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SPRING RATE
Spring rate determines how much the spring resists compression, which is
commonly referred to as the “hardness” of the spring. Different spring rates
determine how much of the car’s weight is transferred to the wheel relative
to the other shocks. Spring rate also influences the speed at which a shock
rebounds after compression. Spring rate selection depends on whether the
track is fast or slow, or has high or low grip.
Spring rate is determined by the characteristics of the spring itself, and
NOT by the amount of preload placed on the spring by the preload collars.
Characteristics such as wire material, wire thickness, and other factors
determine spring rate. Spring rate is usually rated in a “spring weight”
number that indicates how much weight (or force) is required to compress
the spring by a specific amount. A spring with a higher “spring weight”
number (such as a 5N/mm) is considered “harder” since it will be more
difficult to compress than a spring with a lower “spring weight” number (such
as a 3N/mm spring).
Serpent shock springs are color-coded so that all springs of a specific “spring
weight” have the same external colour. Note that spring colours are NOT
standardized; a Serpent red spring will not have the same spring rate as a
red spring from another manufacturer.
Effects of Spring Rate
Softer Springs
• Makes the car feel as if it has increased traction in low-grip conditions
• Better for bumpy and very large and open tracks
• Springs that are too soft make the car feel sluggish and slow, and will
allow more chassis roll
Harder Springs
• Increases the car’s responsiveness
• Increases the car’s reaction to steering inputs
• Harder springs are suited for tight, high-traction tracks that aren’t too
bumpy
• Usually when you use harder springs you lose a small amount of
steering, and reduce chassis roll
Softer Front Springs
• Increases steering, especially mid-corner and at corner exit
• Front springs that are too soft can make the car understeer under
braking
Harder Front Springs
• Increases mid-corner and corner-exit understeer
• Increases steering under braking
• Increases the car’s responsiveness, but makes it more “nervous”
Softer Rear Springs
• Increases rear side traction in mid-corner, through bumpy sections, and
while accelerating(forward traction)
Harder Rear Springs
• Decreases rear traction, but increases steering mid-corner and at
corner exit.This is especially apparent in long, high-speed corners.
Orange
Softest
Hardest
White
#909414
#909415
#909416
#909417
#909418
#909419
#909420
Yellow
Red
Blue
Purple
Grey