and I am glad I did. The only reason I would do the springs - and only Eibach if I did - would be to reduce the CoG a little and gain some handling. But, I think adjustable Koni's are a major, major improvement and go great with stock springs. My .02, loving my Koni/stock spring decision every day. Bob
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