Race Tech Shock Spring Rate Calculator

Race Tech shock springs come in various rates, ranging from 6.0 lbs/in to 16.0 lbs/in, with options in between. The choice depends on your motorcycle’s weight, suspension setup, and riding style. Consult with Race Tech or a suspension expert to select the appropriate shock spring rate for optimal performance and comfort on your specific bike.

Race Tech Shock Spring Rate Calculator

Rider Weight (lbs):
Bike Type: Motocross Enduro Road
Calculate Spring Rate

Spring Rate (lbs/in)	Race Tech Shock Spring Model
6.0	SRSP 632660
6.4	SRSP 632654
6.8	SRSP 632648
7.2	SRSP 632642
7.6	SRSP 632636
8.0	SRSP 632630
8.4	SRSP 632624
8.8	SRSP 632618
9.2	SRSP 632612
9.6	SRSP 632606
10.0	SRSP 632600
10.4	SRSP 632594
10.8	SRSP 632588
11.2	SRSP 632582
11.6	SRSP 632576
12.0	SRSP 632570
12.4	SRSP 632564
12.8	SRSP 632558
13.2	SRSP 632552
13.6	SRSP 632546
14.0	SRSP 632540
14.4	SRSP 632534
14.8	SRSP 632528
15.2	SRSP 632522
15.6	SRSP 632516
16.0	SRSP 632510

FAQs

How do I choose a spring rate for my race car? Choosing a spring rate for your race car depends on various factors, including the car’s weight, suspension design, track conditions, and driver preferences. Typically, you’d want to start with a baseline rate and make adjustments based on testing and feedback. A common starting point is around 500 lbs/in (8.9 N/mm) for the front and 250 lbs/in (4.5 N/mm) for the rear.

How do you calculate shock spring rate? Shock spring rate is typically calculated using the suspension’s motion ratio and the desired wheel rate. The formula is: Shock Spring Rate = Wheel Rate / (Motion Ratio^2).

How much spring rate do I need? The required spring rate varies widely based on the factors mentioned earlier. A rough estimate is 400-800 lbs/in (7.1-14.2 N/mm) for front springs and 200-400 lbs/in (3.6-7.1 N/mm) for rear springs, but these values can differ significantly depending on your specific setup.

What is the formula for spring rate? The formula for spring rate is: Spring Rate (lbs/in or N/mm) = Force (lbs or N) / Deflection (in or mm).

What happens if your spring rate is too high? If the spring rate is too high, the ride can become harsh, and the tires may struggle to maintain proper contact with the road. This can lead to reduced traction, discomfort for the driver, and a potential loss of control.

Does higher spring rate mean stiffer ride? Yes, a higher spring rate typically results in a stiffer ride because the springs resist compression more, reducing the suspension’s ability to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road.

How do I know what size coil spring I need? To determine the size of a coil spring, you need to consider its inner and outer diameters, wire diameter, and free length. These specifications are often available from the manufacturer or supplier.

How do you calculate rear shock spring rate? You can calculate the rear shock spring rate using the same formula as for the front spring rate: Shock Spring Rate = Wheel Rate / (Motion Ratio^2).

How do I choose a spring? Choosing a spring involves considering the vehicle’s weight, suspension design, desired handling characteristics, and track conditions. It’s essential to consult with experts or use simulation software for precise selections.

What does 10k spring rate mean? A 10k spring rate means that the spring requires 10,000 pounds of force to compress it by one inch (or approximately 175 N/mm per millimeter of compression).

Is a higher or lower spring rate better? The ideal spring rate depends on your specific application. Higher rates provide a stiffer suspension, which can improve handling but may compromise ride comfort. Lower rates offer a more comfortable ride but may reduce handling performance.

Does spring rate affect ride height? Yes, spring rate affects ride height. Stiffer springs tend to result in a higher ride height, while softer springs can lower it. However, other factors like suspension geometry also play a role.

What is 12kg spring rate? A 12kg spring rate means that the spring requires 12,000 Newtons of force to compress it by one meter (or approximately 12,000 N/m).

What is the spring rate per kg? The spring rate per kg is the force required to compress a spring by one millimeter when it’s expressed in Newtons per millimeter (N/mm). For example, a 10k spring rate is roughly equivalent to 175 N/mm.

Does spring diameter affect spring rate? Yes, spring diameter can affect spring rate. Thicker springs with larger diameters tend to have higher spring rates, while thinner springs with smaller diameters have lower rates.

What does 0 300kg leaf springs mean? “0 300kg” for leaf springs likely refers to the load capacity or rating of the leaf spring. It can typically handle a maximum load of 300 kilograms.

What does 5k spring rate mean? A 5k spring rate means that the spring requires 5,000 pounds of force to compress it by one inch (or approximately 87.5 N/mm per millimeter of compression).

How do I make my suspension less bouncy? To make your suspension less bouncy, you can adjust the shock absorbers to provide more damping, reduce the spring rate, or consider upgrading to adjustable dampers that allow you to fine-tune the suspension’s behavior.

Is it better to have stiffer or softer suspension? The choice between a stiffer or softer suspension depends on your driving preferences and the intended use of the vehicle. Stiffer suspensions offer better handling but can sacrifice ride comfort, while softer suspensions prioritize comfort over handling.

Why is stiffer suspension better for racing? Stiffer suspension is better for racing because it improves handling by reducing body roll, enhancing tire grip, and providing more precise control of the vehicle’s movements during high-speed maneuvers.

Does more preload mean stiffer ride? Yes, more preload on a suspension spring typically results in a stiffer ride because it increases the initial compression force required to start compressing the spring.

How do I choose the right spring rate coilovers? Choosing the right spring rate for coilovers involves considering your vehicle’s weight, suspension design, intended use, and personal preferences. Start with manufacturer recommendations and fine-tune through testing and feedback.

What are the 4 types of springs? The four main types of springs are:

1. Compression Springs
2. Extension Springs
3. Torsion Springs
4. Leaf Springs

How do you adjust the coil spring rate? The coil spring rate is generally not adjustable. To change the spring rate, you would need to replace the coil springs with ones of a different rate.

How do you calculate the shock absorber formula? The shock absorber formula to calculate damping force is: Damping Force (N) = Damping Coefficient (N-s/m) * Velocity (m/s). The damping coefficient is specific to the shock absorber and is not typically calculated but provided by the manufacturer.

How do I know what size my rear shock is? To determine the size of your rear shock absorbers, you can measure the extended and compressed lengths of the shock body, the diameter of the shock body, and the mounting hardware specifications. This information can help you identify the correct replacement shocks.

How do you know if a spring is ideal? An ideal spring would provide a linear relationship between force and deflection within its intended operating range. It would meet the requirements of the specific application, including load-bearing capacity, spring rate, and durability.

What is the rule of thumb for compression springs? A common rule of thumb for compression springs is that they should not be compressed beyond 80-85% of their free length to avoid potential damage and ensure longevity.

What is the most common spring? The most common type of spring is the compression spring, followed closely by extension springs.

Is 10k spring rate too stiff? A 10k spring rate can be too stiff or too soft depending on the vehicle, suspension setup, and intended use. It’s not inherently too stiff, but it may not be suitable for all applications.

Do you want spring rates higher in the front or the rear? The ideal spring rates for the front and rear of a vehicle depend on its design and intended use. In many cases, front springs are stiffer than rear springs to help with weight distribution and handling balance.

What is a 7K spring rate? A 7K spring rate means that the spring requires 7,000 pounds of force to compress it by one inch (or approximately 122.5 N/mm per millimeter of compression).

Does spring rate change with length? Spring rate typically remains relatively constant with changes in length within a spring’s designed operating range. However, extreme compression or extension can alter the spring rate temporarily.

Does spring rate change with temperature? The spring rate of most materials changes very slightly with temperature variations within a typical operating range. However, this effect is usually negligible for most practical applications.

What is a low spring rate? A low spring rate indicates that the spring is relatively soft and requires less force to compress it. The specific value of a “low” spring rate can vary depending on the context.

What happens if you stretch a spring too far? Stretching a spring too far can cause it to exceed its elastic limit, resulting in permanent deformation or failure. It may no longer function as intended and could become unsafe.

What does a stiff suspension feel like? A stiff suspension feels firm and rigid when driving. It transmits more of the road imperfections to the vehicle’s occupants, providing better handling at the expense of ride comfort.

Are shorter springs stronger? Not necessarily. The strength or stiffness of a spring depends on its material, wire diameter, and coil count, among other factors. The length of a spring primarily affects its free length and potential travel distance.

What spring rate is stiff? A spring rate is considered stiff when it requires a relatively high force to compress it. The specific value for “stiff” varies depending on the context and application.

What is the metric spring rate? The metric spring rate is typically expressed in Newtons per millimeter (N/mm) or kilonewtons per meter (kN/m), representing the force required to compress the spring by a unit of length.

How do you read Eibach spring numbers? Eibach spring numbers typically indicate the spring rate in pounds per inch (lbs/in) or kilonewtons per meter (kN/m), followed by additional information about the spring, such as its diameter and length.

How can I make my spring stronger? To make a spring stronger, you can use a material with a higher tensile strength, increase the wire diameter, or add more coils to the spring to increase its stiffness.

Is spring rate the same as stiffness? Spring rate is related to stiffness but is not the same thing. Spring rate quantifies how much force is required to compress or extend a spring by a specific amount, while stiffness is a more general term that can refer to various aspects of a material’s resistance to deformation.

Do more coils make a spring stronger? Adding more coils to a spring can increase its stiffness, which can make it stronger in terms of resisting deformation. However, this also affects other spring characteristics, so it’s essential to consider the overall design.

Does compressing a spring increase spring rate? No, compressing a spring does not increase its spring rate. The spring rate remains constant unless you modify the spring itself, such as altering its wire diameter or coil count.

How does wire diameter affect spring rate? Increasing the wire diameter of a spring typically increases its spring rate, making it stiffer. Conversely, reducing the wire diameter reduces the spring rate, making it softer.

Do leaf springs weaken over time? Yes, leaf springs can weaken over time due to fatigue from repeated loading and unloading cycles. Rust and corrosion can also contribute to their degradation.

Are leaf springs stronger than coils? Leaf springs and coil springs have different strengths and weaknesses, and their relative strength depends on the specific application. Leaf springs are often preferred for heavy-duty and load-bearing applications due to their durability and ability to distribute weight.

Should leaf springs be tight? Leaf springs should be properly tensioned and secured to provide the desired load-bearing capacity and ride quality. They should not be overly tight, as this can affect suspension performance and comfort.

What is a good spring constant value? A good spring constant value depends on the application. There’s no universal “good” value, as it varies widely based on factors like the intended use, vehicle weight, and suspension design.

What is the difference between spring rate and wheel rate? Spring rate refers to the stiffness of the suspension springs, while wheel rate takes into account the suspension geometry and motion ratio to determine how the spring rate affects the wheel’s movement and response to road irregularities.

Will shocks affect ride height? Shocks can affect ride height to some extent, especially if they are adjustable and allow changes in damping. However, the primary factors influencing ride height are the springs and the vehicle’s weight distribution.

What happens if suspension is too soft? If the suspension is too soft, the vehicle may experience excessive body roll, reduced stability during cornering, and a lack of control over the wheels, potentially leading to unsafe driving conditions.

What happens if suspension is too hard? If the suspension is too hard, the ride can become uncomfortable, and the wheels may not maintain proper contact with the road, leading to reduced traction and handling.

How do I know if my suspension is too soft? Signs of a suspension that is too soft include excessive body roll during cornering, a floating sensation when driving, and a lack of control over the vehicle’s movements.