Lowered Springs Research [Archive] - Australian LS1 and Holden Forums

HazzaHSV

28-06-2005, 12:38 PM

Hey guys.

I thought this might be of interest to some people so here's some info on some well known springs.

BRAND -- | ---- HUB TO GUARD HEIGHT ---- | -- SPRING RATE -- |

WHITELINE
-----------
control low (low) Front ---- 355mm ---- progressive 170 - 230 ppi
control low (low) Rear ----- 345mm ---- linear 500 ppi

flat out (superlow) Front --- 340mm ---- progressive 170 - 230 ppi
flat out (superlow) Rear ---- 335mm ---- linear 500ppi

LOVELLS
--------
low Front ----------------- 365mm ----- linear 165 ppi
low Rear ------------------ 365mm ----- linear 400 ppi

superlow Front ------------ 350mm ----- linear 165 ppi
superlow Rear ------------- 350mm ----- linear 400 ppi

PEDDERS
--------
low Front ---------------- *560mm ----- miniblock (linear) 163 ppi
low Rear ----------------- *560mm ----- miniblock (linear) 319 ppi

superlow Front ---------- *550mm ----- miniblock (linear) 163 ppi
superlow Rear ----------- *550mm ----- miniblock (linear) 319 ppi

KINGS
------
low Front --------- 355mm ----- progressive 200 - 250 ppi
low Rear --------- 355mm ----- progressive 440 - 520 ppi
low Front -------- 355mm ----- progressive 350 - 500 ppi
low Rear --------- 355mm ----- progressive 600 -1000 ppi

superlow Front ---- 345mm ----- progressive 200 - 250 ppi
superlow Rear ----- 340mm ----- progressive 440 - 520 ppi
superlow Front --- 345mm ----- progressive 350 - 500 ppi
superlow Rear ---- 340mm ----- progressive 600 - 1000 ppi

So since I want to lower my car for looks and also for some handling improvements I have decided the Pedders and Lovells are more designed for ride comfort not handling. And I like the progressive springs because they will be softish for normal driving and stiff for cornering etc. So does anyone have experience with either the whiteline or the kings HD/HHD to share with me. Car is VY SV8. Also wouldn't mind knowing the rates for standard FE2 springs.

Hazza.

PS - ppi = pounds per inch and the * is because for some reason Pedder's measure the height from the bottom of a 15" rim to the guard instead of the trade norm from centre of hub to guard.

VooDoo

28-06-2005, 01:28 PM

My front is currently 315mm and rear 325mm. Coilovers up front with King Lows in the back. Pretty happy with the ride but still some work to do on the cornering. Launching is perfect (1.74 60 foot times)

Have a look at Ebaich Springs and Bilstein shocks for a very nice ride.

8HSVR8

28-06-2005, 03:40 PM

Hazza,

I have a VY2 R8, lowered on kings superlow's, apparently the superlows come in 2 types of settings, comforts or heavy duty. I selected the comforts for good ride quality i didnt want it too be too bouncy etc. Ive had them in the ca for about 3 months now..very happy with it... not hard or bouncy but still firm and handles well around corners etc... if you want sprinds for looks and reasonably good handling, id recommend. If you get the heavy dutys they are suited more for track work and abit harsher ride... I was told by the suspension place that did mine. My car sits nice n low now... back is right on the rear tyre and front is about 1in gap between guard and top of tyre..looks really awesome. If you like I can take some pics for you if someone can host for me....

Cheers
Shane

Tron2004

28-06-2005, 09:00 PM

HazzaHSV

I have a VY SV8 with King Superlows all round.

Front (hub centre to guard) = 330mm
Rear (hub centre to guard) = 320mm

A tad lower than what you've quoted for the Kings.

I found the Kings to be quite good.
Car looks horn and handles heaps better.
Ride qual is a fair bit harsher, so steering clear of potholes is a must!!
For the looks and handling, I gladly put up with the ride qual.

jsttry

28-06-2005, 09:30 PM

email them to online@mrjj.net and I'll host them for you

HazzaHSV

28-06-2005, 10:07 PM

Thanks for the reply's guys. I would love to see any photo's of your car's.

I think I'll go the Kings Superlows in the HD (comfort). Not gonna see the track often enough unfortunately and the King (comfort) is still stiffer spring rate than any of the other 3 brands (200 - 250 ppi).

Yeah 8HSVR8 the comfort are the HD (200 - 250 ppi front, 440 - 520 ppi rear) and the heavy duty are the HHD (350 - 500 ppi front, 600 - 1000 ppi rear) as per below. Also do you have measurements for your ride heights?

Tron2004. Did you go for the comfort ones (HD) or the heavy duty (HHD)?

VooDoo you get the HD or HHD in the rear?

Cheers.

Fezz

28-06-2005, 10:14 PM

I'm also looking at lowering my VY SS, a few photos from the guys running King Spring's in their VY's would be greatly appreciated.

If you need the images hosted, email them to me - matt@hioctane.com.au ...

Cheers,
Matt

Kingyvl

28-06-2005, 10:50 PM

So if I want to stil tow a ski boat, what king springs should I get?
I still want the superlow height but will it scrap while towing?
Car is a 2000 vt ss on 18's.
Opinions please....

HazzaHSV

29-06-2005, 12:00 AM

Kingyvl.

My guess would be the only way to get superlow and be able to tow without the rear end scraping the ground would be to get the heavy duty (600 - 1000 ppi) rears. Could be a pretty stiff ride though!

mmm

29-06-2005, 01:51 PM

What has been peoples experience with insurance companies?
(I'm with AAMI)
I have been informed the limit is 30mm from stock
i have seen many dumped lower than this

carneb

29-06-2005, 05:21 PM

I had my VY SV8 lowered. I told the suspension shop I wanted it lowered but not too much.

They used front: KHFL-47 rear: KHRL-45HD

The measurements are

Before
front 365
rear 375

After
front 345
rear 350

The after measurement is after the springs settled.

http://users.bigpond.net.au/bcar4179/ssside.jpg

kaiser

29-06-2005, 05:31 PM

8HSVR8

29-06-2005, 05:37 PM

Hazza,

I have sent pics of my car to JSTTRY for hosting... hopefully they will give you an idea of what the car should look like once fitted. I havent been able to measure the guard to hub centre heights yet.... will let you know once the rain stops and I can get the car out of the shed,the other toys are blocking it in..

Cheers
Shane

carneb

29-06-2005, 05:59 PM

carneb how does it go in terms of scrapping as i once had a lowered car and it scrapped on everything and my current vy ss front spoiler srcapes on some curbs i f you arent careful even though its not lowered.

If I'm carefull when parking it's OK but if you keep driving forward waiting for the front wheels to hit the kurb you hear a sickening scraping sound first.

I haven't had any troubles with the bottom scraping. I measured after the new springs were installed (before settling) and the lowest point was the cats and they were still roughly 105mm from the ground. The only place it's scraped is going over the speed humps in the sunset viewing area at Ayers Rock, even though I took them diagonally.

gtr355

29-06-2005, 06:15 PM

Kingyvl

29-06-2005, 07:23 PM

Thanks Hazza.

Tron2004

29-06-2005, 07:36 PM

Tron2004. Did you go for the comfort ones (HD) or the heavy duty (HHD)?

Pics can be seen at...
http://www.users.on.net/~tron2005/SV8low.html

When I had the car lowered it was never mentioned to me that the Kings come in both comfort or heavy duty. I would have picked heavy duty anyway.
So right now I'm not sure which, although they do feel a tad more "heavy duty" then "comfort".
There is no mention of either HD or HHD in the part number or description on my invoice.

Old Kiwi

29-06-2005, 07:57 PM

BLACK 346

29-06-2005, 08:15 PM

I've been trying to get mine lowered for some time now, but keep running into people who say ''YOU MUST DO THE SHOCKS AS WELL''

Problem is, I don't want to spend the extra $$$

Have any of you guys who havn't done shocks had any bad experiances?

Cheers
Shane
KIWI

I personally think you would be crazy to lower and
stick with the FE2 dampers, but that is just me.
I did try leaving them in after lowering 30mm
with Kings springs, but the dampers just didn't
handle the rebound over bumps, and on our first
trip on a certain road from Nowra to Moss Vale
heading to Adelaide I had a couple of very
unpleasant hits on the bumpstops :eek:
Seriously, the car was like a bouncing ball on
anything other that perfect blacktop.

BLACK 346

29-06-2005, 08:18 PM

Pics can be seen at...
http://www.users.on.net/~tron2005/SV8low.html

When I had the car lowered it was never mentioned to me that the Kings come in both comfort or heavy duty. I would have picked heavy duty anyway.
So right now I'm not sure which, although they do feel a tad more "heavy duty" then "comfort".
There is no mention of either HD or HHD in the part number or description on my invoice.

Tron, I have the Comfort springs in the back of mine,
they were recommended to me by the Kings rep as I
mentioned that I would have little people in the back.
Not sure what the difference is when compared to the
HD springs though, but definitely better ride than the
old FE2.

Tron2004

29-06-2005, 08:30 PM

I've been trying to get mine lowered for some time now, but keep running into people who say ''YOU MUST DO THE SHOCKS AS WELL''

Problem is, I don't want to spend the extra $$$

Have any of you guys who havn't done shocks had any bad experiances?
I didn't do the shocks, and haven't had any probs, but I'm thinking that I will replace the rear shocks because the "bouncing ball" effect is in the back of my mind.
I haven't driven over anything than almost perfect roads, so can't comment on the BB effect. The other thing is, because the springs are shorter, replacing the shocks to suit would mean that the springs should be more of a "snug" fit due to the lesser movement of the shocks.

jsttry

29-06-2005, 11:31 PM

Here are some pics of 8HSVR8's lowering:

EDIT: No point in posting pics twice and wasting bandwidth for forum members. 8HSVR8 if you're going to sent it to 2 people to host might as well let one of us know.

More are here: <removed>

Fezz

29-06-2005, 11:38 PM

if untamd sees this, or if anyone can pm him,(unless someone wants to help me get validated ;) ) what are your measurements from hub to guard just so i can get a comparison.as some peoples view of a low car is different from anothers...

Hi gtr355,

I'm good mates with untamd, unfortunately we won't be able to provide any measurements as the car has been sold and the new owner is actually getting it rasied as it will not go up his driveway. :lol:

The car had compressed springs, everything else suspension wise was standard. Contact Ozzy Tyres (Hoxton Park) or All Springs (Moorebank) for more information re: the ride height.

Here are a few photos of untamd's VY and his old VX...
http://www.hioctane.com.au/misc/vez350vy_01.jpg
http://www.hioctane.com.au/misc/vez350vy_02.jpg

http://www.hioctane.com.au/misc/untamdvxss_01.jpg
http://www.hioctane.com.au/misc/untamdvxss_02.jpg

Also, here are the photos emailed to me from "8HSVR8" showing his setup...

*EDIT* "jsttry" beat me to it. :box: :lol:

Cheers,
Matt

HazzaHSV

30-06-2005, 12:06 AM

VXSS

30-06-2005, 06:39 AM

Fezz do u have any front shots of untamd vy????

My ride height in my vxss is almost the same as his old vxss, his rear was a little lower than mine, front was the same.

2" Lower than FE2 Front same

2 1/4" Lower than FE2 Rear mine, untamd was 2" 1/2 Lower than FE2 Rear

Cheers

John

Hi gtr355,

I'm good mates with untamd, unfortunately we won't be able to provide any measurements as the car has been sold and the new owner is actually getting it rasied as it will not go up his driveway. :lol:

The car had compressed springs, everything else suspension wise was standard. Contact Ozzy Tyres (Hoxton Park) or All Springs (Moorebank) for more information re: the ride height.

Here are a few photos of untamd's VY and his old VX...
http://www.hioctane.com.au/misc/vez350vy_01.jpg
http://www.hioctane.com.au/misc/vez350vy_02.jpg

http://www.hioctane.com.au/misc/untamdvxss_01.jpg
http://www.hioctane.com.au/misc/untamdvxss_02.jpg

Also, here are the photos emailed to me from "8HSVR8" showing his setup...

*EDIT* "jsttry" beat me to it. :box: :lol:

Cheers,
Matt

8HSVR8

30-06-2005, 10:08 AM

Fezz

30-06-2005, 11:39 AM

Fezz do u have any front shots of untamd vy????

My ride height in my vxss is almost the same as his old vxss, his rear was a little lower than mine, front was the same.

2" Lower than FE2 Front same

2 1/4" Lower than FE2 Rear mine, untamd was 2" 1/2 Lower than FE2 Rear

Cheers

JohnJohn,

Here are a few higher res images of the VY, for the rest check out my site - www.HiOctane.com.au ...

http://www.hioctane.com.au/misc/vez350vy_03.jpg
http://www.hioctane.com.au/misc/vez350vy_04.jpg

EDIT: No point in posting pics twice and wasting bandwidth for forum members. 8HSVR8 if you're going to sent it to 2 people to host might as well let one of us know.Sorry, I took mine down once I saw you had already put them up for Shane. Here they are again, sorry for the confusion. :bash:

http://www.hioctane.com.au/misc/8hsvr8_01.jpg
http://www.hioctane.com.au/misc/8hsvr8_02.jpg
http://www.hioctane.com.au/misc/8hsvr8_03.jpg
http://www.hioctane.com.au/misc/8hsvr8_04.jpg

Cheers,
Matt

HazzaHSV

30-06-2005, 12:43 PM

***********-- IMPORTANT --***********

Guys after trying to order my superlows I have found out the part numbers in my first post regarding the KINGS are actually wrong!!!!!!! And one of the spring rates was wrong aswell.

CORRECT INFO

KINGS
------
superlow Front (KHFL-47HD) ---- 345mm ----- progressive 200 - 250 ppi
superlow Rear (KHRL-46HD) ----- 340mm ----- progressive 440 - 520 ppi
superlow Front (KHFL-47HHD) --- 345mm ----- progressive 300 - 500 ppi
superlow Rear (KHRL-46HHD) ---- 340mm ----- progressive 600 - 1000 ppi

Also to dispell a myth I was told by another brand representative, they told me progressive springs are no good because the coils get closer together to stiffen the spring as it compacts and this is very bad because as the spring sags it will bottom out very easily at the point where the coils are already close together. KINGS have just stated officially that they do not use varying coil seperation like some all the old style progressive springs, they use tapered wire springs which vary in strength of coil and are a constant seperation.

Hazza.

RamRod

30-06-2005, 01:40 PM

This may not help much. But I have king lows on my VS (2.5 years).

Now just about everyting possible rattles in the car from the stiff ride and the car has only done 130K kms :mad: . But then again the town I live in has to have THE crappiest roads in Queensland. So like I said, probably no use.

VXSS

30-06-2005, 08:33 PM

John,

Here are a few higher res images of the VY, for the rest check out my site - www.HiOctane.com.au ...

Cheers,
Matt

Cheers

Matt

RED R8

08-07-2005, 07:12 PM

Hey guys.

I thought this might be of interest to some people so here's some info on some well known springs.

BRAND -- | ---- HUB TO GUARD HEIGHT ---- | -- SPRING RATE -- |

WHITELINE
-----------
control low (low) Front ---- 355mm ---- progressive 170 - 230 ppi
control low (low) Rear ----- 345mm ---- linear 500 ppi

flat out (superlow) Front --- 340mm ---- progressive 170 - 230 ppi
flat out (superlow) Rear ---- 335mm ---- linear 500ppi

LOVELLS
--------
low Front ----------------- 365mm ----- linear 165 ppi
low Rear ------------------ 365mm ----- linear 400 ppi

superlow Front ------------ 350mm ----- linear 165 ppi
superlow Rear ------------- 350mm ----- linear 400 ppi

PEDDERS
--------
low Front ---------------- *560mm ----- miniblock (linear) 163 ppi
low Rear ----------------- *560mm ----- miniblock (linear) 319 ppi

superlow Front ---------- *550mm ----- miniblock (linear) 163 ppi
superlow Rear ----------- *550mm ----- miniblock (linear) 319 ppi

KINGS
------
low Front (47HD) --------- 355mm ----- progressive 200 - 250 ppi
low Rear (47 HD) --------- 355mm ----- progressive 440 - 520 ppi
low Front (47HHD) -------- 355mm ----- progressive 350 - 500 ppi
low Rear (47HHD) --------- 355mm ----- progressive 600 -1000 ppi

superlow Front (46HD) ---- 345mm ----- progressive 200 - 250 ppi
superlow Rear (46HD) ----- 340mm ----- progressive 440 - 520 ppi
superlow Front (46HHD) --- 345mm ----- progressive 350 - 500 ppi
superlow Rear (46HHD) ---- 340mm ----- progressive 600 - 1000 ppi

So since I want to lower my car for looks and also for some handling improvements I have decided the Pedders and Lovells are more designed for ride comfort not handling. And I like the progressive springs because they will be softish for normal driving and stiff for cornering etc. So does anyone have experience with either the whiteline or the kings HD/HHD to share with me. Car is VY SV8. Also wouldn't mind knowing the rates for standard FE2 springs.

Hazza.

PS - ppi = pounds per inch and the * is because for some reason Pedder's measure the height from the bottom of a 15" rim to the guard instead of the trade norm from centre of hub to guard.

This post should be made a sticky Thingo as it has made made spring choice alot easier today I picked up my lovell super lows.

hogs

08-07-2005, 08:38 PM

Evening,

Great post fellas. Heaps of info and should be added as a "sticky", if there is not one already. Not sure so I am covering my rear.

My wagon has FE2 at present and I am fairly happy with it apart from appearance. Would like it a little lower but need to take into account that I do carry a heap of camping gear on a regular basis with at least three on board.
Secondly, I am fairly keen to get the best out of it over the 1/4 and therefore need to compromise in relation to this set up as well.
Tough call, but would love some feedback please.

Cheers,

Hogs, :confused:

VXSS

08-07-2005, 09:47 PM

Matt,

Do you know the height specs on the clubby and what springs????

I love my ride height which I have had for the last 3 yrs, normally don't have a problem except until now.

Near identical to VEZ 350 old vxss as mentioned b4.

I have been going to a place every day the gym that has some massive speed humps and my transmission goes up and down when I go over them and causes exhaust leaks :mad: As much as I hate to I am thinking of raising the car a little.

Currently front is sitting 325mm from centre to the guard, and the rear is sitting 320mm from centre to the guard.

Cheers

John

John,

Sorry, I took mine down once I saw you had already put them up for Shane. Here they are again, sorry for the confusion. :bash:

http://www.hioctane.com.au/misc/8hsvr8_01.jpg
http://www.hioctane.com.au/misc/8hsvr8_02.jpg
http://www.hioctane.com.au/misc/8hsvr8_03.jpg
http://www.hioctane.com.au/misc/8hsvr8_04.jpg

Cheers,
Matt

Fezz

09-07-2005, 01:42 AM

Matt,

Do you know the height specs on the clubby and what springs????

I love my ride height which I have had for the last 3 yrs, normally don't have a problem except until now.

Near identical to VEZ 350 old vxss as mentioned b4.

I have been going to a place every day the gym that has some massive speed humps and my transmission goes up and down when I go over them and causes exhaust leaks :mad: As much as I hate to I am thinking of raising the car a little.

Currently front is sitting 325mm from centre to the guard, and the rear is sitting 320mm from centre to the guard.

Cheers

John
John,

Wouldn't be able to tell you mate, the owner is on the forums under the name "8HSVR8"... Send him a PM and I'm sure he will give you the details you're after.

Cheers,
Matt

VXSS

09-07-2005, 09:17 AM

Thanks for that Matt, will do

John,

Wouldn't be able to tell you mate, the owner is on the forums under the name "8HSVR8"... Send him a PM and I'm sure he will give you the details you're after.

Cheers,
Matt

vt_exec

09-07-2005, 11:12 AM

Thanks guys.

Have decided to go the King's Superlows comfort (HD) all round. The way carneb and tron2004's cars look is exactly what I am after. Also after checking out the HD pound ratings compared to the HHD, the HD are quite a bit stiffer than any of the other brands anyway so in effect are already heavy duty. Also this gives me scope to put adjustable shocks in later and the springs should allow soft adjustment as well as hard adjustment. The HHD springs being so hard by themselves will not be able to go any softer no matter how soft the shocks are set.

Thanks for input/pictures.

Hazza.

Is this true?
i have king superlows in my VT2 at the moment with shortened monroe shocks and plan to upgrade to adjustable konis to soften the ride up a bit.

i have a feeling i've got the heavy duty springs.
like others here at the time i bought and fitted the springs i had no idea there was two types...

HazzaHSV

09-07-2005, 05:55 PM

vt_exec.

I can't say 100% that I am right because I haven't tried it yet. But to me at least, when you look at the spring rates, it makes sense that if you go for the HHD (very very stiff the head office told me) then the ride will be hard but the handling will be awesome (the car would sit quite flat around corners). But if the ride is too hard for daily street use then even if you have adjustable shocks turned all the way to soft it will only be as soft as the springs (ie very hard).

If on the other hand you get the HD (comfort) springs then they will be softer for every day use and still fairly good handling wise around corners, but then if you fitted adjustable shocks you could stiffen the shocks up which would make the overall package very stiff for track use and then wind em down for street.

I am far from an expert though so would be good to hear from others.

Hazza.

PS - It seemed to me that King's Head Office were very reluctant to recommend the HHD for street use so I would say if your not sure which ones you have they are probably the HD but maybe there's a part number somewhere on the box or invoice.

vt_exec

09-07-2005, 06:19 PM

just checked the rear spring part number as i dont have the box anymore.

its khrl 46sl.

was hoping there was a either a hd or hhd marking on it but couldnt find any.

edit~
just looked through the king spring website, and as far as i can tell the comfort springs part number has a "c" instead of "sl"

but im not completely sure :bash:

HazzaHSV

09-07-2005, 09:04 PM

Hmm.. when I asked about the SL designation they told me they are the V6 springs now. So not sure. Maybe give the Head Office a call and ask. They were very helpful when I rang for the info I got.

VXSS

10-07-2005, 01:11 AM

Hey HazzaHSV do u have any more info on lovells springs???

Do King springs have an off the shelf part no. for comfort or sportslow springs in these heights????

Front 335mm Rear 330mm or

Front 340mm Rear 335mm.

My current setup is Front 325mm and Rear 320mm which I love but have to raise it a little to clear some massive speed humps.

Its either raise the car or get the jack hummer out

Cheers

John

vt_exec

10-07-2005, 08:20 AM

Hmm.. when I asked about the SL designation they told me they are the V6 springs now. So not sure. Maybe give the Head Office a call and ask. They were very helpful when I rang for the info I got.

sweet will do mate.
appreciate the info

PepeLePew

10-07-2005, 09:11 AM

VXSS

10-07-2005, 11:06 AM

So you have also had lovells springs as well, which do you prefer for ride quality????

I asked a lovells supplier and the lowest off the shelf spring front and rear was 345mm front and 345mm rear add an extra $66 per pair to get them reset to what ever height I wanted. Springs were $150 per pair front and back same pricing.

So springs front and back $300 plus $132 to get reset plus fitting $148 is a bit much considering I got my pedders sprts ryder front and rear at the height I wanted with wheel alignment for $400 fitted.

Thanks for the reply

Cheers

John

John I dont know about others experiences but...

Kings superlows on my VX looked a treat, but were lower than indicated above. I measured them as sitting 330 front 320 rear, and I was scraping all over the place on humps. Got mine replaced with the current catalog lows for SS/Clubby and its the most practical combo I've found while still sitting nice and low. The Lovells superlows I didnt really find sat that low in the rear, though the front sat nicely...

VXSS

10-07-2005, 11:09 AM

Maybe we should get a poll going on springs, kings / lovells / pedders / etc etc

HazzaHSV

10-07-2005, 06:18 PM

VXSS.

Don't have any more info on the lovell's. What more info you after?

With the King's Superlows the head office quoted around 340mm-345mm but a few guys have found them to be around 330mm and 335mm. So should raise your ride a little like your after. I will let you know what my measurements are next week when mine go in.

Hey HazzaHSV do u have any more info on lovells springs???
Do King springs have an off the shelf part no. for comfort or sportslow springs in these heights????
Front 335mm Rear 330mm or Front 340mm Rear 335mm.
My current setup is Front 325mm and Rear 320mm which I love but have to raise it a little to clear some massive speed humps.
Its either raise the car or get the jack hummer out

Cheers

John

VXSS

10-07-2005, 06:28 PM

VXSS.

Don't have any more info on the lovell's. What more info you after?

Off the shelf lowest height front and rear.

With the King's Superlows the head office quoted around 340mm-345mm but a few guys have found them to be around 330mm and 335mm. So should raise your ride a little like your after. I will let you know what my measurements are next week when mine go in.

Strange to hear that if u ask 4 340 and 345 u get 330 and 335 :confused: :rolleyes:

Look forward to your reply re your spring heights

Thanks

BLACK 346

10-07-2005, 08:20 PM

Strange to hear that if u ask 4 340 and 345 u get 330 and 335 :confused: :rolleyes:

Look forward to your reply re your spring heights

Thanks

Have had my Kings superlows in now for nearly
2 years, Front measurement is 345mm, rear
340mm with shortened dampers. Part numbers
are khfl47(hd) front and khrl45(c) rear. The rear
springs are comfort springs hence the C in the part
number ;)
Hope this helps mate.

HazzaHSV

10-07-2005, 08:59 PM

There you go. Seems to be a bit of variation. But don't forget its probably a bit different depending on which model VT, VX, VY etc. Also since the HSV's are bit heavier probably few mm lower than an equivalent SV8.

Hmm.. Black346.. The C might have existed 2 years ago but not anymore. According to head office there are only two different spring rates available off the shelf at the moment, one is HD (normal/comfort) and one is HHD (heavy duty).

RED R8

11-07-2005, 12:22 AM

Just put in my rear lovell superlows and sitting at 330mm fronts go in tuesday I am very happy with ride.

VXSS

11-07-2005, 05:41 AM

Just put in my rear lovell superlows and sitting at 330mm fronts go in tuesday I am very happy with ride.

Cool u got a part no. for the rear and front???

Cost????

Cheers

John

vt_exec

11-07-2005, 08:36 AM

just got a reply to my email from king springs in regards to the comfort and heavy duty springs.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Thankyou for your inquiry,

King spring part number KHRL-46SL, it is a heavy duty coil and is the softest spring rate available, in our product range. We do however have a heavier spirng available KHRL-46SLHD.

Regards,

K J Tarrant

Kris Tarrant

Sales and Technical Services
KING SPRINGWORKS PTY LTD

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Old Kiwi

11-07-2005, 10:10 AM

John I dont know about others experiences but...

Kings superlows on my VX looked a treat, but were lower than indicated above. I measured them as sitting 330 front 320 rear, and I was scraping all over the place on humps. Got mine replaced with the current catalog lows for SS/Clubby and its the most practical combo I've found while still sitting nice and low. The Lovells superlows I didnt really find sat that low in the rear, though the front sat nicely...

Hey Pepe,

What is your new measurment from center to gaurd?

I want to swap my stock springs for Kings low or similar because my car seems a little higher than it should on stock fe2 (367mm front and 358mm rear).
I'm hoping to drop about 10mm and avoid doing the shocks because I think such a small drop wouldn't new shocks.

Cheers
Shane
KIWI

PepeLePew

11-07-2005, 01:09 PM

Amazing the amount of variation you get in ride heights in the same cars with different sets of the 'same' springs.

To be honest I barely remember my Lovells. Only thing I remember was not being overly happy with the rear ride height. THAT SAID, I dont think the Kings I have now are much different. I was on the 'it has to be low' bandwagon...and spent the $$$ trying to find something practical, and ended up virtually on square one about where the Lovells took me.

Some of these arent overly helpful as they're not full side on but here they are anyway...

First one, pic with the Lovells 'superlow'. Angle doesnt help but their is a reasonable gap b/w the rear tyre and wheel arch
http://users.bigpond.com/hare99/p1.jpg

Second one, Kings superlow. That rear is as low as it looks. It was down around the 315mm mark. Kings replaced them under warranty...they'd started at a more reasonable 330mm.
http://users.bigpond.com/hare99/p2.jpg

Third one, current setup, Kings 'low' for Clubby/SS (as per current catalogue)
http://users.bigpond.com/hare99/p3.jpg

Amazing the difference 10mm can make to your driving experience. I'll measure the current heights when I can find something long enough to do it :)

RED R8

11-07-2005, 03:15 PM

Cool u got a part no. for the rear and front???

Cost????

Cheers

John
Part # HRL66 Rears
HFL70SL Fronts
Cost $265 supply only. I am really happy with ride so far.

Red CV8 R

11-07-2005, 07:21 PM

Have a look at Ebaich Springs and Bilstein shocks for a very nice ride.

I have this in the Monaro (and it was in my VX SS) and this comment is spot on. For a daily driver that likes a fang this setup is fantastic. Eibach springs are softer then kings so you can be a bit more adventurous with the shocks. I had adjustable Konis with kings before and this is a much nicer set up.

I havent tried just the springs but I would think that they would make the car more comfortable then stock.

VXSS

11-07-2005, 08:54 PM

Part # HRL66 Rears
HFL70SL Fronts
Cost $265 supply only. I am really happy with ride so far.

Thanks for the reply.

I called a Lovells supplier and he also gave me these part no. but the height is what I currently have.

HFL70SL = 325MM Would be interested to get the heights for these when they go in.

HRL66 = 320MM which I remember u saying that on your car its 330mm on the rear.

Old Kiwi

12-07-2005, 10:47 AM

Amazing the amount of variation you get in ride heights in the same cars with different sets of the 'same' springs.

Third one, current setup, Kings 'low' for Clubby/SS (as per current catalogue)
http://users.bigpond.com/hare99/p3.jpg

Amazing the difference 10mm can make to your driving experience. I'll measure the current heights when I can find something long enough to do it :)

Great pics, it really helps me out, this is the height I want as my stock FE2 sits at front: 367mm rear: 358mm, which seems too high. I want to put in Kings Low, but people keep telling me it will be the same and to go for superlow, which is lower than I want, and I don't want the extra expense of the shocks.

Cheers
Shane
KIWI

PepeLePew

12-07-2005, 11:02 AM

The Kings are pretty soft at the start of travel so will move a bit with a tank full of fuel, thats about 3/4 tank pictured.

They do have a bit of a gap when the tanks empty. BUT...overall I've found these a good compromise height. MUCH lower than FE2.

The OLD catalogue Kings 'low' werent much lower than FE2 (about 10mm and I had these too once upon a time). The picture are current 'low' for Clubbie/SS part numbers which are also listed as super low for the other models.
KHFL-47HD KHRL-46HD

BLACK1

12-07-2005, 12:22 PM

There are lots of stories and great pictures of lowered cars but no mention of anybody having trouble with driveshaft endfloat.

I blew the head of my KAAZ pod and destroyed the rest of the internals of the diff and the reason appears to be minimal endfloat in the driveshafts which was exagerated by a dodgy wheel alignment (rear toe adjustment)

Has anyone else had this problem or had the driveshaft endfloat checked ???

How much sideways movement (endfloat) should you have in the driveshafts with the car on the ground ???

When we pulled the driveshafts out there were round marks on the end plates where the steel shaft had tried to punch a hole in the end plates..

HazzaHSV

12-07-2005, 12:48 PM

Thanks for the pics PepeLePew. They are the springs I have ordered and that's the look I am after. Just to confirm your 2nd and 3rd photos are using the exact same springs (KHFL-47HD KHRL-46HD), except the 2nd photo the springs were 'faulty' ie too low?

How have you found the handling and ride? Are the Kings harder for normal driving? Do you notice the Kings getting firmer when you go through corners etc?

The Kings are pretty soft at the start of travel so will move a bit with a tank full of fuel, thats about 3/4 tank pictured.

They do have a bit of a gap when the tanks empty. BUT...overall I've found these a good compromise height. MUCH lower than FE2.

The OLD catalogue Kings 'low' werent much lower than FE2 (about 10mm and I had these too once upon a time). The picture are current 'low' for Clubbie/SS part numbers which are also listed as super low for the other models.
KHFL-47HD KHRL-46HD

PepeLePew

12-07-2005, 01:41 PM

I dont remember what a stock car feels like to be honest....first thing I changed was the springs, so I cant say how the feel of the car has changed. All I can say is I dont drag or race the car, so I'd be half tempted if buying again to look for a comfort option. I probably wouldnt if I didnt have the 18's on. I had 17's on the car briefly a while back and it felt much nicer ride wise..

The second pic had superlows in the rear, which sagged beyond superlow. What was a superlow? Hell I dont know..whatever was lower than low that year :)

IMHO Kings stuffed it, the springs sold in 02/03 as 'low' WERE low for a stocker but not low for FE2, and the changes in their catalogue since reflect that recognition. Too many, like myself, ordering 'lows' with little to no change to the car.

ls1ozstyle

21-07-2005, 11:17 PM

Hey,

Had my stock FE2 springs replaced today with Kings 'superlows' and it has reduced body roll alot which is great, but I am a bit dissapointed in the ride height, I was expecting it to be lower.
The bloke who done the job told me it will settle to the correct superlow height, but in my experiences with lowered springs over the years I've never seen springs settle more than the tiniest fraction.
Personally I think I have somehow ended up with 'lows' being fitted. Tomorrow morning I will take some measurements and compare with info in this thread.
So anyone with advice or information please help.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PepeLePew

22-07-2005, 10:15 AM

I nearly fell over when I saw my car with the superlows...I didnt expect it'd drop so....LOW.

What springs did you get fitted? Got a pic?

chops

22-07-2005, 10:29 AM

Did you ever get those measurements Pepe?
I for one am VERY interested.

ls1ozstyle

22-07-2005, 10:06 PM

I nearly fell over when I saw my car with the superlows...I didnt expect it'd drop so....LOW.

What springs did you get fitted? Got a pic?

The springs I ordered through the suspension shop are superlows which I assumed would put the guards just hovering over the tyre but instead there is atleast a 3 finger gap between guard and tyre.
Is this the norm or have I in fact got 'lows' fitted? If kings have sent the wrong springs can I expect the shop that done the work to replace them free of charge?
Also if I wasn't such a computer moron I would post pics.

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BLACK 346

23-07-2005, 07:02 AM

The springs I ordered through the suspension shop are superlows which I assumed would put the guards just hovering over the tyre but instead there is atleast a 3 finger gap between guard and tyre.
Is this the norm or have I in fact got \\\'lows\\\' fitted? If kings have sent the wrong springs can I expect the shop that done the work to replace them free of charge?
Also if I wasn\\\'t such a computer moron I would post pics.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With that sort of gap sounds like you have Lows which would make
it roughly the same height as FE2. Did the shop order and sell
you the springs? If so, then they should replace them with the
correct springs.
Edit: This lowering business seems to be a lot harder than it should
be, I still remember the hassles I had with numerous phone calls
to Kings, trying to get the right springs. And then when I picked
it up from Selby\'s in Nowra and it wasn\'t quite as low as I would
have liked (glad it wasn\'t now thought with our new driveway).

ls1ozstyle

24-07-2005, 04:36 PM

My springs have settled down over the last few days but there is still atleast a two finger gap between guard and tyre. I have a mate who has a VY SS with kings superlows and when parked side by side my SS does seem to have lows instead of superlows. It certainly looks (and handles) alot better than stock but still not the look I'm after, so I think I will ring the suspension shop tomorrow and organise a refit.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PepeLePew

25-07-2005, 05:33 PM

Ok, finally got off my fat butt and measured...

Front 340
Rear 335

I reckon this is a true 340/340 as the rear is a bit out of kilter (bye bye tyres)...

Thats only 10-20mm more than the S/L's I had on once, but the difference in practicality 10-20mm can make more than makes up for it :)

PS...should this thread be in non-powertrain technical? Has turned into a pretty good discussion..

RED R8

25-07-2005, 05:55 PM

Mine (vyss) with lovell superlows has settled to 325mm rear 335 front ride is excellent.

hogs

25-07-2005, 07:05 PM

[QUOTE=hogs]Evening,

Great post fellas. Heaps of info and should be added as a "sticky", if there is not one already. Not sure so I am covering my rear.

My wagon has FE2 at present and I am fairly happy with it apart from appearance. Would like it a little lower but need to take into account that I do carry a heap of camping gear on a regular basis with at least three on board.
Secondly, I am fairly keen to get the best out of it over the 1/4 and therefore need to compromise in relation to this set up as well.
Tough call, but would love some feedback please.

I did post this a while ago and I spose it got lost in the heap.

Is there anyone who has lowered a Wagon and used it for similar reasons to me that could provide some input as to the sort of rates that will suit me?

Cheers,

Hogs, :)

ls1ozstyle

27-07-2005, 10:35 PM

Edit: This lowering business seems to be a lot harder than it should
be, I still remember the hassles I had with numerous phone calls
to Kings, trying to get the right springs. And then when I picked
it up from Selby\'s in Nowra and it wasn\'t quite as low as I would
have liked (glad it wasn\'t now thought with our new driveway).

It seems to be a pure lucky dip with King springs, my SS still sits to high for my liking :mad: yet I have a mate who also has a VXSS that has kings superlows and another mate with a VYSS running kings superlows which both sit lower and have a better overall stance than mine :confused: .
Anyho I measured from hub to guard front and rear and compared to the kings superlow measurments------Almost spot on to the millimetre :confused: .
To make things more bloody confusing I was just checking out the pics of Pepe's fine looking ride in this thread and his current setup (kings lows) looks identical in the rear to mine yet his front is lower :confused: . What da F#@K???
Seems to me that Kings have a problem with basic quality control!!!!!!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VXSS

28-07-2005, 05:48 AM

Matt,

I just remembered I was doing a wedding with my car and dropped the tyre pressure down to around 32psi :bash:

So I put it back to 40psi and :D only a slight scrap over the monster speed humps, therefore no need to change ride height :D

Here is a quick pic, side shot I can provide more pics and angles if ppl want.

http://www.haroc.1337thing.com/ls1/VXSS/GTS%20Side.jpg

Cheers

John

Matt,

Do you know the height specs on the clubby and what springs????

I love my ride height which I have had for the last 3 yrs, normally don't have a problem except until now.

Near identical to VEZ 350 old vxss as mentioned b4.

I have been going to a place every day the gym that has some massive speed humps and my transmission goes up and down when I go over them and causes exhaust leaks :mad: As much as I hate to I am thinking of raising the car a little.

Currently front is sitting 325mm from centre to the guard, and the rear is sitting 320mm from centre to the guard.

Cheers

John

HazzaHSV

28-07-2005, 05:50 PM

Your not gonna believe this guys! After starting this thread with information from weeks of research it all came together - NOT!

I went to order some King superlows to find that there was an agent locally that had them in stock. So I had what I was told were Kings Superlows picked up. Anyway straight away I saw they were in a Selby branded box and painted black not King branded or yellow??? WTF?? Then rang Kings Head Office and was told yes they are Kings Springs just painted and branded differently for some resellers but same exact part number and same exact spring. Anyway went ahead and had them fitted and when the car came down it was like someone had put 2 tonnes of weight into the boot. ie rear was around two inches lower than the top of the tyre and the front was 2 inches above the tyre (looked ridiculous). So having been stuffed around, not being able to find anymore Kings anywhere locally, being faced with the possibility of the same problem if I ordered a new set and if they were wrong too - forget it. I gave up and got some pedders ones (yes the ones I didn't really want). Since they are local and we deal with them everyday I can get them changed at any time within minutes no questions asked. Anyway will post before and after pics tomorrow when I take a picture. I am fairly pleased with them, handling is much better but I might go next size lower on the front.

So yes QA seems to need some work at Kings. Just wanted to warn others since I recommended them based on the research I did.

RED R8

28-07-2005, 05:58 PM

VXSS

28-07-2005, 06:49 PM

If I had my time again I'd use Lovells 4 sure.

Thats why I went lovells I didn't want to play the kingspring lottery.

JLR

28-07-2005, 10:19 PM

If I had my time again I'd use Lovells 4 sure.

Looks like Pedders Sports riders are the way to go IMHO. Tyre to guard height is exactally what i wanted. Even on both front and back, but decided not to go there after some people were bagging Pedders. But after my Kings "lottery" as some have said, Pedders look mighty fine at the moment.

Just an update. If you unsure of my story
http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=40495&highlight=47hd

I had replaced the front (KHFL-47HD) with KHFL-47. These ones had "NO HD" on it and effectivly lowered the car where i expect them sort of to be. Still a bit to high for the moment (2 fingers tight in guard ;p, compared to 3), but ill wait till they settle. Apparently the HD's didnt lower the car due to the spring rate on the coil, and the NON HD's put in were a lower spring. I can tell the spring is not HD, as the ride is softer, but the ride height is better.

The rears got replaced with KHRL-46SLHD (These are the same but have the SL on them). Exactally the same height as the previous KHRL46HD's, but a lot stiffer. Werid............ considering, these springs actually have the SL on them to. But im gonna have to dial the Koni yellows onto soft, cause any bumps and it really jolts the back.

So now i wanna try the KHFL47SL, cause if these sit at 330mm, im all set and done. Anyone got a set lying around?

p.s. if anyone wants a set of KHRL-46HD's, or KHFL-47HD's that have only done 1000 or so kms drop me a PM.

PepeLePew

29-07-2005, 10:02 AM

IMHO yes on Kings QA,,,,,or the guys that package the things at least.

Anyone know who makes the Pedders springs?

My last car sat on a Pedders sports Ryder package (EL XR6 with 17's). It sat beautifully, even the service guys said it sat perfectly. But, it was dangerous to drive above around 150km/h, wayyy unstable.

Not knocking Pedders with that, might just have been my car or perhaps the shocks were worn out (50000kms+)

VZBLUESS

29-07-2005, 12:46 PM

Has anyone had dobinson springs fitted in their ride.What did they ride like, did they sag etc.

HazzaHSV

29-07-2005, 05:49 PM

JLR

02-08-2005, 03:05 PM

I think Pedders make their own springs. I had Pedders springs in my VP commodore and didn't have any issues at speeds higher than 150 km/h. So not sure about that one.

And don't get me wrong there's nothing wrong with Pedder's, Marcus deals with them everyday and they are great guys with a good product but for this application I wanted a stiffer handling car as well as one that sat at a nice ride height. So based on the spring rates I got from all the Head Offices since the Pedders were the softest they were not my first choice. I have ultimately ended up with them and the ride is fimer than FE2. Funny thing too when I had a look at the Pedders springs side by side the Kings ones, the Pedders had slightly larger diameter coils which I thought was interesting.

HazzaHSV,

did you end up getting the next sized lower Pedders? Picts please
:)

I was about to replace my Kings with Pedders that would sit 575mm bottom of wheel (18") to guard (im guessing ~330mm centre of hub to guard). But the Pedders springs are $180 pair, plus fitting and wheel alignment (x4), it was gonna end up $400. I thought for the sake of dropping the front of my car 15mm; ill keep the $400 :). Considering the Kings only cost around $100.

GTS215i

02-08-2005, 03:27 PM

Thats why I went lovells I didn't want to play the kingspring lottery.

Exactly what i was stating in a previous thread before i was getting jumped on.

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=40717

HazzaHSV

02-08-2005, 05:30 PM

JLR.

No haven't had time to get back in to get the next size lower. This is how it sits right now.

http://users.tpg.com.au/hazzahsv/Hazza_crop.jpg

As soon as I try the lower ones I will post a pic.

Yeah the pedders ones are more expensive. Around 50 bucks per pair more for me. But I needed springs and couldn't get any Kings and didn't want the chance of them being wrong again. Oh well can't win em all.

HazzaHSV,

did you end up getting the next sized lower Pedders? Picts please
:)

JLR

02-08-2005, 06:23 PM

This is mine

Front: KHFL-47
http://www.haroc.1337thing.com/ls1/JLR/KHFL47%20FRONT.jpg

Sits around 345mm (centre of rim to guard)

Rear: KHRL-46SLHD
http://www.haroc.1337thing.com/ls1/JLR/KHRL-46SLHD REAR.jpg

Sits around 335mm (centre of rim to guard)

Instead of starting a new thread... Here are some conparison picts of

KHFL-47HD vs FE2 and KHRL-46HD vs FE2

The fronts:
Note the King Springs are (by my measurements) 30mm lower than the FE2. However these did not lower my car 30mm from FE2 height when installed. Weird.
http://www.haroc.1337thing.com/ls1/JLR/FRONT-FE2-46HD.jpg

Sat around 355mm (centre of rim to guard)

The rears:
The height difference between the springs was approx 70mm.

http://www.haroc.1337thing.com/ls1/JLR/REAR-FE2-46HD.jpg

Sat around 340 (centre of rim to guard)

HazzaHSV

02-08-2005, 08:46 PM

Good post JLR.

Yep mine's very similar to yours but a bit higher on the rear (345 front 345 rear). I am after 335 both front and back. Same as your rear but also on the front. Hopefully the next size down will do it.

Your picture of the front springs is what I noticed when I had the Kings side by side the Pedders. Ignoring the height, the Kings were quite a bit smaller in diameter on the fronts which I don't understand. They seem to be only marginally bigger than even FE2's. This would mean softer spring rate right? But they are almost twice as firm going by the specs I got? :eek:

JLR

03-08-2005, 08:55 PM

Good post JLR.

Yep mine's very similar to yours but a bit higher on the rear (345 front 345 rear). I am after 335 both front and back. Same as your rear but also on the front. Hopefully the next size down will do it.

Yep, the next size or so Pedders will lower it more. They measure as you know bottom of rim to guard, and you can get ones that sit 575mm (with 18") no worries. I was going to do it to match front and rear, but for $400, its not worth it.

Your picture of the front springs is what I noticed when I had the Kings side by side the Pedders. Ignoring the height, the Kings were quite a bit smaller in diameter on the fronts which I don't understand. They seem to be only marginally bigger than even FE2's. This would mean softer spring rate right? But they are almost twice as firm going by the specs I got? :eek:

Not to sure about the spring rates. But the Pedders guy told me that theyre coils were thicker, but then again the spring rate in the Kings are harder. You can really tell the difference between the Kings and FE2 in weight. The Kings weight almost twice as much.

VTSS195i

21-09-2005, 03:10 PM

Does anybody have ride heights for any Eibach springs????? I hear they are a very comfortable ride?

jed.only

01-06-2007, 09:00 AM

decipher these part numbers for me:

KHFL-47SL
KHRL-46ND

fitting an 04 GTO. i cannot make sense of it.

VY2XS

03-07-2007, 09:38 PM

Hazzahsv,

How do you go running neg camber with those 17" rims ?
I recall from a previous post you were running koni yellows with stardard strut housings front.
Ive got the same setup and cant run any neg camber with my 17" rims , as they scrub at the top inside.
Maybe the vx ss rims im using have a different offset.
I can get around it by running wheel spacers.
Just wondering if you have had this problem.

sorry to "hijack" the thread.