Well, I have to ask... did you actually remove these springs from a 164, or were you simply *told* they were 164 springs? 'Cuz if you cut 1.5 coils from these springs and your car ended up with more ride height, then in my opinion, you weren't working with stock 164 front springs to start with. According to the shop manuals, 140 and 160 front springs are very nearly identical. The 160 springs are made from slightly larger wire, so they are stiffer, but only a little. Putting stock 164 springs in the front of a 140 would theoretically raise the car slightly, but unless the old 140 springs were absolutely shot (and the 160 springs were like new), I would be surprised if you would see a big difference in ride height. You're obviously describing something totally different, with the cut springs actually raising the car. Also, 164 springs with 2.5 coils gone will definitely NOT ride softer than stock 140 springs.
--
Gary Learned - '71 142E ITB / '73 1800ES / '02 S60 T5