This might seem like an odd question, but has anyone ever measured the difference between the diameter of a stock front spring vs a racing beat front spring. The only reason I ask is because I bought 15x7 inch wheels for my SA, the rear wheels had no clearance issues, but the front springs rub on the tire when they are installed. This seems to be a common problem on SA's, so I don't know if anyone has ever measured it for this reason.

Right now, I'm just trying to decide if I should buy the RB springs, or just spend the extra amount for re-speed coilovers. There isn't much missing for the wheels to fit, but if I could find out whether the rb springs will fix the problem or not will make my decision alot easier.

Thanks,
sa7

 

hell if you would have asked like two days ago i could of answered, i just installed my RB. in the front, ive still got the rears out if you wloud be interested in me measureing them i could do that for ya.

 

What size tires are you using for the front? I honestly don't think there's a difference in diameter

 

The SA strut has a slightly lower spring perch. Either use a 5-10mm spacer, or go for the coilovers.
I believe others have encountered the same issue, and the coilover route was needed, to avoid the use of spacers.

 

perfect_circle: the rear isn't really a problem, there is alot of room behind the wheel, I could probably go alot wider. It sucks I missed out by a couple days, thanks anyway though. By the way, I saw your post and your pictures, nice car.

FirebirdSlayer666: my tire size is 205/50R15

Rogue_Wulff: that is what I figured, I don't really want to run spacers, so I'll probably go with the coilover setup. At least I know that will solve my problem.

 

205's shouldn't rub. What offset are your wheels?

 

I believe they are 20mm offset. I have to measure the backspacing again so that I can figure out the offset. I bought them this winter and didn't get many specs on them. They are custom drilled five spoke ROH rims. The rims are at work, I'll have to measure them tomorrow.

 

they dont rub....I have 15x7's with 205's on RB springs. Its close, but does not rub

 

but according to your sig, you have two 85's, which aren't SA's there in lies the problem.

 

Here's an example of the difference between an SA and FB. Took a set of FB wheels with 205/60-13 tires off my car 83 (sits VERY low), no rub. Put those same wheels/tires on my buddies SA, and the left front rubbed the edge of the tread against the spring.

 

RB springs are the same diameter as stock, so no love for you there. Go for the Respeed coilovers, they're a work of art...

 

Thanks for the help guys, looks like I'll be going with the respeed coilover setup.

 

Sorry guys, one more question. So I'm getting ready to order the street race coilover kit for the front and notice that there are two different choices, one for the 79-80 strut housing and one for the 81-85 strut housing. Now the question is what is different? Is it the spring perches that are a different size therefore needing a different size collar, or is it the shaft that is a different size therefore needing a different size thrust bearing.

The reason I ask is that I have the stock SA struts on there right now, but as soon as I find a parts car, I want to put on FB strut housing. I don't really want to buy coilovers twice, once now and again when I switch to FB housings.

 

Put the FB strut housings on now, and the problem is solved. Even without the springs being changed.
The SA strut housing even uses a different strut cartridge, which are harder to find, and harder to pay for.
I'm not sure what is different, other than the location of the spring perch. The housings may be a different diameter, for all I know.