Spring options for an MPS6

[MadAussie]

There's an mx5 for track work, I'm not really planning to do much with this at all. Lowering is purely for aesthetics currently.

[kmh001]

hehe, I've just always steered clear of progressive rate springs in all my cars. Not that I have a great deal of experience in telling the difference in driving performance, but I've always had the advice to stick with linear rate springs in my track cars.

Interesting to hear about the stock dampers failing when lowered springs go in. Anyone have links to prices of packages?

Cheers guys

Quite right. Everything is a compromise. The trade off for progressive rate springs is better ride quality at the expense of greater body roll and pitching. Linear is definitely better for track use.

I'm not aware of any packages but you can get Bilsteins for around $1000 (ask GSL Rallysports for a quote). They will suit most lowered springs.

The issue with the dampers is twofold: Any increase in spring rate will make the damper work harder as it attempts to damp the excitation of the spring and bring it under control. Every little road surface irregularity causes the spring to be excited so it's a constant process - ie the damper is working constantly while the car is in motion. Road surface condition has more effect on stroke length than valve actuation frequency. The other issue is using a stock damper that has a stroke length different to the new spring, the mis-match increases the likelihood of the damper bottoming out which can be destructive. This is obviously more of a function of road surface condition than the normal wear process. It's really not surprising that stock dampers quickly fail when used with lowered/stiffer springs.

[Nuliaj]

There's an mx5 for track work, I'm not really planning to do much with this at all. Lowering is purely for aesthetics currently.

Then there's really no reason to not go progressive, other than the psychological reason of "hardcore is better". The progressive Eibach springs will suit you fine if it's purely for everyday road use.