Hi, my 987
Cayman
currently has stock struts and H&R springs. I like the ride but I was wondering if switching to a coil-over suspension kit will save weight?
I'm guessing if there's any difference, its minimal. I searched around but couldn't find this info. If anyone has input, I appreciate it. Thanks!
To answer your question, coilovers and the complete spring/shock unit are close in weight. The unsprung weight you should be concerned about is outboard of the shocks and springs. Getting weight out of the LCA's, light weight wheels and tires are key. Supporting this lighter weight would be the stiffer spring rate of the coilovers and valving to match that spring rate. Also, adjustable swaybars add to the unsprung weight control as they add to the springrate on each corner. Not sure where you will be going with this idea, but well chosen coilovers with flow rates, spring rates and ride height certainly takes the
Cayman
's suspension response to various road or track conditions to another level.
The coilovers offer ride height adjustability so 30-35 mm drop is possible to reduce weight transfer, rake to a minimum (which adds more weight to the rear for better mid corner traction) and makes corner balancing (reducing cross weight difference to a minimal amount) an additional benefit. Shock compression and rebound are adjustable to closely meet each activity needs, while still preserving daily driveability. Spring rates can be changed to match the response curve of the type of tracks you compete on. Too stiff and your tires will become jittery, not keeping contact with the uneven or bumpy road surface, while too soft induces too much droop/compression and body roll.
I recommend
Ohlins
R&T with DFV technology. Their standard springrate of 400 lb/in f and 458 lbs/in r, which have served my applications, DE's, PCA autocross, PCA tours and daily activities very well the past two years. Other spring rates are available from Swift and other manufactures to suit your road and track needs. Valving should match that spring rates as well.
Hi, thanks for that detailed reply! I have light wheels & tires, lighter battery and an aftermarket exhaust that's 12 lbs lighter than stock. My goal is to remove 75-100 lbs out of the car, without it looking stripped out. The purpose of my question was to see if anyone has weighed the difference in stock suspension vs aftermarket coil-overs.
I don't have the weights off hand but I can get them for you. The
Ohlins
R&Ts aren't going to be much lighter since they use a steel body like the OE strut. The
Ohlins
TTX uses an aluminum body so they will be lighter, I don't think it's worth cost though.
