Spring Recommed for BB C3
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 18
From: Lake Ozark, MO
Spring Recommed for BB C3
What spring is recommended for the BB C3? I have a non-factory (of course) 454 in a 78. Can I use the SB 550s to keep the clearance level between the tire and fender lip to a minimal level
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
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From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by Hvymtlc5
What spring is recommended for the BB C3? I have a non-factory (of course) 454 in a 78. Can I use the SB 550s to keep the clearance level between the tire and fender lip to a minimal level
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
I didn't change my stock SB springs yet. I think they're 280 or something like that. I have 3/4 of a coild cut and I can't really say that I notice a difference with the 454 in there. Doesn't seem to be real bouncey and the ride height is exactly the same. I do have aluminum heads, intake and radiator.
I have a set of 550's in the garage just in case.
I have a set of 550's in the garage just in case.
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 564
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From: Pittsburgh PA
IIRC, the fully dressed BBC (with iron heads) weighs in about 730 lbs., less exhaust manifolds, while the SBC is ~600. So, by going with an aluminum water pump, heads and intake, you can make a BBC weigh approximately the same as the original SBC, and avoid the handling and braking issues everybody worries about....
Just food for thought.
Just food for thought.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 10
From: Big Pine Key FL
I swapped the stock 350 and a big copper radiator for a 502 BBC and a bigger aluminum radiator and the front end is about 3/4" taller than when I started
The BBC has alu heads, intake, water pump, ps pump, pulleys, and brackets.
Not done yet...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 18
From: Lake Ozark, MO
So the consensus is to go with the SBC springs since the worse they can do with the BB is to lower the front an inch or so...and that appears to be good a good thing for shortening the gap between the fender and tire.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by Hvymtlc5
So the consensus is to go with the SBC springs since the worse they can do with the BB is to lower the front an inch or so...and that appears to be good a good thing for shortening the gap between the fender and tire.....
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
I'm with Jughead. Run the small block springs for now and see how you like it. I ran morosso 280 pound springs and really liked them. I do not like the 460 springs or the 550 either.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 306
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From: WAY SOUTH OF HEAVEN inebriated
personally i feel the 550s combined with the 360 composite rear spring is your best bet 460s are too soft if you drive anything like i do you will notice the difference in the corners! check ecklers i think you will be just as satisfied as i was. 
oh ya your big block will way appr 640 pounds check out diabolical performance under big block conversion
oh ya your big block will way appr 640 pounds check out diabolical performance under big block conversion