It was my understanding that the TCI car ran 450#/in ft and 325 #/in rear for the 2009 Super Chevy Competition. (which apparently rode rough--per Super Chevy May 2010). Now they sell kits with 350/250 # coils. (these rates are assuming an LS2 or LS3 Block). I would assume that they have a rather soft ride in comparison?

I spoke with Roger from Speedtech, (thanks for the help!), and he stated that they sell the track time package with 450/220# coils. (these rates are assuming an LS2 or LS3 Block) Unless I'm missing something, wouldn't the Speedtech system ride nearly as rough as the originally tested TCI Car given the 450# rates?

Thanks in advance for you input.
Bobby

The ride quality depends on the motion ratio and the spring rate. In simple terms, if the spring is farther out towards the ball joint, it has a higher motion ratio and the spring is more effective. If the same spring is moved closer to the bushings of the control arm, the motion ratio is decreased and so is the spring effectiveness and the ride will get softer.
What will effect the ride quality is the final wheel rate. This is determined based on the spring rate and the motion ratio.

For the rear suspension, as far as I know, both set ups have springs mounted directly to the axle housing and therefore have a 1:1 motion ratio, so the springs are a direct comparison.

Shocks are also a huge part of ride quality, and should not be overlooked. Adjustables are a major help as you can tune them down for the street.

Hope that helped
:cheers:

so here is what i run in ResurreXion our Nova
Track Time Front and rear obviously
LS2 with a t56, and 500lb front and 220 rear springs, and i can tell you, as can the guys from Super Chevy the car rides beautifully, you would not begin to call it harsh or rough, so on our system to run a 450 in the front with a LS for street/ agressive driving is PERFECT! i decided to run the 500 for a comparison and wouldn't change them, i have driven the car 250 miles non stop and it wasn't the least bit uncomfortable. if you want to run the shocks on full Stiff it may be too stiff. i have not tried it because it is not required.

Thanks Ken and Blake,

I wonder how the current TCI system rides....

Would you recommend single adjustable Coil overs for someone who does more street driving than track time (to help with the budget?) It seems as though the doubles maybe unnecessary from someone who is not so serious....

(I presume the Track time package comes with single adj?)

Thanks

yes single adj shocks are all you would need. yes the TTP comes with single adj shocks

I can assure you without driving it that the difference in autocross and slalom performance with 320 rear springs and 220s is going to be substaintial! Unless those springs are at a very steep angle (and if they were 220s would not work later) 320s is WAY to much for a street car

And I think the front springs were stronger then that during that test.

Frank,

I presume you're speaking of the Speedtech System, not TCI?

Roger had recommended a 450/220 for an LS set-up. He said many use 500 and up for the front coils depending on engine choice and driving charartistics.

No, I am addressing the spring rate of the TCI set up. 320s on the rear is really strong.

Go Karts handle great............they don't ride very good.

Personally, after switching from R compounds to street tires, I'm not sure how a 320 rear spring could work.

They are mounted directly to the axle but they are laid over roughly 20 degrees. Effectively removing 15%-20% of its tension.

Mary has driven the car as recently as October with the softer springs so maybe she can chime in to how it rides with an unbiased opinion. :unibrow: I am not sure whether they lay theirs over at the same angle to be directly comparable.

I would compare the heavier springs ride quality to a LX/LY SRT8 with Eibach springs. With the lighter springs I would compare it to a stock SRT8.

Anyone local to SoCal is more than welcome to come take a ride in the car and make your own conclusions.