Spring question

[ga.spyder]

I have located a set of 4 springs from a 72 model ,to install this winter when I re build my front end.My question is how much will they lower my 82 model? I am running 15'' wheels and 205/50 series tires. Has anyone else done this swap? I hate to buy the springs ,install them and find out I have a tire rub issue.No rub at all as she sits now.Thanks for any feedback.
Craig

[stefhahn]

Craig,

I just did this conversion on my '79 this spring - it will lower the car 2cm.

ciao,
Stefan

[ga.spyder]

Stefan ,what size wheels are you running?I thinkI will be fine.I measured the overall height of my spare on a 14'' wheel,and my low profile tires on 15'' wheels were almost the same height.
Thanks ,Craig

[stefhahn]

I run Turbo rims w/ 185/60 14 Michelins and have enough clearance.
You can check the sizes w/ the Miata tire size calculator http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

ciao,
Stefan

[RevDave]

Hey Stefhahn... Were you pleased with the results of your spring swap? How was the ride and handling changed?

Thanks - Dave

[stefhahn]

Howdy Dave -
Sorry for late reply - I was out sailing over the weekend
It is a difference - interstingly enough both in handling and in comfort I feel the car being more sticky and less bumpy on the road - with more comfort. I consider it being an upgrade. Would recommend it to everybody, really.
ciao,
Stefan

[mdrburchette]

OH NO! Perish the thought that parts from an early car would make an 82 better.

[pope]

Better? You think it makes it better?
Picture this...Its like the guy who is dating the prom queen (CLASSIC '80s model) and THINKS that he is still missing something. So he goes breaks up with her and starts to talk to the nerdy girl who stays in the library all day. After a while, he knows he made a mistake... but the prom queen doesnt want him back. So he's miserable for the rest of his life. The End.

[rlux4]

Ouch.
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

Pope, is that a personal memoir?

[stefhahn]

Well.... if (I doubt) if I ever want the good new (good old doesn't seem to be right here) setup back.... the original spings are wel polished and stored dry cosy and warm - so: if you want a new princess, don't forget to give the current one a quiet, cosy and warm home ....
ciao,
Stefan

[pope]

LOL,
Mark...in my case, I was the prom King and the story goes on from there.........

[RevDave]

Wow Pope.... From early springs to dating the prom queen -- that's quite a jump! There are psychiatrists that can help with that sort of thing ya know... Seriously, thanks for the insights re. early springs - Dave

[pope]

Just trying to make life interesting...Just repeating the Fiat Shop Manual gets kinda boring after a while.

Anyways you guys and one gal are tooooo literal. The prom queen was a Classic 80's Spider and the girl in the library was an early 70's Spider. I think you can take it from there....................

[mdrburchette]

Yeah, I get it. The Prom Queen is who everyone wants until they get her, then they end up marrying the library girl cuz the prom queen may look good but she ain't as fun to drive.