unique spring rates

[walt427]

I have Unique 289 FIA with 351W engine...can any body pass on the rear spring rate and spring LENGTH for Jag indepentent rear...Unique factory suggested 8" with 175# rate and this seems far to soft and can't gat adeqate ride height { what are yoy getting for ride height?] THANKS

[casaleenie]

Walt,

Did you try the Unique Forum... someone there might have just what you need?????

[decooney]

Walt,
we've ran 10" / 275lb springs in the back of the Uniques; shocks and springs by Carrera. If you want to lower the car with this setup, you'll need the modified upper shock mounts that move the mount point inward another 3/4", which allows for the rear to be lowered more without bottomming out the spanner/adjusters all the way. Also this slight angle with the upper mounts changes the spring angle/geometry for a bit softer ride. Alan at Unique can help you. 8"/175lb seems like a wrong number was provided to you or something. If in doubt, just get the measurements eyehole to eyehole on the shocks at the desired ride height, and call Carrera with your weight details. They can get you the correct shock/spring. It's worth getting exact measurements to Carrera. See Ya.

[jdeuel87]

Duane,
Would using 9" springs rather than 10" accomplish the same thing as relocating the upper shock mount???

[decooney]

Originally posted by jdeuel87


Duane,
Would using 9" springs rather than 10" accomplish the same thing as relocating the upper shock mount???

jdeuel87,
the short answer is yes.

The longer answer is this...
if you have a Unique with the coil-over upgrade in front, they are usually Carrera shocks. If you want to match the front/rear shocks and springs, and most do if they are the chrome coil-overs from Carrera, then you need to check with Carrera to see if they will make you custom 9" springs. The last time we did this, they only made the 10" or 12" springs. Also, the ride height in the rear depends on whether or not you have the wide or narrowed jag rear end. The wide is 55" and the narrow is 52.5" outside to outside. The narrow rear end pulls in the lower control arms a bit, which changes the mounting points below (angle) of the shocks/springs, which raises the car a bit more too (like 1").
Again, I would definitely check with Carrera but the most important thing is to give Carrera shocks your eyehole to eyehole measurements with the car sitting at desired height; also accounting for the mounting angle of the shock. They can help if you give them ALL of the information they ask you for. Aren't Cobras fun? Good Luck.