Coilover helper spring - Track work

[Tonyger]

To those who track/race their celica's for a coilover set up is it recommended to use one with helper springs or without helper springs?

The two set ups I am looking into is the T3 coilover set up, ajps coilover set up (maddat made coilover sleeve) and the otomoto coilover set up (HSD coilover).

Out of the 3 set ups only the otomoto uses the helper spring set up.

https://technotoytuning.com/toyota/t...it-ta22-celica

http://www.ajps.com.au/parts/ajps_coilover_kits.php

http://www.otomoto.com.au/p/4116535/...eeve-kit-.html

Thanks

[Javal]

There is no downside to using a helper spring, even if it never sees use it's good to have the extra travel /droop there. Really once they're fully compressed it's like a 10mm block above the main spring, so there's really no loss although i'm sure someone will prove me wrong.

Also knowing AJPS quite well i'm sure they'll do a setup with a helper spring on request, I have most of their catalogue in my POS including some coilovers made by them using the otomoto sleeve at my request.

[Tonyger]

There is no downside to using a helper spring, even if it never sees use it's good to have the extra travel /droop there. Really once they're fully compressed it's like a 10mm block above the main spring, so there's really no loss although i'm sure someone will prove me wrong.

Also knowing AJPS quite well i'm sure they'll do a setup with a helper spring on request, I have most of their catalogue in my POS including some coilovers made by them using the otomoto sleeve at my request.

Hey Javal,

Thanks for the reply. Is there any reason why you got them to use the otomoto sleeve rather than the one they provide?

[TurboRA28]

I found it the only way to keep the springs captive and retain a decent amount of droop. Ran them for years and many track days.. Never an issue.

[Tonyger]

I found it the only way to keep the springs captive and retain a decent amount of droop. Ran them for years and many track days.. Never an issue.

I assume you only run them for the fronts? Also what spring rates do you use and what spring rate did you use for the helper spring?

[TurboRA28]

300lbs front from memory or 280.
Can't remember helper spring but it's super soft. Doesn't carry any weight is only designed for captivity I believe not progressive rate or anything..

[SilverRA23]

I can't remember why now, but I remember the helper spring being a pain in the butt when i installed the otomoto kit in my ke35 (using xt130 strut housings)

that wasnt the fault of the kit, more it was I think a function of where I had ended up getting the sleeve welded to the housing and it all got a bit jumbled up.

As long as the spring is so soft that it is only acting to keep the main spring captive, then it shouldn't be an issue what so ever.

[Tonyger]

I can't remember why now, but I remember the helper spring being a pain in the butt when i installed the otomoto kit in my ke35 (using xt130 strut housings)

that wasnt the fault of the kit, more it was I think a function of where I had ended up getting the sleeve welded to the housing and it all got a bit jumbled up.

As long as the spring is so soft that it is only acting to keep the main spring captive, then it shouldn't be an issue what so ever.

Would you suggest using the otomoto kit over the t3 kit? On the basis of one bring helper spring and one is not?

[JustenGT8]

Helper spring is just for holding the main spring captive as already stated. If you setup has enough adjustment they aren't needed nor really desirable.

The best setup I have found for combined street/track work or for a Targa car are the proper variable rate tapered springs from mobs such as DMS. Good initial small bump compliance but ramp up for bigger hits and higher constant loads.

[styler]

One issue you may encounter is that the helper spring and locator ring do reduce block height ie coil bind, may be an issue on shorter springs...

[styler]

Also say you use helper springs to use longer stroke dampers on a macpherson strut to stop them becoming upcaptive,
during cornering the springs will become 99% unloaded and the damper shaft could get bent if its a std small diameter one.
Most oem setups are preloaded on a large diameter coil which may help keeping the shaft straight when unloaded...
Just a thought anyway, coilovers can be a pita!

[Tonyger]

Helper spring is just for holding the main spring captive as already stated. If you setup has enough adjustment they aren't needed nor really desirable.

The best setup I have found for combined street/track work or for a Targa car are the proper variable rate tapered springs from mobs such as DMS. Good initial small bump compliance but ramp up for bigger hits and higher constant loads.

The DMS stuff looks good, but it sure looks really expensive too.

If you are welding on the coilover yourself obviously you would try to set it up so you have enough adjustment so the helper spring isn't needed right?

[styler]

Theres 2 types of coilovers as well, Type 1 is the original adjustable coilover with one top sleeve to adjust for springs and ride height but its tricky to get the damper compressed and extended length correct.
Type 2 are base adjustable coilovers where theres a top sleeve for springs and damper adjustment but theres a seperate bottom sleeve for ride height adjustment, much easier to work with.

[styler]

Check out MCA stuff, great gear for the job...

[Tonyger]

Also say you use helper springs to use longer stroke dampers on a macpherson strut to stop them becoming upcaptive,
during cornering the springs will become 99% unloaded and the damper shaft could get bent if its a std small diameter one.
Most oem setups are preloaded on a large diameter coil which may help keeping the shaft straight when unloaded...
Just a thought anyway, coilovers can be a pita!

I'm going to be using a short stroke shock, the koni race 8610-1437. So i believe the chances of it becoming uncaptive is less from what I've been told. Yeah coilovers are doing my head in as there's so many different variations.

I'm not sure on the size of the damper shaft itself. Hopefully it doesn't bend.