I've read conflicting reports on the Eibach Pro Springs for the SRT-6. My reason for wanting a change in the first place is to improve the handling on the track. (I'm turning into a track junkie) So reports of how nice they ride don't answer my main question which is do they handle better than the stock SRT springs? Another reason for my doubts are the MB forums that insist that the Eibachs and AMG Sport springs are basically the same thing. So I wonder if the difference is nil, miniscule, nice or a huge improvement. Also the spring rate of the Eibach's adds to my concernes. SRT springs are rated at 451 lbs. front and 480 lbs. rear while the Eibach's are 371 lbs.

So those of you that have them on your SRT please share your impressions.

Les

 

The Eibachs are a progressive rate spring where the factory springs are not, that plays a huge roll as well. I have not tracked my car but I can tell you this....stock suspension was worse than my SRT-4 Neon when it came to cornering. Turns I used to take at 40mph I can safely take at 65-70mph with my foot in the throttle and not work about under steer. The Koni shocks probably help the most but the Prokits did lower the center of gravity and give the car a firmer driving feel.

 

still want a ride in your car to see if it it worth it for me the non track junkie lol

 

I'm guessing not too many SRT's have Eibach's. I already have custom valved Koni's which made a huge difference in the balance and stability of the car. My goal is to lower the car and improve the handling, but after taking measurements with my new tires and spacers, I'm thinking 1" in the front is about all I can do without interference with the outer lip of the fender. The back is not a concern. Just on reputation I'll most likely go with the Eibach's. Now, any feedback on camber kits? Pull the wheels in at the bottom with an eccentric bolt or push them out at the top with an adjustable upper link? (I'm leaning towards the upper link in the back, I already have the eccentric bolts in the front)

Les

 

Somewhere there was a thread for adjustable rear torque arms on MBWorld

 

Yes, I found speedybenz over there and another one on ebay. I finally ordered the Eibach Pro Kit so ..... we will see. If I don't like them I'll offer them for sale here on the forum and just cut my stock springs. I also decided to wait and see what the drop looks like on my car before buying a spring pad collection that I may never use. Same for the rear camber kit. If I need it I'll buy it later.

Les

 

Eibachs are here! I took a couple of pics of the stock ride height before the instal. You can see how my new tires are wearing with the negative camber. (500 miles including 75 minutes at the track)

Les

 

I have dot 5 spring pads ordered for the front and dot 1 for the rear. If it's not right I'm having a talk with the good ole boys at TVT! I also ordered some adjustable upper links for the rear camber. And believe it or not, I think I found a rear strut bar that will work. It's ordered too and I hope to instal the whole kit and kaboodle this weekend. I sure hope it all gets delivered on friday. (A front one is in the works)

Les

 

Well, the spring pads still haven't arrived but look what did! I hope they do the job and don't give me any problems.

Les

 

Put them on took them off, could not stop the interference, and rubbing.

Put Konis on and love it, have them set on track 1/4 turn from full firm. Stock springs and no rubbing, 245/40/18 all round. Adjusted rear to -0.6 degrees to limit camber wear.

ALSO added better swaybar bushings - polyurethane

Woody WEEKEND YEAH<

 

Hey Woody! I've got a rear strut bar on the way. Hopefully the guy that made it will have the front one ready in January. When it comes I'll post a few pictures.

I read the posts from TVT on the Eibach's and have No. 1 pads ordered for the rear and 5 for the front. I already have Koni's but I do better with the front adjusted 1-1/2 from full hard and the back 1-1/2 from full soft. (I always measure different, don't know why)

WEEKEND .... and the dog wants to go O U T!!

Les

 

Wanna know about the fromt strut, thanks Woody WEEKEND yeah

 

The front strut bar is still a dream. He's making them for the CLK W208 and CLK 430 and it just so happens that the rear one fits. (actually praying it does). He's making some for the front next and I'm hoping it will work. Anyone care to measure between the shock towers of a CLK 320?

Les

 

Well the Eibachs are on, as well as the adjustable camber arms in the rear. The drop on the front with the dot 5 pads on the front is 1/2 inch. On the rear with the dot 1 I got 1 1/2 inches of drop. The car sits level and no rubbing. (I have 235/40/18 on the front) As far as the ride .... I really can't feel any difference. I couldn't get more negative camber on the front even with the drop but the rear has plenty. This weekend I have a track event so afterwards I should have more information. I'll be watching the stopwatch to see how much difference the lower center of gravity, new springs and rear negative camber made. I'll upload a pic or 2 later.

Les

 

if you have positive results with the handling i may go this route. as it is right now, i am afraid to mess with the suspension since the spring ratings on the eibachs show they are lighter. I hope things work out well and good luck at the track!

what tires are you running btw?

 

Thanks mrphotoman. (and congrats on 11'S) I'm running Michelin Pilot Sport Cups, 235/40/18 on the front and 265/35/19 on the rear. They are slick when cold. When they get up to temperature they really do stick. In other words, they suck for drag racing and excel on a road course. I pray the Eibach's were a good choice but if not, I'll swap them out toot sweet for something else. The photos are not the best but you can see the drop. I was worried about rubbing the fenders in the front with my taller than stock rubber so I played it safe. I can already see a further drop in the future.

Les

 

thanks, it looks good with the drop.

did the koni adjustable shocks make a really big difference?

 

When I got the koni's adjusted right with street tires they made a night and day difference. I was able to do a 4 wheel drift when I pushed too hard in a corner! (No understeer) Now I'm searching for the best setting with the R compound tires. They really stiffened up the ride IMO. I tried the softest setting but that just made them bouncy. On the track, setting them stiff on the front and soft on the rear worked well for me, opposite from what research suggested. With R compound it seems the car likes it soft on the front and stiff in the rear. My last event was a timed event so I just set the shocks and left them alone. This weekend is track time so I'll be trying different settings. The short answer is the Koni's make a real positive improvement in handling but are harsher on bad roads.

YouTube - Oct 25, 2009

This video is with the camera mounted on the drivers side of the rear window and if you watch the horizon you can see how much roll the car has with the stock springs. I'd never noticed it driving the car. I'm mounting the camera in the same position this weekend, even though the track has a different configuration, to see if the Eibach's make a positive difference. Nothing like testing and verifying parts and changes.

Les

 

that is a very nice course they had set up in that video, thanks for sharing.

your car is a 2006?

that was in salinas, ca? i have been to salinas a few times, that is where my crazy ex lived for a while lol.

 

That was Salinas Puerto Rico and the car is indeed a verified 2006 SRT-6. The event on the 25th was a timed event and I came in 2nd in my class. (Yea me) Did you notice the movement in the video? It shocked me. I never felt the rolling but seeing is believing. I'll know real soon what I think of the Eibach's. Trial by fire.

Les