Eibach springs, linear or progressive?
 

there are many opinions re Eibach springs on the forum... some relate to ride qualities, which are subjective, but other opinions relate to whether the Eibach springs are progressive or linear as to rate.

the theory on progressive rated springs is having it all... soft initially for potholes and stiffer on greater compression for the track.

the major drawback w progressive springs is that as the car leans in a corner the spring rate changes. it is hard enough to drive on the limit of adhesion without the springs changing rate. i don't like progressive springs.

'just run the right linear rate and you'll be a happy driver.

in order to clear up any confusion, i called Eibach and spoke w Tyson Cutrer. Tyson is a head of the tech dep that Eibach maintains in the U S.

Tyson said that all Eibach fd springs are linear. the part number is 5525.140 for the four springs. 5525.001 is for the front spring (Eibach lists them at 365 lbs/inch) and 5525.002 is the rear listed at 275 pounds per inch. ( I had them at 350 and and 255). Eibach does not offer progressive rated springs for the fd.

Tyson said that they were designed to work well ( read not be overpowered by) the oem shocks. i have previously made the point that they work very well w the stock mazda shocks.

Eibach also offers a front sway bar for the fd. part number 5525.3205 and a bar bushing kit at 5525.320hk. it fits in the stock location and uses the excellent mazda end links... i believe it is 33 mm.

so that is the deal re Eibach springs... they are available from lots of vendors and i see them pop up in the classifieds on our forum. i have no connection w Eibach and am just sharing my conclusions in order to be of some help. i run Tein coil-overs but the transformation of the fd with Eibach springs and stock shocks should not be underestimated.

i know two people w fairly well modded fd's that have both told me that the Eibach springs are their favorite modification.

howard coleman

Yeah, thanks Howard. Eibach's are linear for FD!

FWIW, I like the H&R springs (which are progressive rate). I've become accustomed to their behavior now ;)

What struts are you running with those?

yup,
I got this directly over the phone from an Eibach engineer... while most "Pro-kit" springs are progressive rate and advertised as such, the particular FD models are linear.

Eiback did custom-manufacture some progressive rate versions for PFS and maybe others.

Stock Showa R1 shocks from Mark Valski's old CYM FD. I bought the shocks from Mark after I became frustrated with Tokico taking their time servicing the warranty on my busted up Illuminas. Mark's stock R1 shocks had 20,000 miles on them back in 2000 when I installed them on my car. Those same shocks now have 118,300 miles with no leaks LOL :)

You've put over 98,000 miles on your car in less than 4 years? :confused:

No, I put 49,400 miles on the car since I put 20,000-mile worn shocks on when the odometer read 68,900 miles (Valentine's Day 2000). So to be more accurate, Mark Valski's used R1 shocks now have 69,400 miles on them over the ~50 months I've had them with the H&R Sport springs. My previous statement wasn't accurate. Forgive me for my hyperbolic statement LOL :)