Do I need new springs?

[Bumpa]

As regular readers will know my 1850 HL has recently been put back on the road. I find the suspension very soft, which isn't surprising when all the components are 40 years old. I intend to fit poly bushes from Chris Witor, and new adjustable dampers. Do I need to get new road springs? The ride height of the car seems as it should be, so they don't appear to have sagged, and I don't want to give the car a hard ride. I just want it to be more controlled.

[SprintMWU773V]

Today's cars have a very hard ride and pin sharp handling. Contrast with a 70's car which placed comfort ahead of such things. An 1850, 1500 or even Sprint is going to be very soft in comparison. Polybushes will stiffen it up a bit but unless you have firmer dampers and stiffer springs it will still be soft.

[sprint95m]

If I was in position Mike, I would go for new springs simply because you may as well, given
that you'll have the whole suspension separate, therefore fitting new springs involves no additional work.


The 80 profile tyres on your 1850HL will prevent the ride becoming harsh, assuming of course that you have good tyres fitted.
The general handling and more particularly the cornering will be improved with wider wheels (to widen the track) with correspondingly
wider tyres.



Ian.

[Flyfisherman]

Mike

As Ian states - if your changing the bushes and dampers you might as well do the springs at the same time.

Paul

[Bumpa]

What is the internal diameter of the front and rear springs? I am away from the car and can't measure them.