Got my BLUE springs today...
... Not from Vicks... but from Racer Bob Brown Automotive and LED Guru Incorporated, LLP of Keene New Hampshire, USA...
These are the 1 3/4" shortened, increased compression rate models specifically tuned to the individual driver/racer by the LED Guru Hisself under clinical conditions in his state of the art (basement) manufacturing facility in the Northeastern part of these United States!
When money and time are no object, like with my Romanian friend Ovi... you need to order a set of these for your X1/9. Once installed, you'll never go back stock, stock-cut, red, yellow, black or green springs that anyone else might offer!
OK... here is another shot that exposes a bit more of the truth...
Many of you know I cut my own springs about 13 years ago, removing about 1 1/4 coils and have been happy with the results, the LOOK, and the PERFORMANCE they offered with absolutely NO problems. Yes they fit loose, and they did not settle upright very well. I also used a set of Gabriel INSERTS in the struts at the same time.
I noted lately that both the FRONT and REAR strut support bushings are very worn and the struts are no longer centered in their upper mounts. Bob Brown had a few extra and also some stock front springs and some other things I needed... and sent them out, while I ordered a new set of KYB Struts from Summit to go all around. I also picked up a set of Plaia Pivots from Chris Obert... and thought its about time I do a more professional job. (BTW - I have NEVER replaced the rear struts in 167k miles!)
Here are the tools I used...
I first used a rotary tool and lopped off ONE coil... then (SURPRISE... SURPRISE!) I was able to heat the spring 180 degrees opposite from the newly cut end... with a PROPANE TORCH... and after about 3 minutes... turned the spring over and pressed the end down against a 2x4 and bent the end down about another inch... so the spring would now sit almost FLAT in its perch! I then used a bench grinder and flattened the end even more for an almost level seat. In fact, it now sits MORE level than the stock configuration.
From my experience... the removal of one coil takes a bit of softness out and provides a bit stiffer, but IMHO, a much firmer ride without being harsh. It will also lower the front end about 2 inches, and running 185x60s up front, clear just fine... with what I feel is a PERFECT rake. I will also probably modify the strut shafts to mount the springs snugly as per the Lesezig description in Best Of.
So... any of you who don't wanna spend much money but get a lower stance with improved braking and handling due to stiffer springs and better weight transfer... here is an alternative you might try!
Also... against the silver-gray of the new struts and blacked out wheelwell, you can paint these springs ANY COLOR you want! HA!