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355 Challenge springs

Discussion in 'Challenge/GT Cars/Track' started by UConn Husky, Apr 11, 2010.

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  1. UConn Husky

    UConn Husky F1 Rookie

    Nov 11, 2006
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    #1 UConn Husky, Apr 11, 2010
    I have 2 sets of 355 Challenge springs, one of which I'm looking to put on my street car. It seems I also need a lower rate 'helper' spring to take up space as well as a cup/perch to sit between the two. Does anyone here know the spring rate and/or dimensions of the lighter spring? If somebody can measure wire diameter, spring outer diameter, # of coils and height I can calculate the rate.

    Does anyone know a source for these springs and a perch/cup aside from OEM Ferrari?

    Thanks!
     
  2. Jaffster

    Jaffster Karting

    Mar 27, 2010
    201
    #2 Jaffster, Apr 12, 2010
    They are actually called Tender springs, Helper springs are for another purpose. With tender springs you are doing more than taking up the space, you are actually creating a dual rate spring under non fully loaded conditions. At ride height the tender is fully compressed, but when unloaded below ride height (droop travel is important!) it operates at a different rate until it becomes fully compressed.

    I have the factor bilstein coilovers, and I can't remember if they used a tender or not, but if they did, i have it at the garage and i could get you info on it.

    I recently replaced the challenge shocks on our 355ch with a custom set of Ohlins, for which i used a main and tender spring as well. I kept similar rates on them similar to the challenge rates, and used tenders with rates of 200-250 i think.
     
  3. UConn Husky

    UConn Husky F1 Rookie

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    #3 UConn Husky, Apr 12, 2010
    Thanks for the reply! I understand they're used to apply some force in droop, but didn't know they were called 'tender' springs. I'll try to find tender springs in the 200-250 lb/in range. How long is the tender spring? I would guess it's used to apply a few hundred lbs. of force, so maybe it would need only 1-2 inches of travel? And that could be set with the coilover perch location right?

    Thanks!
     
  4. Jaffster

    Jaffster Karting

    Mar 27, 2010
    201
    #4 Jaffster, Apr 13, 2010
    Problem you'll have is the ID...they are usually only has 2.5 and 60mm.

    What dampers are you using with these springs? you can't just toss them on stock 355 shocks...
     
  5. UConn Husky

    UConn Husky F1 Rookie

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    #5 UConn Husky, Apr 13, 2010
    My plan was to use the stock dampers; I talked with 2 local guys who know 355 challenge cars and they said to run stock dampers no problem. Keep in mind I'm not planning to track the car at this point.

    Thanks for the feedback!
     
  6. Llenroc

    Llenroc F1 Veteran
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    #6 Llenroc, Apr 15, 2010
    Jay are you going to use this set up on the street? If you are may I offer some advice, Don't do it. The suspension with those spring rates on the street is crazy hard it will beat you do death :) Just trying to help.
     
  7. UConn Husky

    UConn Husky F1 Rookie

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    #7 UConn Husky, Apr 19, 2010
    Thanks for the tip; that's my only concern...but I've been riding in a rock hard upgraded STi suspension, so how much worse can this be? I'll find out..at least this is reversible. I am looking forward to the improved handling, to me the 355 rides like a Caddy compared to the STi.
     
  8. Llenroc

    Llenroc F1 Veteran
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    #8 Llenroc, Apr 20, 2010
    Hahaha :) I lasted about a week with my CH on the street. 2200frt/900rr lb. springs are a far cry from around 200 lbs for the road car version. I have 550 lb springs in the frt and 400 lb units in the rear it is still very stiff and handles very well.
     

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