When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I am doing a restomod 71 coupe. looking for advise on what front springs and what mono spring for the rear. Engine (small block) will have alum heads and manifold with headers, so about 30lbs lighter in the front and a fiberglass spring in the rear. I only want to street drive the car so looking for a nice street ride nothing harsh. NO poly bushings. Please help me decide on what spring rate for the front and rear. I still have the stock springs.
VB&P is having a Fall sale on suspensions at the moment. If you choose a kit with 460# front springs and the lightest rear mono spring that would give you the softest ride. I can attest to the fact that the Street & Slalom suspension is very very firm.
I have my views...but call Gary and Vette Brakes and Products and explain your concerns and requirements. I would do a 330# rear and the 460# front coils....or you can also convert the front to a mono spring also. VBaP sells the lower control arms that allow you to convert it over.
Also it is important what SHOCK you choose.
Vette Brakes and Products 1-800-237-9991 "VBandP.com"
I didn't have a rear sway bar. should I consider adding one and will it make the ride harsh?
Very generally, a rear bar will improve the handling more than it affects the ride. For everyday street use, use a light (9/16") to moderate (5/8")bar. A stiffer spring can require a lighter (7/16") bar, and a softer spring might work well with a stiffer (3/4")bar.
A one inch front bar is plenty big enough, IMHO. Any bigger than that and you are probably twisting the chassis more than you are loading the tires.
460 front springs, 300 rear-bilstein for both ends. 1 1/8 inch front bar,OEM type 7/16 rear. Do not use an aftermarket rear bar with non OEM end links. Speed direct spreader bar in front a must to stop frame flex. Car will ride nice with very good handling.
Make sure you don't skimp on shocks with a glass rear spring. The car will bounce in the back if you do. I followed a C3 for a few miles last week. I could see the ends of the spring and it was a mono. It either had worn out or cheap shocks on it. The thing was bouncing up and down at every little bump. Driving with it like that would drive me crazy!
460 front springs, 300 rear-bilstein for both ends. 1 1/8 inch front bar,OEM type 7/16 rear. Do not use an aftermarket rear bar with non OEM end links. Speed direct spreader bar in front a must to stop frame flex. Car will ride nice with very good handling.
What he said! I went with a 340 rear mono and Bilsteins all around. Much better and smoother ride than the softer factory leafs. As for the front, if you plan to drive it hard, stiffer springs will help but at the cost of ride quality. Unless, as previously stated, you go Mono up front as well.
As jb78L said, a front spreader bar is a must. As much as the new springs and shocks did for the handling, the front spreader bar made the most difference in the overall feel of the car. Best 100 bucks you can spend in my opinion. Immediately felt the difference as I pulled out of the driveway.
I went with the320 lbs rear and haven't got to the front yet. The 320 rides well, transfers weight well and I haven't noticed any wheel hop during traction loss. My questions not to hijack, but is there a preferred ratio front to back and when and why would you increase spring tension?