Lowering by Cutting Coils
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 294
Likes: 1
From: Racine Wisconsin
Lowering by Cutting Coils
I know this question has been answered by forum members before. At the time I was planning to lowe using a 550#(F41) spring. Now, I plan to go back to stock or maybe a 460# and want about 1" lower. I can't remember if the forum recommended 1/2 coil or a full coil to lower 1". BTW, I'm switching from polyurethane bushings to rubber. I was plagued by the squeak. No squeak when assembling and installing. "Lots of squeak" under load. I'll wait for the "in-place" greasable units that are made for hot rods.
Thanks, 73C3
Thanks, 73C3
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
Originally Posted by rihwoods
I cut half a coil off my original FE7 front springs,and that gave me 3/4"-1" drop. But check on the 550's,as you may obtain the same results without cutting,if I recall correctly...
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Originally Posted by rihwoods
I cut half a coil off my original FE7 front springs,and that gave me 3/4"-1" drop. But check on the 550's,as you may obtain the same results without cutting,if I recall correctly...
If I had to do it all over again, I would of cut-off one complete turn.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Originally Posted by SanDiegoPaul
I used 550's and cut them 1/2 coil each. Ride height in front was 29" with the OEM springs, and now it is 27.5
Looks like your front end package worked out good...followed your posts on that...
Rich
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Originally Posted by Mike Mercury
I didn't have that kinda luck on Yvonnes 1973 small block. I cut off 1/2 a coil and only got 3/8" lowering - and that was measured well after a settling-in period. And I triple checked that the coil was seating properly in the top pocket.
If I had to do it all over again, I would of cut-off one complete turn.
If I had to do it all over again, I would of cut-off one complete turn.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 9
From: Fairport NY
I would only cut either a 1/2 coil or 1/4 until you reached your desired height. Taking a full coil may lower the car more than you desired. I've taken a 1 1/4 qtr off mine with 17" wheels. My car is pretty low and I wouldn't recommend it for a daily driver. Rod
Last edited by Red73; Jun 5, 2005 at 08:49 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 9
From: Fairport NY
I would only cut either a 1/2 coil or 1/4 until you reached your desired height. Taking a full coil may lower the car more than you desired. I've taken a 1 1/4 qtr off mine with 17" wheels. My car is pretty low and I wouldn't recommend it for a daily driver. Rod
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
[QUOTE=Red73]I would only cut either a 1/2 coil or 1/4 until you reached your desired height. Taking a full coil may lower the car more than you desired. I've taken a 1 1/4 qtr off mine with 17" wheels. My car is pretty low and I wouldn't recommend it for a daily driver. Rod
I agree, it's a little lower than the average C3
looks great !!!!
daily driver ??
I agree, it's a little lower than the average C3
looks great !!!!
daily driver ??
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,951
Likes: 1
From: Shore NJ
I just posted info on this, I put 460's in my 73, 350 sb with mods (aluminum heads, manifold, etc.) My front end was lightened about 90-100lbs., the coils measured 16 1/2" outside measurement with a cloth tape. First time I cut 9" off, tried it for a few days, was at 27 9/16", cut another 4" off ended up with 26 15/16" just right for my 245/6015 tires. Again the cutting depends on the weight/options/ mods you have done to the front end...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
my 71 small block with stock springs was @ 28" on the left and 28 1/4" on the right. I cut 1/2 coil from the top of the left and 1/2 coil + 1.5" from the right. Luckily...they both came out @ 26.5" on both sides. Lucky I guess on the first shot
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 816
Likes: 1
From: Finland
Originally Posted by Jclgodale3
my 71 small block with stock springs was @ 28" on the left and 28 1/4" on the right. I cut 1/2 coil from the top of the left and 1/2 coil + 1.5" from the right. Luckily...they both came out @ 26.5" on both sides. Lucky I guess on the first shot
