330 or 360 composite rear spring?
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Arvada CO
330 or 360 composite rear spring?
I have a 79' with a small block and have been running the monospring composite front end and loving it.
I'm ready to replace my rear spring but am unsure if I should go with a 330 or a 360lb composite spring.
I'm ready to replace my rear spring but am unsure if I should go with a 330 or a 360lb composite spring.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,362
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
360 min. You can ask for what they call a heavy 360 spring that may go up as high as 390. But I feel you should be happy with the 360 unless you drag race the car. Then you may wish to go a bit heavier.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 22
From: Norwalk CT and Boynton Beach FL
Go 360. I went 330 on VB&P recommendation and the car bottoms out at times. 330 is too soft ----
And don't get the KYB shocks --- they are junk and I don't know why they even sell them. Go Bilsteins if you can afford to --- and if not, then go with a standard GM Delco gas shock---- they are cheap and much better than the KYB's ---- but if you want KYB's I've got a full set of 4 with about 500 miles on them that I will sell CHEAP
And don't get the KYB shocks --- they are junk and I don't know why they even sell them. Go Bilsteins if you can afford to --- and if not, then go with a standard GM Delco gas shock---- they are cheap and much better than the KYB's ---- but if you want KYB's I've got a full set of 4 with about 500 miles on them that I will sell CHEAP
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
From: San Bruno California
I put the # 330 on based on my forum survey. My vett was bottoming out. ( pipes hitting ) so I called VBP and exchanged them for the #360 and am happy with them. Also wounder if the next one up would be better??? I put the Bilstiens on.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 18,341
Likes: 101
I can't say as I've ever "Bottomed" out the exhaust and I'm running my car pretty low. I' also using the front mono spring so it's down there.
Anyway, since I've never used the stiffer spring rates I can't say with any authority that they are too stiff but I can say the 330 and front mono spring combined get the job done without slamming your kidneys over every road imperfection. I love the ride of the car now. At LEGAL speeds I can't imagine needing any more stiffness. Then again the only time my car has ever seen 100 mph is at the end of the 1/4 mile and it hasn't done that in many years.
Gotta agree with who-ever it was that went so negative on the KYBs though.
Despite VBPs assertion that they've been "specially valved" they just can't keep up with the faster reacting fiberglass. Using 'em felt like having no shocks at all the ride was so bouncy. I kept them on the car for all of 2 weeks and then they found their way into the trash can.
Lesson learned and the old saw is still true. Seems like a bargain too good to be true?..........it probably is and it was,........
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 276
Likes: 1
From: Pistoia PT (ITALY)
360
360 is what I sport in my 79 !
A good set of Bilstein shocks, and you will be fine!
Yes....... for dragracing is a bit soft...... but for roadracing is Ok..... for me, at least!
Remember.... a too stick rear-end will never put your horses to the ground..... and you will have oversteering coming out from the corners.
Last thing..... a very thin sway bar..... as Herb Adams suggest!
A good set of Bilstein shocks, and you will be fine!
Yes....... for dragracing is a bit soft...... but for roadracing is Ok..... for me, at least!
Remember.... a too stick rear-end will never put your horses to the ground..... and you will have oversteering coming out from the corners.
Last thing..... a very thin sway bar..... as Herb Adams suggest!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,499
Likes: 1,508
From: Little Rock AR
1980 with a TRW 355# spring and Bilstein Sports. I do not go to the track and have to say that this setup is far from being what anyone would describe as "too stiff". It is a plush setup that works great for cruising. It would be a little soft for serious drag racing.
-Mark.
-Mark.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,951
Likes: 1
From: Shore NJ