Linear vs. Progressive

[sk8erord]

So I've read a bunch of threads, and the only one that has really talked about linear vs. progressive springs was the BMR thread. I understand the mechanical differences between the two, but what is the practical difference? My car is mostly my daily driver, but I've joined NASA and want to start doing HPDE events with the car.

I'm looking at either the Steeda progressives or linears, because I like their drop, but I'm not sure which is better for me. I've read that the progressives are worse for performance driving because the sudden change in rate can upset the struts, but I don't know if that's something I'd notice or would affect me, or if I'd be better off with the linears because they're more predictable and I'm new at this.

Thoughts?

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[TunaFish15]

Upgraded struts and shocks will play a major role in how the springs react to road conditions, so for sure factor that in. I know that just upgrading to something like Viking rear shocks will reduce the bounce on the PP suspension without going to aftermarket lowering springs.

 

[BMR Tech]

My input to this thread will be minimal, simply because there are going to be so many people who chime in to disagree with what I have to say.

So, I will say this.

I am a fan of Linear Springs on most platforms - especially IRS.

I tested Progressive springs of various rates and drops, and Linear Springs of various rates and drops before deciding on our finalized products. No guesses, or relying on our spring maker.

I also tested "hybrid" combos of Progressive F / Linear R....and Linear F / Progressive R.

My preference was both front and rear Linear, regardless of the rates we tested. The others who were involved with the testing, agree.

If a linear spring is designed properly, it will provide a great ride. Assuming the Progressive Spring is stiffer than stock, the properly designed Linear Spring will provide a better ride than the Progressives, especially with OEM Dampers.

 

[BMR Tech]

For clarification, I am talking about a TRUE Progressive Spring, not a dual rate design that is designed to use a helping, tending or stacking portion to fulfill free height requirements.

 

[sk8erord]

My input to this thread will be minimal, simply because there are going to be so many people who chime in to disagree with what I have to say.

So, I will say this.

I am a fan of Linear Springs on most platforms - especially IRS.

I tested Progressive springs of various rates and drops, and Linear Springs of various rates and drops before deciding on our finalized products. No guesses, or relying on our spring maker.

I also tested "hybrid" combos of Progressive F / Linear R....and Linear F / Progressive R.

My preference was both front and rear Linear, regardless of the rates we tested. The others who were involved with the testing, agree.

If a linear spring is designed properly, it will provide a great ride. Assuming the Progressive Spring is stiffer than stock, the properly designed Linear Spring will provide a better ride than the Progressives, especially with OEM Dampers.

Thanks for the reply. Are you coming out with springs for the EBM any time soon? I wouldn't mind cross shopping BMR and Steeda, but so far, only Steeda's site shows springs for the EBM.

 

[BMR Tech]

They are in the works. ;)

 

[Nazgul]

BMR I recall you being pleasantly surprised with the PP struts in another thread. After doing your testing on them do you feel they will be good enough to handle you handling Springs?

 

[Todd15Fastback]

If you're going to be doing HPDEs on a fairly frequent basis, go with the linear springs.

I might do one track event a year and will not push my car and risk wrecking it. I choose the progressive springs and am 150% happy with my decision. The Steeda progressive is a dual rate spring. The handling characteristics are really good. I took my car to the Tail Of the Dragon a month ago and it performed flawlessly.

 

[Waldorf]

I am a fan of Linear Springs on most platforms - especially IRS.

Yes.

If you're going to be doing HPDEs on a fairly frequent basis, go with the linear springs.

And Yes. Have had linear springs on a T-Bird with IRS for a number of years. Better feedback in hard turns and you'll know when they're about to go away - no surprises. Ride has been fine also; firm but not brutal. Only thing they won't cure is acceleration squat... hallmark of an IRS car. The new GT will have BMR's on it for sure... just waiting for the final specs and pricing on the "newer" springs in their lineup. Oh, and if the UAW is nice and doesn't strike, I'll have my new GT next month.

That is all...

 

[RadRubyRed]

Absolutely love my Steeda Progressive springs. Can't go wrong with Steeda ever...

 

[Shibaman]

I just bought a set of Bmr springs.....and ford racing bump stops.. It will be a perfect set up for me... The mild drop....slight increase in spring rate over my pp...and the fr bumps to compinsate for the loss in travel . Many times the factory gets things right. My only concern is getting a good alignment on the car... Kelly. Factory specs....or a sportier street set up. My last 3 sports cars were miatas....a good alignment can be majic!

 

[BMR Tech]

I'm a little tired now, but I'll post some stuff up tomorrow for ya.

Good choice on the SP080s!

 

[David@Steeda]

There have been so many threads on linear vs. progressive

In your case [MENTION=17110]sk8erord[/MENTION], I'd absolutely recommend our linear springs since you'll be tracking the car pretty often. You'll want a linear spring for track use due to the consistent spring rate. The springs will lower your car 1.125" in front and 1" out back, which closes up a bit of the wheel gap nicely.

We were also mindful of ride quality/comfort when designing these, so they are absolutely 'daily-drivable.' They will work just fine with the factory shocks/struts, although we are working on our own versions.

Please let me know if you have any questions at all, I know there are several options out there and we're here to help!

 

[GTP]

David, can you provide us with the actual spring rates for F & R, EB & GT?
Do you have the spring rates of the stock and PP factory springs?

 

[sk8erord]

Ended up picking up the Steeda Linear springs since I might be doing an HPDE event on Labor Day weekend. Very excited to put those on with my new wheels!

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