Potential Group Buy: custom springs for the 00-06 Insight

**JoelR** · 04-13-2011, 05:30 PM

Hi,

Note: Ignore the info below about CSS, see the following thread for updated info regarding a specially-engineered Swift Springs setup:

Custom-built front and rear springs -- I'm organizing a group buy

When we can get enough interest built, perhaps another thread here in the buy/sell section will make sense.

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I recently found a thread posted by fellow member Mitch in 2005 about a set of custom springs he had built by CSS ( Coil Spring Specialties ). What Mitch asked for was 37% stiffer spring rate, .25" drop and progressive rates in the rear (front couldn't be progressive for some reason).

In my quest to improve handling on my 2000 Insight, I've replaced all 4 dampers and swapped the rear springs for Aveo springs w/1 coil cut out. My Insight still handles poorly in my opinion. I had it aligned yesterday w/an aggressive street setup and still, it needs better springs/damping. For the springs, I'm strongly considering doing what Mitch did and so I talked to CSS today. A single set of springs would be about $218 for the fronts, $225 for the rears (Mitch paid $250 about 10 years ago for the full set) + shipping. If I can get 4 or more people to order at the same time, we can save about $40 each on the set of 4.

I've sent Mitch a PM about whether he'd change anything w/his setup or not. When I hear back, I'll post what I'm going to be getting and would love to hear from others who would like to get in on the deal. Note: CSS will make the springs to whatever specs you want for rate, drop, etc. so you're welcome to deviate from what I decide on.

Thanks,

Joel

Eli · 04-13-2011, 05:40 PM

I'm definitely interested. I would be in for two sets, though I'm not sure if I'm interested in front springs.

$200 bucks for custom made springs doesn't really seem too bad.. Any cheaper would be a no brainer.

02insight · 04-13-2011, 06:35 PM

so its (218+225) - 40 = $403 for the whole set? We cant get the deal mitch got for $250 for the whole set?

vmirjamali · 04-13-2011, 06:40 PM

What do these run normally, and generally every how many miles do they need to be changed and with what? (shocks? bushings?etc)

**JoelR** · 04-13-2011, 06:41 PM

I just got off the phone with Swift springs. I figured asking them about custom springs would be a long shot but actually, if we can get 10 people lined up, they'll produce a set of 4 for the Insight for $399 each. I don't know much about CSS other than what Mitch said but I do know a fair amount about Swift Springs based on my research for my 2010 Fit. When I inquired on Fitfreak about upgrades for the Fit, it was impossible to avoid at least 5 happy Swift springs customers from jumping in and raving about their setup. So, I bought the Swifts for my Fit and I can totally see what they were talking about. That's also what inspired me to look into a solution for my Insight and I never dreamed Swift would get involved.

Anyhow, Swift's process would involve getting their hands on an Insight at their Ontario California location, measuring everything, figuring out damping rates of the stock shocks/struts, etc. and then having the springs produced at their plant in Japan. Total time would be 40 days.

This is an amazing opportunity folks. Tell your friends, let's make it happen!

Joel

**JoelR** · 04-13-2011, 08:44 PM

@vmirjamali - $400 for a set of 4 springs is a high price. Higher volume cars like the Civic, Integra, Fit have numerous spring options for around $200. This is a much different situation considering that there isn't even 1 option available for the Insight -- THIS is the option. But now that Swift is interested, I'm hoping we can find at least 10 people who understand and appreciate the value of having the highest MPG car on the road also handle nicely.

@02insight - the CSS prices I was quoted were:
1 set (me, before thinking about group buy):
Front--$218
Rear--$225.40
(definitely more than the $250 10 years ago that Mitch paid)

If we can get 5 people to buy a set, the price would be $205.80 front & rear for a total of $411.60 for the set. Not a big discount.

However, Swift is offering theirs for $399 if we can get a commitment for 10 sets. From what I know about Swift, not only is this less expensive, their track record is incredibly good and they'd put a lot more engineering effort into making this setup a great all-round improvement for the car. Read up on Swift, you'll see what I mean.

Eli · 04-13-2011, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoelR

I just got off the phone with Swift springs. I figured asking them about custom springs would be a long shot but actually, if we can get 10 people lined up, they'll produce a set of 4 for the Insight for $399 each. I don't know much about CSS other than what Mitch said but I do know a fair amount about Swift Springs based on my research for my 2010 Fit. When I inquired on Fitfreak about upgrades for the Fit, it was impossible to avoid at least 5 happy Swift springs customers from jumping in and raving about their setup. So, I bought the Swifts for my Fit and I can totally see what they were talking about. That's also what inspired me to look into a solution for my Insight and I never dreamed Swift would get involved.

Anyhow, Swift's process would involve getting their hands on an Insight at their Ontario California location, measuring everything, figuring out damping rates of the stock shocks/struts, etc. and then having the springs produced at their plant in Japan. Total time would be 40 days.

This is an amazing opportunity folks. Tell your friends, let's make it happen!

Joel

Post this information in the other thread too please.

Now THIS is what I was talking about! This would be AWESOME. However we need to make this happen, lets. I would volunteer Insight #1 but unfortunately it has been in an accident, and while my tires wear evenly and it drives straight, I don't think that's a good idea.

And I'm not sure how good of an idea it would be to use the specs from Insight #2 with 442k miles.

Hmm. Could they measure the necessary information from brand new parts? It might be helpful if their engineers could see/measure the car too? Is any of this information in the manuals?

**JoelR** · 04-13-2011, 09:11 PM

@Moderators - Help, I've lost my way and would like to merge my 2 threads.

@Eli - yeah, makes sense not to use a car that's been wrecked. Being in Ontario CA, I'm sure we can find an Insight owner who will allow their car to be put on a lift, measured, poked at, etc.

vmirjamali · 04-13-2011, 09:12 PM

I'd love to make the insight a better handling car of course. I drive a lexus gs400 as my other car and that car handles much better considering its a larger car. For it to be a complete set wouldn't we need also upgrade the shocks/struts, add a rear/front sway bar, or would the springs alone suffice? I haven't read too much into this at the moment.