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Date: Thu, 1 Apr 2004 05:15:01 -0500
From: "BL" <brianlevernospamatico.ca>
Subject: Re: 9-5 springs


Thanks for your advice Bob. "Bob" <uctraingNOSPAMnospamanet.com> wrote in message news:npvl60tnovm09aspdoppb7u247vbtbaolhnospamcom... > On Wed, 31 Mar 2004 06:11:07 -0500, "BL" <brianlevernospamatico.ca> > wrote: > > >I live in Canada and drive a 2000 9-5 wagon. > >I'm planning to upgrade the springs, and my first choice of springs were the > >Eibach pros however these are currently not available in North America for > >this vehicle, and will be on back order for months? > Try contacting Trent Saab in the UK. The last time I contacted them > they were willing to ship Eibach's to the USA so I assume they will > ship to Canada. I actually contacted Eibach about this and they told > me that there was not enough demand to import some of their springs > to North America. I also contacted Eibach and got the same response. > > >I can get the H&R springs ( also not available in North America), which are > >specially imported by SAAB tuner Taliaferro in the US.Does anyone have any > >experience with the H&R springs? > > I have great respect for Taliaferro. You can usually call or email > and speak to Nick T directly. They seem to really be into modding > cars and helping people to do so. I would not doubt what they > tell you about their practical experience. I don't have any H&R > experience although a buddy of mine tried Eibach and Boge. He > thought the increase in handling was lesser with the Eibach > (expected) with no ride quality loss. The Boge he found a little > stiff. I expect H&G's would be equivalent to the Boge. I've driven > a set of Abbott springs and they are _very_ stiff. > > >I'm looking to minimize the floating ride, without making the ride > >excessively harsh. > > I think the Eibach are probably the best choice since they are > progressive and should not affect the ride in normal conditions. > However, I would *highly* recommend a set of Koni adjustables. > Springs hold the weight of the car, shocks control the damping > of the spring's motion. Stiffer springs will also reduce bounce > but at the expense of ride. Shocks simply reduce bounce although > they will dampen the compression rate too and might give a slightly > stiffer ride - but with Koni's you can adjust it to your preference. > All these springs will also reduce your ride height and clearance > and I don't think you really want that in a wagon. Also, you should > never consider stiffer springs without stiffer shocks to control > them since the stiffer springs need more control. So, if you do the > springs you should _really_ do the shocks too - otherwise you might > get an even bouncier ride. Typical of the 9-5 wagon, the rear shocks went and after some research, I opted to go with the Bilstein sport shocks. Koni were the other shock that I seriously considered. I've upgraded the sway bars to 2002> aero spec ( these I purchased from Taliaferro). I intend to replace the front shocks when I change the springs. I'll stick with Bilsteins to maintain uniform damping front and rear. > > >Any feedback is appreciated. > > My suggestion is to just buy the Koni's. [The installation labor is > the same job... so if you are not a DIY guy then the decision to > skip the springs would be more substantial since you'd end up paying > labor twice if you don't think it is stiff enough]. But, I think > you'll find the Koni's do what you want without any spring change. > I went with the Koni's and I am glad I did. The only reason I would > do the springs - and only Eibach if I did - would be to reduce the > CoG a little and gain some handling. But, I think adjustable Koni's > are a major, major improvement and go great with stock springs. Eibach make springs for the 2004 Aero wagon ( I,m not sure which model year they were first used). The Aero springs do not lower the car as much as the Pro kit. I agree that ride height is an important consideration. The springs that I have been considering lower the car only 30mm ( app. 1 3/16"), and with the increased spring rate, I expect that bottoming out will not be an issue....( famous last words?). Thanks for taking the time to respond to my questions. BL 00 9-5 Wagon > My .02, loving my Koni/stock spring decision every day. > > Bob

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