Big Block springs
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 14
From: A town SC
Big Block springs
Should i change front springs, rebuilding front end with current small block,planing on having 496 finished by end of winter will BB springs be to stiff to use untill swap?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Maybe a little bit high. BB springs are physically shorter as I recall, so it might offset. Odds are it won't look like a '50 Chevy Coupe or an old ****** with a straight axle under it.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
The VB&P 550# springs are supposed to lower the front end 1". I can't be sure on my car because it hasn't been driven yet and the engine is lighter than the stock 350. The car is sitting ~stock ride height now. If you are putting in an iron block engine they should work out nicely. BTW, from what I have read the #550 springs are considered 'medium' stiffness so you should be OK with the ride quality until you put in the big block.
Rick B.
Rick B.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
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From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
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Small block springs might work just fine-IF you are going w/ aluminum heads/intake on the 496- It'll be close to the same weight as a small block w/ iron heads.
Richard
Richard
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
From what info I've gathered an L82 SB weighs in at ~525#, while an alum head/intake BB is at ~620#. That's only about 50# extra load per side, so you're not looking at a great deal of difference. Yes, 550# front springs are mediums (860's here), and many a performance minded enthusiasts finds them more than acceptable with a SB. ...tho IMCO a few CF'ers do seem to have some rather soft backsides. 
TSW
TSW
Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; Jul 31, 2009 at 01:29 AM.
