mikem350

Got this 71 vert (350 small block) from a PO who rebuilt the entire car for road gymkhana racing with 550 lb front springs and a 7 leaf rear. Is pretty much stripped out, no heat, manual trans, no AC etc.
Got 3/4 in bar in front none rear.

I need to raise the front to clear speed bumps and protect the exhaust and oil pan which sometimes scrape. The pan is a deep road race 7 qt thing and exhaust is hooker long tube headers.

Any advice on which ones might work with the rear? The ride is also really bad, just want a nice handling driver.

redvetracr

GM used to sell air conditioning spacers that went under the front springs, they may still be available. that and shorter bolts in the back might get the job done or just change front & rear springs

mikem350

I was considering using spacers; will look for a source. The springs are so short that they are loose in the pocket when on the lift! The rear sits high now and I don't want to raise it.
Also looking for "touring" springs or equivalent to gain like 1-1.5 inch. Ride is really harsh now.

ddawson

Front coil overs?

Choose the spring rate you want and adjust to the height you need.

Haggisbash

If the springs are loose in the pocket when on the lift it sounds like they have been cut making your situation even worse. Spacers will improve the ride height but it will still be a hard ride. I found the 430 - 460lb front springs were a good compromise for the bumpy roads here. The original std front springs were under 300lb but had more coils so I guess a more progressive action than the aftermarket ones. The shorter aftermarket ones are a lot easier to remove and refit too.

7t9l82

i have 550 front springs cut 3/4 of a coil a milodon seven quart pan and side mount headers and have no issue with speed bumps etc, however i go over them a bit slow. a spacer may be a good option.

mikem350

Thanks, maybe they are cut!!! The roads here are flat smooth but I still don't want a car that rides this way and risks severe damage. My plan will be to use the "touring" springs like 460 lb.

How much did your new ones affect the ride height? Anybody have part numbers for these avail locally?

doorgunner

Someone correct me.....but I think the correct base replacement springs are 330/360 lbs. and close to 14" tall "out of the box". I had to cut some off mine to get 1 & 1/2" of clearance between the top of the 225/70/15 tire and the fender lip)

mikep3

http://www.summitracing.com/search/y...ront%20springs

At $50 new springs are easy to install. Forget shins, if your car is low and bottoms out just replace with new. They have a shorter free height which makes for easy installation.

doorgunner

You can always cut one coil off if the new springs are too high.....but you MUST drive the car for several days before cutting a coil so the new springs can settle into position and adjust to the weight of the car!

mikem350

I checked the specs:
Moog 5758 HD 474 lb w/o ac
Moog 5762 HD 474 lb w/ac

Sounds like correct plan, thanks to all