bigteninch

I have searched and read quite a bit on this topic, but can't seem to find the specific answer. If this has been answered in the past, I do apologize for you seasoned people.

I have an '02 with 26k, totally stock suspension, but decent alignment. I have the shocks/springs off of an AP2 with very low mileage. I realize that there are differences between the two, but my question(s);

Would the handling of my AP1 benefit positively or negatively from installing the AP2 shocks and springs only. This is where most threads veer off to sway bar and other options. I am just interested in changing the shocks and springs at this point; or not.

I have heard that the rears are a little "softer", I think this would help the car feel more "planted" and less skittish. It seems that this would have been done before. Any feedback available is appreciated.

Mad Revs

I believe the front springs are a little stiffer and rears softer, so you're right, it should make the car understeer a bit more (be less skittish).

jyeung528

it changes the behavior of your suspension...

advantage vs. disadvantage is subjective to driver...

so my answer is none.

RED MX5

[QUOTE=bigteninch,Apr 14 2007, 07:50 AM]I have searched and read quite a bit on this topic, but can't seem to find the specific answer.

bigteninch

Thanks for the input; I will provide feedback when I get them changed and have time for a run. I will attempt to go back with the exact same alignment for a good comparison.

RED MX5

I made the mistake of changing springs and alignment settings at the same time, because I didn't think the springs were going to stay on the car for very long. They have remained because I liked the setup, but I'll never know for sure how much of the difference was due to the springs and how much was due to the alignment changes. When in doubt it's always best to change only one thing at a time.

mikey k

Not quite true!

I had my AP2 OEM shocks "dynoed" by Nitron before they built a set of 3 way coilovers for me.

AP2's (in Europe at least) have 250 lb springs front and rear.

The AP1's shock do have a slight rear bias but not much 240 Front and 260 rear IIRC

scareyourpassenger

If ap2 springs are softer wouldn't this cause the travel for any movement or bump to become longer? The rear control arms on a ap2 are longer and this (I am guessing)would cause the agle/toe of the rear wheel to change less vs. a ap1 where the arms are shorter.

SilverDC2 AP1

interesting....in for the outcome.

bigteninch

But back to the original question; has anyone just installed AP2 shocks and springs on an AP1 w/out other changes? If not, I'll report back, but am not sure when I will be able to get it done, with the alignment.