CHOPPING SPRINGS?????
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From: Kansas
CHOPPING SPRINGS?????
I want all the details on chopping springs. It will take me a decade to afford the springs from ty so I figure I lower it and see how it looks until that decade goes by 
so I need to know:
how can I do this with precision??
where should i take them OR should i do it myself?
what should i use to do it?
how far should i go if I want a 2" drop or possibly bigger?
is it safe?
will my ride bounce like drop springs do?
will it help my cornering?
etc.
You guys should all know that I used those coil tensioners and they were crap so I want to try something different but I don't want to spend a buttload of green. I read on an accord forum(I own an accord) where a guy took his 92 accord and chopped the spring 3" and it kept the ride quality stock but still lowered it but it bottoms out with a big load in the car. Is this what will happen? I am getting new struts in all 4 corners and that should help but help me out guys.
so I need to know:how can I do this with precision??
where should i take them OR should i do it myself?
what should i use to do it?
how far should i go if I want a 2" drop or possibly bigger?
is it safe?
will my ride bounce like drop springs do?
will it help my cornering?
etc.
You guys should all know that I used those coil tensioners and they were crap so I want to try something different but I don't want to spend a buttload of green. I read on an accord forum(I own an accord) where a guy took his 92 accord and chopped the spring 3" and it kept the ride quality stock but still lowered it but it bottoms out with a big load in the car. Is this what will happen? I am getting new struts in all 4 corners and that should help but help me out guys.
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Chopping your springs will only lower the car, you'd get virtually no handling benefits. You'd need stiffer springs to make handling improve, and get better struts otherwise your car will look like a pogo stick after hitting a bump
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From: Kalamazoo, MI
One old method of "lowering" a ride is to heat a spot on your springs with a blow torch. This is not recommended, though, as it changes the molecular structure of the spring, making it bend in the heated area (the spring steel looses its temper). This could cause the spring to eventually fatigue and break.
Cutting a spring is more of a trial and error option. If you cut too much, it will bottom out like the Accord owner you mentioned. If you cut too little, it won't lower the car much. It will also loose the form at the top (or bottom) of the spring that is supposed to be flat against the strut plate. This could cause premature wear on the strut plate or rust damage from the cut end of the spring rubbing the protective finish off the plate.
I agree with smellbird, the only way to improve handling is through stiffer springs and better struts.
If you are going to do it, my suggestion is to do it right. It may cost a "buttload of green", but you will not be disappointed.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Tim
Cutting a spring is more of a trial and error option. If you cut too much, it will bottom out like the Accord owner you mentioned. If you cut too little, it won't lower the car much. It will also loose the form at the top (or bottom) of the spring that is supposed to be flat against the strut plate. This could cause premature wear on the strut plate or rust damage from the cut end of the spring rubbing the protective finish off the plate.
I agree with smellbird, the only way to improve handling is through stiffer springs and better struts.
If you are going to do it, my suggestion is to do it right. It may cost a "buttload of green", but you will not be disappointed.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Tim
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