For drag racing, rear spring rates typically range from 200 to 450 lb/in, with the specific rate depending on factors like vehicle weight. A vehicle weighing 2,500 to 3,000 lbs may use a rear spring rate of around 200-250 lb/in, while heavier vehicles exceeding 5,000 lbs might require rates above 450 lb/in. Fine-tuning is essential for optimal traction and performance.
Drag Race Rear Spring Rate Calculator
| Vehicle Weight (lbs) | Rear Spring Rate (lb/in) |
|---|---|
| 2,500 – 3,000 | 200 – 250 |
| 3,000 – 3,500 | 250 – 300 |
| 3,500 – 4,000 | 300 – 350 |
| 4,000 – 4,500 | 350 – 400 |
| 4,500 – 5,000 | 400 – 450 |
| 5,000+ | 450+ |
FAQs
How do I choose a spring rate for drag racing? Choosing a spring rate for drag racing depends on various factors such as the weight of your vehicle, tire type, power output, and suspension design. As a rough estimate, you might start with a spring rate that is 30-40% stiffer in the rear compared to the front to help with weight transfer during acceleration.
How do I choose a rear coil spring rate? For the rear coil spring rate in a drag racing setup, you could start with a rate that’s approximately 150-200 pounds per inch (lb/in) stiffer than the front springs.
What spring rates do race cars use? Race cars use a wide range of spring rates depending on the type of racing, vehicle weight, and other factors. It’s common to see spring rates ranging from 300 lb/in to 1000 lb/in or more for race cars.
What does 5k spring rate mean? A 5k spring rate means that the spring will compress 1 inch when a 5-pound force is applied to it.
Should I use soft or stiff springs for drag racing? Stiffer springs are generally preferred for drag racing to aid in weight transfer to the rear tires during acceleration. However, the ideal spring rate varies based on your specific setup.
Does higher spring rate mean stiffer? Yes, a higher spring rate indicates a stiffer spring.
Do you want spring rates higher in the front or the rear? For drag racing, you typically want higher spring rates in the rear to promote rearward weight transfer and traction.
What is the best spring rate for handling? The best spring rate for handling depends on the type of handling you want to achieve and your vehicle’s characteristics. Sportier handling often benefits from stiffer springs, but it varies.
Does the number of coils affect spring rate? Yes, the number of coils can affect the spring rate. Generally, more coils can result in a softer spring rate.
What spring rate is stiff? A spring rate above 600 lb/in is generally considered stiff for a passenger car.
What does 10k spring rate mean? A 10k spring rate means the spring will compress 1 inch when a 10,000-pound force is applied to it.
Does spring rate affect ride height? Yes, spring rate affects ride height. Stiffer springs can lead to a higher ride height, while softer springs can lower it.
Is a higher spring rate better? A higher spring rate isn’t inherently better. It depends on your specific needs, vehicle, and intended use.
What is the meaning of 12k spring rate? A 12k spring rate means the spring will compress 1 inch when a 12,000-pound force is applied to it.
What is a 7K spring rate? A 7k spring rate means the spring will compress 1 inch when a 7,000-pound force is applied to it.
Should rear suspension be stiff or soft for drag racing? Rear suspension should generally be stiffer for drag racing to help with weight transfer to the rear tires.
Do stiffer springs reduce body roll? Yes, stiffer springs can reduce body roll in corners.
Do stiffer springs transfer more weight? Yes, stiffer springs can transfer more weight to the wheels with greater traction, which is often desirable in drag racing.
Why are shorter springs stiffer? Shorter springs are stiffer because they have fewer coils, resulting in a higher spring rate.
Do stiffer springs need stiffer shocks? Stiffer springs may benefit from matching stiffer shocks to maintain control and balance in your suspension.
Do springs get stiffer in the cold? Yes, springs can become slightly stiffer in colder temperatures due to the change in material properties.
How do I choose a spring? Choosing a spring involves considering factors like vehicle weight, intended use, and suspension design. Consulting with a suspension specialist or engineer is recommended.
What are the advantages of progressive spring rate? Progressive springs provide a softer initial rate for comfort and a stiffer rate as they compress to improve handling during hard driving.
Does spring rate change with preload? Spring rate remains relatively constant with preload, but the initial height and ride height can change.
What is a reasonable number for spring constant? A reasonable spring constant can vary widely, but for many passenger vehicles, it might range from 300-600 lb/in.
Is spring rate the same as stiffness? Spring rate and stiffness are related but not identical. Spring rate measures how much a spring compresses under load, while stiffness relates to how much force it takes to compress a spring.
What is a low spring rate? A low spring rate might be considered below 300 lb/in for passenger vehicles.
Does more coils make a spring stiffer? No, more coils generally make a spring softer.
Does more coils mean more power? No, the number of coils in a spring does not directly relate to power.
Does cutting a coil spring make it stiffer? Yes, cutting a coil spring will typically make it stiffer.
Is 12k spring rate stiff? Yes, a 12k spring rate is quite stiff for most passenger vehicles.
How do I make my suspension less bouncy? Reducing bounce often involves adjusting damping settings, using anti-roll bars, and selecting appropriate spring rates for your vehicle.
Are softer springs more comfortable? Softer springs can provide a more comfortable ride because they absorb road imperfections better.
What is another name for spring rate? Another name for spring rate is stiffness or spring constant.
What is the difference between spring rate and maximum load? Spring rate measures how a spring compresses under load, while maximum load is the highest load a spring can handle before failing.
What is the spring rate of 1k? A spring rate of 1k means the spring will compress 1 inch when a 1,000-pound force is applied to it.
What happens if you stretch a spring too far? If a spring is stretched beyond its elastic limit, it can permanently deform or break.
Are shorter springs stronger? Shorter springs are often stronger because they have fewer coils and a higher spring rate.
Does lower ride height reduce drag? Lowering the ride height can reduce aerodynamic drag but may also affect handling and ground clearance.
What’s better soft or stiff suspension? It depends on your driving preferences and needs. Softer suspensions offer comfort, while stiffer suspensions provide better handling.
How do you increase suspension stiffness? You can increase suspension stiffness by using stiffer springs, shocks, or anti-roll bars.
Why do race cars have stiff suspension? Race cars have stiff suspensions for better handling, responsiveness, and control at high speeds.
How do you calculate spring load rate? Spring load rate is calculated by dividing the change in force (in pounds) by the change in length (in inches) of the spring.
Do helper springs increase spring rate? Helper springs are typically used to prevent coil bind and do not significantly affect the spring rate.
What are the spring rates for Vmaxx? The spring rates for Vmaxx suspension kits can vary depending on the specific product and application. You would need to refer to Vmaxx’s documentation or website for accurate information.
What is the best suspension setup for drag racing? The best suspension setup for drag racing varies based on your vehicle and goals. It often involves stiff rear springs, adjustable shocks, and fine-tuning for traction.
What happens if rear suspension is too stiff? If the rear suspension is too stiff, it can lead to poor weight transfer and reduced traction in drag racing.
Do you want stiff suspension for drag racing? Generally, a stiffer rear suspension is desired for drag racing to aid in weight transfer to the rear wheels.
Does a larger spring constant mean stiffer? Yes, a larger spring constant indicates a stiffer spring.
Are thicker springs stronger? Thicker springs can be stronger, but strength also depends on the material and design.
Does higher spring rate mean stiffer spring? Yes, a higher spring rate means a stiffer spring.
What happens if your spring rate is too high? If your spring rate is too high, it can lead to a harsh ride and reduced traction.
Does stiffer suspension improve acceleration? Stiffer suspension can improve acceleration by reducing weight transfer to the rear tires, improving traction.
Do stiffer springs exert more force? Yes, stiffer springs exert more force for a given amount of compression.
Do springs lose stiffness over time? Over time, springs can lose some of their stiffness due to material fatigue, but the rate of change is typically slow.
Does stretching a spring make it stiffer? Stretching a spring can make it slightly stiffer, but it may also weaken the spring over time.
What temperature is heat treatment for springs? Heat treatment for springs typically involves temperatures between 1,100 to 1,300 degrees Celsius (2,012 to 2,372 degrees Fahrenheit), depending on the material and desired properties.
How does temperature affect springs? Temperature can affect the stiffness and behavior of springs. Springs may become slightly stiffer in colder temperatures and slightly softer in warmer temperatures.
How do you know if a spring is ideal? An ideal spring meets the requirements for load-bearing capacity, deflection, and durability while maintaining its desired spring rate and not exceeding its elastic limits.
What are the most efficient springs? Efficiency in springs depends on the application. Coil springs are commonly used due to their efficiency in storing and releasing energy.
What’s better linear or progressive springs? Linear springs provide consistent spring rates, while progressive springs offer a softer initial rate for comfort and a stiffer rate as they compress for improved handling.
Do progressive rate springs provide a firmer ride? Progressive rate springs can provide a firmer ride as they compress further, but their initial rate is softer for comfort.
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