THE ROVER SD1 FORUM

Punx0r · SD1 Regular Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 252

Does anyone know the free length for standard or vitesse rear springs? I've bought a new pair from ebay, but am now wondering if they're suitable...

Thanks

Lehto · Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2007 6:33 pm Post subject:

I will measure tomorrow. I have a set of those tractor springs and then a set of vitesse springs and -60mm.

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Owner of 3 Rovers and 1 MG.

Punx0r · SD1 Regular Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 252

Excellent, that would be most helpful Very Happy

Lehto · Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 3:34 pm Post subject:

Sorry. I totally forgot to measure the spring lenghts. I will go drill the bolt pattern to the brakediscs today and I will try to remember measure the springs.

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Owner of 3 Rovers and 1 MG.

Punx0r · SD1 Regular Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 252

Did you get a chance to measure your springs?

Lehto · Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 9:00 pm Post subject:

Havent had a chance. Tomorrow I will go build the car some more and can measure the spring lenghts for you.

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Owner of 3 Rovers and 1 MG.

Lehto · Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2007 5:48 pm Post subject:

Measured springs for you. The stock spring is 36.5cm long and the vitesse spring is 34cm long just about.

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Owner of 3 Rovers and 1 MG.

Punx0r · SD1 Regular Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 252

Many thank Lehto, you are a star Smile

Punx0r · SD1 Regular Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 252

Oops, anyone want to buy a set of standard length springs? Wink

Lehto · Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 3:28 pm Post subject:

There you will have some work to sell a set of standard SD1 rear springs Very Happy

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Owner of 3 Rovers and 1 MG.

tim leech · Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 8:52 pm Post subject:

Nope sorry, I have a set of nivomat springs that noone wants either!

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1979 Rover SD1 V8-S
1987 Rover 2600VDP Auto.
1985 Citroen BX 19GT
1990 Citroen BX 16v
1994 Citroen Xantia 1.8i SX

Lehto · Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 9:21 pm Post subject:

I have a set of 36.5cm tall nivomat springs too. Their going to be on my shelf as decoration. Their painted black so look pretty new... would be a waste to throw into metal scrap so im keeping them as decoration. Their too soft to be used on my car...

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Owner of 3 Rovers and 1 MG.

Punx0r · SD1 Regular Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 252

I'll put them on ebay, some mug will surely buy them - I did! Very Happy

Punx0r · SD1 Regular Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 252

I was thinking in the bath earlier... Does anyone know if the vitesse springs were just shorter, or also increased rate/poundage?

the yorkshireman · SD1 User Joined: 07 Sep 2007 Posts: 28

I have been told by a garageman that the rear springs on my vitesse from Rimmer bros were too short and this would be dangerous in extreme circumstances and fail its MOT. Would anyone have had similar problems or discussions on this?

The extreme circumstances would be if the suspension travels more than 12 inches - the car would have to be off the ground or airborne at the time. Then there is a possibility that this will unseat the springs. But as R Bros say this is highly unlikely (but still a possibilty) but in any case the spring retaining clip should make sure this doesn't happen.

Apparently the springs are 30mm shorter on Vitesse rear springs than the standard springs they supply. As all options replace the self-levellers anything available now is an after market item. Fitting standard 370mm springs is not the way to go as this changes the ride height and alters suspension geometry as well.

Anyone had the same?