[insightbuyer]

I see a lot of people are cutting their springs. Is the higher ride height really an issue where I am going to want to also cut the spring down?

I just don't know why if these springs were custom made they didn't have the sized properly so you would not need to cut them down like a lot of people are doing.

Does anyone know if the matiz springs are flattened at the bottom?

Thanks

 

[Rainsux]

I see a lot of people are cutting their springs. Is the higher ride height really an issue where I am going to want to also cut the spring down?

I just don't know why if these springs were custom made they didn't have the sized properly so you would not need to cut them down like a lot of people are doing.

Does anyone know if the matiz springs are flattened at the bottom?

Thanks

I'm beginning to think that not all Insights are created equal. I installed Scott's springs on my Citrus and measured the ride height. I thought it looked a little high so I cut 1/4 coil off of them. It looked better after that so I left it that way.

Then I bought a second set for my wife's CVT. I didn't have access to my friend's lift that day, so I installed them without cutting them. This car looks ok, so I'll probably leave it that way.

I've been riding in Desertracker's Insight the last few days. It has Scott's uncut springs. It doesn't look too high for me.

So, install the springs and be your own judge as to whether the car looks too high in the rear. If it does, cut them. If not, leave it alone.

Whichever way you go, you'll loved the ride, especially when you go over a bump with a load.

Sam

 

[KLR3CYL]

I see a lot of people are cutting their springs. Is the higher ride height really an issue where I am going to want to also cut the spring down?

I just don't know why if these springs were custom made they didn't have the sized properly so you would not need to cut them down like a lot of people are doing.

Does anyone know if the matiz springs are flattened at the bottom?

Thanks

There is no need to cut the springs. They fit right in place and due mostly to the increased spring rate the rear of the car is raised about 3/4 of and inch to one inch.

I don't know what you mean a lot of people are cutting them down? Of all the springs I have sold I know of about 5 pair that have cut a 1/4 of a coil so not to see an increase in height, however, enjoy the added spring rate and not bottom out as often.

I'm not sure what you are asking if the springs are flattened out on the bottom?
The springs are flat on the top where it sits against the frame rail.
The bottom of the springs have a bit of a tail that is somewhat like a corkscrew. This tail has to fit in to the axle beam and fits right in.

My opinion on cutting or not is:

Install the springs the way they are made and try them. If you really don't like the ride height take them back out and cut off no more than a 1/4 of a coil from the bottom and try them again.

To install the springs it requires lifting the back of the car so there is no weight on the back of the car, unbolting the rear suspension bumpers, and the lower shock bolts. You may need to use a jack from side to side to take the pressure off the shock bolts. It's only 4 fasteners and they are all 14mm. Pull out the old springs, change over the rubber upper doughnuts and the plastic lower sleeves and bolt them back in.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[insightbuyer]

Thanks Scott makes sense. In order to get more spring rate it will have to lift the car a bit more as the weight of the car isn't able to compress the spring as much as it does to the weaker stock springs.


This is what someone wrote me about buying springs.

If Scott's springs come already flattened, that's great. If not- they will still work but will not fit into the lower pocket correctly and will eventually destroy the rubber spring seat and you'll have metal-on-metal contact.

Does this make any sense?

 

[Balto]

Thanks Scott makes sense. In order to get more spring rate it will have to lift the car a bit more as the weight of the car isn't able to compress the spring as much as it does to the weaker stock springs.


This is what someone wrote me about buying springs.

If Scott's springs come already flattened, that's great. If not- they will still work but will not fit into the lower pocket correctly and will eventually destroy the rubber spring seat and you'll have metal-on-metal contact.

Does this make any sense?

From what I remember (haven't really looked closely at the springs in a while now) they are flattened. At least the end of the coil is smooth, so it won't tear up the spring isolaters (that's what the rubber thing your referring to is actually called).

 

[Willie Williford]

By not cutting the spring, I've found out that the steering does change some what. To the better in my opinion. We have also seen that by not cutting the spring, it re-corrects (minor) the alignment after many thousands miles of not being adjusted.
(There is a link somewhere here at ICN about that)

HTH
Willie

 

[inblackwell]

By not cutting the spring, I've found out that the steering does change some what. To the better in my opinion.

Agreed! Since adding the springs and the GAZ shocks the downhill switchbacks leading from my house have become quite fun. Before they were a bit of a headache.

Mitch

 

[dnmun]

cutting the springs to make the rear drop by 20mm to me seems like a clear indication of OCD.

but a lot of this forum is just a reflection of many cases of OCD, imo.

 

[Fuelish]

25.40 mm, actually.

 

[Rainsux]

Whatever. I like it better that way. Sorry I disappointed you.

Sam

cutting the springs to make the rear drop by 20mm to me seems like a clear indication of OCD.

but a lot of this forum is just a reflection of many cases of OCD, imo.

 

[insightbuyer]

other than better handling of the car do you notice or feel that the back is higher?

are there any drawbacks to cutting down the spring?

 

[00saabist]

Scott installed the rear springs on my 2000 mt Sat. along with the Chevy p u bump stops(i already have the GAZ shocks). What an improvement!! Now i actually have rear suspension travel. I can barely feel when it does contact the bump stops and then it is progressive, NO MORE THUMP. The shocks are still on setting 8 and i don't think i will change that. I only managed to upset them by hitting a bad RR crossing at speed i would never ordinarily use. No bottom, just high rebound. SUPER FINE, SCOTT.

 

[satchel]

PM sent. Perhaps this modification/improvement will save this car from going into a unsavable tail wagging out of control wipe out and roll eight rows deep in the corn field as was the 2002s fate. Hoping these springs and some GAZ shocks prevent that unnerving feeling when the tail wags even a little now on the 2005. Even with good stock shocks a stab on the brakes and swerve back in lane set it to wagging a bit before straightening out. About crapped my pants having taken that ride in the 02.

 

[[email protected]]

Scott, just wanted to say thanks. Springs (and GAZ shocks) installed today, and WHAT a difference! I did cut half a coil, and ride height is dead on. Drove straight to my favorite (not) railroad crossing and was blown away how much smoother it was and because I didn't bottom out, although, I could tell a difference just driving down my gravel driveway. Thank you!

 

[KLR3CYL]

Thanks much for the update.

Enjoy the ride.

Scott

 

[prum]

When will the video come for garnish removal? And when do you plan to make front springs? Share the love.

 

[armadaman]

Thanks again Scott

After my impromptu exit from Gerald's I can say that your springs and the Gaz shocks set on 6 are an awesome improvement from stock. Glad I took your advice and left for home while traffic was nil. Thanks for the install also. Was not what I ever thought to expect on a 52K garage kept car. It's ok though...it will be totally gone over at my Honda dealer and will look and run like a low miler should.

 

[galevin]

Scott's been at my house for appx 2 weeks (setting up his Midwest office?) and just installed a set of springs on my insight that I drive regularly and OMG! What a difference! I'm an OEM guy, keep it stock type of guy and resisted altering the springs but what an improvement. I am truly impressed with the improved ride quality and it's one of the biggest bang for the buck improvements that can be made for our cars. If you don't have a set of these springs on your car you don't know what you are missing out on what will be a huge improvement in the ride quality. Huge difference!
Gerald

 

[armadaman]

??????

Scott's been at my house for appx 2 weeks (setting up his Midwest office?) and just installed a set of springs on my insight that I drive regularly and OMG! What a difference! I'm an OEM guy, keep it stock type of guy and resisted altering the springs but what an improvement. I am truly impressed with the improved ride quality and it's one of the biggest bang for the buck improvements that can be made for our cars. If you don't have a set of these springs on your car you don't know what you are missing out on what will be a huge improvement in the ride quality. Huge difference!
Gerald

Letting the cat out of the bag?

 

[KLR3CYL]

With Insight Fest just around the corner, don't know if anybody needs springs to improve their ride and comfort level.

Scott