tmays64

Hi I am rebuilding my front end with new control arm bushings and was looking at my old springs and they have a lot of rust.I was thinking should I change from stock springs to f40 or f41 or something else.

66427-450

Very significant difference in spring rate (how many pounds of force produced per inch of compression), In other words F 40/41 very stiff riding, and also designed to result in a somewhat lower riding height. Most typical street drivers don’t appreciate/like them, at all. However if you go that route, remember the front springs are part of a engineered “package” [front/rear springs, shocks, swaybar(s)].... you can’t successfully change just one element of the package. I don’t have the specifications handy, but they’re readily available

mblake101

There is really nothing wrong with replacing yours with new stock springs. Some folks who have switched to heavy duty duty springs complain about the ride quality. I’m certain that those with direct experience with the pros/cons of each will offer tremendous personal Insight. Over the 35 years and 7 C2’s, my 2 big blocks had HD suspension and it was fine. All my small blocks had base suspension, and I would t want them any stiffer. To each his own. Good luck!

Bluestripe67

Leave them along except to clean and maybe repaint them. Consider a good set of gas shocks all the way around. Dennis

reno stallion

Cut one full coil it will ride and handle better. Not to mention look better

alblosser

new stock springs, then you won't complain about ride or ride height.

JrRifleCoach

I like it. Which front sway bar you running?

C2Dude

My 66 vert came with the High perf springs, 7 leaf rear and thicker wire diameter front coils. We find the ride stiff but not awful for western NY roads. I am planning on replacing them with the OE progressive springs as I am in the club that believes that softer springs with good shocks provides a nice ride and helps keep the tire patch in contact with the road when disrupted in a corner. It does also tend to increase body roll but that is then addressed with a thicker roll bar. IMHO you get the best of both worlds, better handling and a smoother cruise. Also keep in mind that when one cuts a coil spring, while you do lower the ride height, you also increase it's spring rate. Not an issue so long as that's factored into your plan.

SWCDuke

The "lot of rust" may just be surface rust. Have them sand blasted then carefully inspect for major loss of material like notches. If nothing bad is seen they are reusable.

The F40/41 springs have double the rate and were meant for serious racing, so unless you plan on doing serious road racing with real racing tires. Keep the suspension as is. It was very well engineered and the base suspension yields very acceptable ride quality with excellent "handling" especially with the best high performance tires like the Avon CR6ZZ.

Your rear spring likely needs to be removed, disassembled, cleaned up and inspected as above. Reassemble with new liners and install with new GM-sourced spring link cushions. Do not fully tighten the bolts until the car is back on the ground to avoid breaking the bolt bosses on the carrier cover.

Duke

woodsdesign

I had HD springs in my 65 SB coupe. It was a rough ride. I went with stock springs and it is night and day difference.

reno stallion

Stock 64

tmays64

Thanks everyone I believe I’ll sand blast and paint them and reinstall.I love this forum I try to get on daily have learned a lot here.