CLASS RACER FORUM - View Single Post - Front Suspension G-Body

Kegracing · 06-06-2015, 07:06 PM

No offense taken Mark. You have done more of this than I have, and I have learned a lot from your post over the years.
But, years ago, in engineering classes - "materials properties" or something like that, we actually put heat on and then tested springs and metal, bolts, etc. in a lab setting. Heat will kill the tensile strength and memory in metal if "abused" Heat is the key to changing the properties of metal. Cooling rates are also critical and play heavily into it. Oil bath, vs. oven. vs. water, etc.
If you are good with a torch, use the proper cutting tip and some would say wrap the spring up from the cut line with wet rag, etc. you can get away with it. Most people, me included, don't use a torch enough to stay "good" with it.
The amount of heat, and how far down the coil the heat travels, will change the area that is effected.
A cut off wheel will not put anywhere near the amount of heat into the coil. Less clean up needed also for most. Better for most people. Less change of the spring from "as delivered" material properties.
With all that said, there are some people out there with enough knowledge and experience to know what heat to put where, to modify springs to do what they want... I am far from there! LOL

I am very happy with my latest spring purchase - Santhuff. Good out of the box, did what they told me they would, sat like they told me they would, with no cutting.

Ken

Stock 412
.

06-06-2015, 07:06 PM	#7
Kegracing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Red Oak, TX Posts: 441 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Front Suspension G-Body No offense taken Mark. You have done more of this than I have, and I have learned a lot from your post over the years. But, years ago, in engineering classes - "materials properties" or something like that, we actually put heat on and then tested springs and metal, bolts, etc. in a lab setting. Heat will kill the tensile strength and memory in metal if "abused" Heat is the key to changing the properties of metal. Cooling rates are also critical and play heavily into it. Oil bath, vs. oven. vs. water, etc. If you are good with a torch, use the proper cutting tip and some would say wrap the spring up from the cut line with wet rag, etc. you can get away with it. Most people, me included, don't use a torch enough to stay "good" with it. The amount of heat, and how far down the coil the heat travels, will change the area that is effected. A cut off wheel will not put anywhere near the amount of heat into the coil. Less clean up needed also for most. Better for most people. Less change of the spring from "as delivered" material properties. With all that said, there are some people out there with enough knowledge and experience to know what heat to put where, to modify springs to do what they want... I am far from there! LOL I am very happy with my latest spring purchase - Santhuff. Good out of the box, did what they told me they would, sat like they told me they would, with no cutting. Ken Stock 412 .