spring rates ??
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Delta Pa
spring rates ??
I've got a '69 conv 427/390 -- it's time to finally do something with the suspension. I'm looking to restore ride height and improve the quality at the same time, but am getting confused looking at all of the different options, ie. gymkhana, F40, etc.... Also, I think I'd like to go with a composite rear spring -- what will be the best setup for a quality ride? I live in the middle of nowhere, lots of country roads on the way to Carlisle 
I'll be running 255/60-15 bfg's on the stock rallys. I've seen one car w/the 550lb rear (composite) spring and 360lb front coils, it looked right, but was in a magazine, couldn't speak with the owner.
I'd like to buy a kit and be done with it, rather than piece something together. Help!
I'll be running 255/60-15 bfg's on the stock rallys. I've seen one car w/the 550lb rear (composite) spring and 360lb front coils, it looked right, but was in a magazine, couldn't speak with the owner.I'd like to buy a kit and be done with it, rather than piece something together. Help!
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,855
Likes: 2
From: Columbia South Carolina
I have the 550/360 set up on mine and quite frankly it will rattle your teeth loose but it handles like its on rails so I am happy. I am also running a 1 1/4(?) ft sway bar. It was the biggest I could find. I need to upgrade the rear sway bar now.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,506
Likes: 139
From: Butler Pa
I also have the 550/360 set up on mine with 1-1/8" front bar and a 3/4" rear bar. I really like it, but the rear can get loose if I push it to far. I need to either go bigger on the front bar or smaller on the rear.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,403
Likes: 95
BEARZ71 Who ever you call for springs make it very clear to them
you prefer a good ride. VPB makes a 460 front spring its more then
enough to hold up your big block, try a 1 1/8 front bar and 9 1/6
rear bar or a 1 1/4 front with 5/8 rear bar. for a rear sping stay
with 330. to stiff a rear spring or to big a rear bar
will cause overstear problems and you don't want that.
you prefer a good ride. VPB makes a 460 front spring its more then
enough to hold up your big block, try a 1 1/8 front bar and 9 1/6
rear bar or a 1 1/4 front with 5/8 rear bar. for a rear sping stay
with 330. to stiff a rear spring or to big a rear bar
will cause overstear problems and you don't want that.
Last edited by Little Mouse; May 18, 2006 at 12:03 PM.
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Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...t&SubGroup=603
I have the VB&P Street & Slalom kit with Smart Struts. Van Steel has the price edge.
Smart struts are worth every penny, but I would ask them to substitute in a 9/16th or 5/8ths rear bar.
I found the 360 fiber to be way to squaty at the drag strip with slicks. So I had a custom steel 420+ inch pound made.
I have the VB&P Street & Slalom kit with Smart Struts. Van Steel has the price edge.
Smart struts are worth every penny, but I would ask them to substitute in a 9/16th or 5/8ths rear bar.
I found the 360 fiber to be way to squaty at the drag strip with slicks. So I had a custom steel 420+ inch pound made.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,961
Likes: 573
From: Lompoc, CA. Santa Barbara County
I have the 440 springs up front, and TRW 340 springs out back.
1 1/8 bar up front and 5/8" bar out back.
Bilsteins all around and all rubber bushings tossed for polly. Great ride, and definitely handles much better than when it was stock. It sticks good too because of massive rubber, 275-40-17s up front, and 275-40-18s out back. I cruise the highway and 90 feels like 55, very smooth and confortable. But when I crank the wheel and gas it, it sticks. Don't give up a good ride for 10/10ths handling, especially if your never going to the race track. I took out a Gymkhana spring, and it rode like the proverbial truck. I don't understand that saying, because my GMC HD Crew Cab rides smoother than my Vette.
Bee Jay
1 1/8 bar up front and 5/8" bar out back.
Bilsteins all around and all rubber bushings tossed for polly. Great ride, and definitely handles much better than when it was stock. It sticks good too because of massive rubber, 275-40-17s up front, and 275-40-18s out back. I cruise the highway and 90 feels like 55, very smooth and confortable. But when I crank the wheel and gas it, it sticks. Don't give up a good ride for 10/10ths handling, especially if your never going to the race track. I took out a Gymkhana spring, and it rode like the proverbial truck. I don't understand that saying, because my GMC HD Crew Cab rides smoother than my Vette.
Bee Jay
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
Before you buy anything, I suggest that you compare what Zora designed for your year and engine. The OE setup had a pretty good combo for ride quality and performance.
If you have rough roads that you regularly drive on, the suggested combinations described above may be too stiff for your b_ _t.
I'd be particularly careful about replacing rubber bushings in the control arms, sway bars and strut rods with poly.
I replaced the body mounts/shims on my 71 with rubber mounts from a 73 and later and it softened up the ride quite a bit.
Also try installing seats from an 82. Much more comfortable and much lighter than OE.
If you have rough roads that you regularly drive on, the suggested combinations described above may be too stiff for your b_ _t.
I'd be particularly careful about replacing rubber bushings in the control arms, sway bars and strut rods with poly.
I replaced the body mounts/shims on my 71 with rubber mounts from a 73 and later and it softened up the ride quite a bit.
Also try installing seats from an 82. Much more comfortable and much lighter than OE.