John Olsons progressive springs

[Keshav Sabharwal]

Hello members, has anyone installed the above mentioned "Progressive" rate springs? If so, is there a dramatic difference between the standard springs and progressive ones? Finally, when and how does one know when springs need to be changed, after all, the cars are at the 40 year old mark! thanks. Keshav (Germany)

[rwmastel]

Keshav,

There are differing opinions about whether springs "wear out".  I believe that if they are not rusting and are not stretched beyond normal tolerances (ie. "sprung"), then they should last a very, very long time.  Others believe they do wear out with normal use and/or age.

Here's some John Olsen spring discussions:
http://index.php?topic=4584
http://index.php?topic=5533

[Bob G ✝︎]

One of my pet peeves about the progressive rate springs was very little information on which spring pads to use. I like the feel of the progressive rate springs and the stock Bilstein shocks. I just have to adjust the height of the front and rear of the car which is beyond my expertise. John sent a questioneer that asked if your car was auto or stick, AC or not and how to measure the exsisting height so the right springs could be custom made for your car.

I would recommend to anyone doing this job to be prepared to replace woren-out rubber bushing in the front and rear to enjoy the full effect of the new springs. In my case the mechanic shop I went to seemed kind of seedy so what pads were pulled out during the two day treck did not match what I put inand I had no plans to leave the car there over night. Lesson learned pay more for a good MB wrench and go home happy the first time around.

As fare as the classic Konies I have never had the chance to compare another SL with mine. Since I want more of the orginal feel with less lose dive and sway the John Olson springs serve their purpose that being said I hope I added to your decision.

Bob Geco
1968 280SL

[Markp]

I've used Johns progressive rate springs on two of my 280SL's with very good results. On both occasions I've used Bilsteins and installed the 5th compensator spring as well. My only problem with Bilsteins is that they cause the car to sit higher. I compensated by having John make the sprngs a little shorter. My current SL has the suspension kit (springs and shocks) from Mechatronic. They are beautifully designed and built and are in Germany. The handling is superb. Good luck, Mark

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by Markp

My current SL has the suspension kit (springs and shocks) from Mechatronic.

Mark,
Would you please describe their kit?  Or, at least the version of it that you chose?  Thanks!

[Markp]

The kit consists of Mechatronics own shocks and (4) springs. The kit is of their own design and was engineered together (as opposed to different manufacturers springs and shocks). The shock bodies are stainless steel and incredibly well engineered and built ( I'll try to get some photos ) the springs are also of their own design. The car sits a little lower and level compared to the factory ride height. The ride quality is still very good for around town driving, front end dive and body sway is almost completely gone. It corners like it's on rails. I have a 911 and a 356 Porsche and the SL doesn't give up anything in the corners, it's very impressive. Apparently the Mechatronic guys are ex-AMG Mercedes mechanics, it shows in the quality of the product. I also have the alloy (hubcap) wheels and with the Vredestein tires the handling is incredible. Almost completely stock appearance with substanially improved performance.

[Peter van Es]

I had new stock springs and stock Bilsteins and all new pads etc fitted last november. Made an enormous difference compared to the almost 40 year old items they replaced. Can take speedbumps at speed (and we have loads of those here in the Netherlands), cornering and roadholding much improved, nosedive a lot less. It's really a joy to drive.

In my view, whatever you do, stock or progressive or even Mechatronic, replace the whole lot whilst you're at it and you'll find you'll be driving a much younger car again!

Peter

[Raymond]

I just replaced all my springs for the second time last weekend.  You need to decide how you want the car to ride and corner.

The progressive springs preserve the boulevard cruiser gentility of the orignal ride until you brake or corner hard.  Then they get stiffer as the springs compress.  In cornering, I found the onset of that stiffness to be sudden and somewhat unpredictable.

This time I went with stiffer linear springs sacrificing cushy ride for sportier handling.  I'm extrememly happy.

Anytime you get the chance, replace old rubber with new.  It is amazing what a difference even new sway bar rubber can make.  

Changing spring components makes ride height a trial and error endeavor.  Ride height is a combination of springs and pads.  I recommend the thinnest pads available from MB and a set of flange gaskets to use as "shims" if you have to adjust.  See Jim Villers' excellent explanation on Dick Metzer's first Blacklick video.  With the current Olson springs, the thin pads require no shims.

For the compensator spring, the thinnest rubber pads are NLA from Mercedes.  The oly other choice cause the rear of the car to be about 3/4 inch too high.

Whether you choose progressive or sport, the change will be dramatic and you will be so glad you went to the trouble.

[pago41]

Could someone please post the contact number or any other info for Mechatronic. I am very interested in learning more about them.       Thanks.

[mdsalemi]

quote:Originally posted by pago41

Could someone please post the contact number or any other info for Mechatronic. I am very interested in learning more about them.       Thanks.

http://www.mechatronik.de/