Martin Springs vs DMC EU\Ed Uding Springs VS US lowering springs

[Mattr04]

Hi All,

Relatively new to the community, apologies if this info is out here somewhere, but I've been looking, and I can't seem to find what I'm looking for.

I'm looking at all my options out there for replacement front springs. I have a good idea of what is available state-side (PJ Grady, DMCH, Hervey, etc.), but I have some questions on the Euro spec offerings before I make a final decision.

1. Are DMC Europe Springs the same as Ed Uding's springs? I'm guessing so, but wanted to verify.

2. Are\were Martin's lowering springs the same height as DMC Europe\Ed Uding's springs? (I hear Martin's springs are no longer available, but I have access to a set).

3. How are the heights of Euro springs compared to stateside lowering springs? I've been told Martin springs are very low.

4. Why has cutting springs fallen out of favor? Is it dangerous?

I'm not really looking into lowering for cosmetic purposes, more for alignment\handling improvement, so I don't want the car to be too low.

Thanks in advance for the advice\help!

[BABIS]

Hi All,

Relatively new to the community, apologies if this info is out here somewhere, but I've been looking, and I can't seem to find what I'm looking for.

I'm looking at all my options out there for replacement front springs. I have a good idea of what is available state-side (PJ Grady, DMCH, Hervey, etc.), but I have some questions on the Euro spec offerings before I make a final decision.

1. Are DMC Europe Springs the same as Ed Uding's springs? I'm guessing so, but wanted to verify.

2. Are\were Martin's lowering springs the same height as DMC Europe\Ed Uding's springs? (I hear Martin's springs are no longer available, but I have access to a set).

3. How are the heights of Euro springs compared to stateside lowering springs? I've been told Martin springs are very low.

4. Why has cutting springs fallen out of favor? Is it dangerous?

I'm not really looking into lowering for cosmetic purposes, more for alignment\handling improvement, so I don't want the car to be too low.

Thanks in advance for the advice\help!

1. yes, Ed is the owner of Delorean.Eu
2. I guess they are very similar but I am sure Martin can give you additional infos
3. IIRC the euro springs bring your fenders about 3/4 cm closer to your tires. but I am pretty sure the euro springs are stiffer (and lower) than the Eibach springs (I had acces to both kits)
4. very dangerous (and stupid imho)

[Elvis]

a modern setup with German TÜV:


http://www.deloman-shop.de/zubehoer/product/view/31/212

[Rich]

a modern setup with German TÜV:

Looks nice.

Translating the description of this kit: It says in part that the kit has been certified for use in this application by TÜV.

This is important for the car to pass mandatory biannual German car safety inspections.

To loop this back into one of the questions posed a couple of posts above: Highly likely that a DMC-12 running with cut-down coil springs could NOT pass a German safety inspection. Don't cut your springs.

[sdg3205]

With all the options available and at such reasonable prices - why cut a spring anyway?

Eibach rears with martins fronts are my fav.

[DMCMW Dave]

Eibach rears with martins fronts are my fav.

In case anyone's looking I have an extra pair of Eibach Rears-only brand new never installed (long story). Call for pricing.

[Mattr04]

I'm just looking at doing the front springs at this time, and am on a budget. The coil over solution Elvis posted is nice, but out of my range. As I said in my first post, I'm looking for just a bit lower than stock. I don't want to go real low. I'm trying to determine which springs offer a mild to moderate lowering effect for handling improvement. I'm not looking to make the car hug the ground.

Is there a ranking out there by height of the solutions out there?

[sdg3205]

There are a few variables. Shocks are the biggie. Ed even mentioned some body tubs are higher than others.

Martins are the lowest in my experience.

[DCUK Martin]

Any front springs can produce a different height on different cars. I refunded a couple of sets for being too low and actually had a few sets made a little longer to satisfy those customers.

Then with the help of friends, tested those returned springs and found the ride heigh just fine (and at odds with my customer's photos).

The main thing when lowering the front is to increase the spring rate. I certainly plan to try the German coilovers on my next project because they provide ultimate control.

[DMCMW Dave]

Any front springs can produce a different height on different cars. I refunded a couple of sets for being too low and actually had a few sets made a little longer to satisfy those customers. .

It's not just you. I've seen the same car-to-car variance with Eibachs, even to the extent I pulled a set and sent them back for testing. They tested fine and worked fine on a different car. I'm (agreeing with Ed) suspecting some variance in the underbody molds, although there could be frame issues as well.

[Mattr04]

Any front springs can produce a different height on different cars. I refunded a couple of sets for being too low and actually had a few sets made a little longer to satisfy those customers.

Then with the help of friends, tested those returned springs and found the ride heigh just fine (and at odds with my customer's photos).

The main thing when lowering the front is to increase the spring rate. I certainly plan to try the German coilovers on my next project because they provide ultimate control.

Martin, do you know how your springs compare to the height of Ed's springs? I knew the cars varied from car to car, and I'm going to try to measure for that. I'm trying to figure out which one would ride higher (assuming all else is the same).

Thanks all for your input so far!

[dn010]

I've had cut/swapped springs in my D since I got it and I never had any issues running with them. However, I also would agree that you should get "real" lowering springs, don't do the cut and swap method. The top of the front springs will no longer be flat once you cut them (it will be cut mid coil), so the top kind of pokes into the rubber insulator in the shock tower and I'm sure taking all the weight and activity on that one point isn't good at all. I may have been lucky up until now but the cut springs will no longer be in my car once my frame is done.

[Stanislav]

Check out this thread it has all the information you need.
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?6949-Stock-spring-dimensions/page2&highlight=spring+rate