Springs question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ
Springs question
What is the stock rating for a 1970 non-AC 350?
My stock springs are in an OK condition, a little scrubbing and painting and will look like new. Still trying to decide whether to put them back in or go with something like a VBP 460 or 550. I will be getting Bilstein Sports or HDs all around. (I hear better things about the HDs)
Will the ride height change noticeably going from stock to 460? to 550? I only have around 2 inches maybe less of clearance between the top of the tire and the fender while on stock springs....
IF staying with stock fronts, what would be a balanced rear mono I should try?
If going with 460 in the front.....rear?
550 in front, 360 rear?
Thanks in advance
My stock springs are in an OK condition, a little scrubbing and painting and will look like new. Still trying to decide whether to put them back in or go with something like a VBP 460 or 550. I will be getting Bilstein Sports or HDs all around. (I hear better things about the HDs)
Will the ride height change noticeably going from stock to 460? to 550? I only have around 2 inches maybe less of clearance between the top of the tire and the fender while on stock springs....
IF staying with stock fronts, what would be a balanced rear mono I should try?
If going with 460 in the front.....rear?
550 in front, 360 rear?
Thanks in advance
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,689
Likes: 2,572
according to this site the standard rate is about 400 but your originals springs would no longer be at that rate so you cannt compare the ride height to a new stronger spring. You should go with a package of matched front and rears which I believe VBP has. Alot depends on what kind of driving you intend to do and the condition of the roads in your area.
http://www.duntovmotors.com/frontsuspension.php
http://www.duntovmotors.com/frontsuspension.php
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,198
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi raf,
Non a/c, sb cars weren't hard on springs.
How many miles are on your car and do you think the springs are original?
I ask for 2 reasons:
They may not need to be replaced... you save $$$.
There are so many posts from people who have ride height problems after replacing springs.
Don't change them if they don't need to be just for cosmetic reasons.
Regards,
Alan
Non a/c, sb cars weren't hard on springs.
How many miles are on your car and do you think the springs are original?
I ask for 2 reasons:
They may not need to be replaced... you save $$$.
There are so many posts from people who have ride height problems after replacing springs.
Don't change them if they don't need to be just for cosmetic reasons.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ
Hi raf,
Non a/c, sb cars weren't hard on springs.
How many miles are on your car and do you think the springs are original?
I ask for 2 reasons:
They may not need to be replaced... you save $$$.
There are so many posts from people who have ride height problems after replacing springs.
Don't change them if they don't need to be just for cosmetic reasons.
Regards,
Alan
Non a/c, sb cars weren't hard on springs.
How many miles are on your car and do you think the springs are original?
I ask for 2 reasons:
They may not need to be replaced... you save $$$.
There are so many posts from people who have ride height problems after replacing springs.
Don't change them if they don't need to be just for cosmetic reasons.
Regards,
Alan
I am actually leaning towards staying with what I have since it looks like its just a bit of rust that can easily be cleaned up. Car has 100k ... springs are in good shape, they were cleaned and painted by one of the previous owners but I have no way of finding out if they are original or were changed at some point just by looking at it.
The reason why I would consider going with new springs is because I plan on going mono in the back... and I've read here numerous times that the rear/front combo should be balanced. It will be easier to get a balanced set up by getting new front and rear.
But here is the catch...going new front might change the ride height which is currently perfect.
