On 28 Dec 2007 at 10:47, M D Nugent wrote: > - a 2" reduction of free length will result in a 2" drop in ground > clearance, and...
For any given weight, the loading within the spring is the same everywhere. Regardless of the free length (and assuming a linear spring), if the spring compresses an amount X and original length Y, that compression will be linear within the spring. If it compresses a fractional component Z = X/Y, then the new length will be shorter by Z times 2in, not shorter by 2in. To put it an other way, you must distinguish between the compression modulus of the coil as a material and the effective compression constant of the actual spring as a unit. The effective spring constant is the compression modulus (dimensionless w.r.t. length) times the spring length. If you shorten the spring its effective rate goes up so a given load compresses it less that you'd expect. > - reduction of front weight by 40% would require a spring with 40% > lower rate for "same as stock" performance. Wow! How does one reduce the front weight by 40%? Install a 2- cylinder engine?? Cut the Spitfire engine in half, factor in the lightened frame, suspension, and brakes, move the battery to the trunk, remove the alternator, lights, horn... -- Jim Muller [EMAIL PROTECTED] '80 Spitfire, '70 GT6+ _______________________________________________ Support Team.Net http://www.team.net/donate.html [email protected] http://autox.team.net/mailman/listinfo/spitfires http://www.team.net/archive
