Which Front Coil Spring?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 383
Likes: 21
From: Greenville Ohio
Which Front Coil Spring?
Stock 1970 small block with headers, aluminum intake and stock 9 leaf rear spring...
I'm in the process of rebuilding the front end and need advice on the front coil springs. I'm trying to decide between the 460lb and 550lb spring.
1. Will both springs work well with the 9 leaf stock rear spring?
2. Has anyone had issues with the 460lb spring actually raising the front end due to the old springs sagging from age.
3. If the 550lb would work, is there really that much of a difference in ride quality due to the 460lb and 550lb spring rate being so close together.
Basically I'm leaning towards the 460lb spring unless it would raise my ride height and force me to cut the springs which at that point, I might as well go with the 550lb springs if they would work.
Thanks, Eric
I'm in the process of rebuilding the front end and need advice on the front coil springs. I'm trying to decide between the 460lb and 550lb spring.
1. Will both springs work well with the 9 leaf stock rear spring?
2. Has anyone had issues with the 460lb spring actually raising the front end due to the old springs sagging from age.
3. If the 550lb would work, is there really that much of a difference in ride quality due to the 460lb and 550lb spring rate being so close together.
Basically I'm leaning towards the 460lb spring unless it would raise my ride height and force me to cut the springs which at that point, I might as well go with the 550lb springs if they would work.
Thanks, Eric
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 307
Likes: 19
From: Kirkland WA
Stock 1970 small block with headers, aluminum intake and stock 9 leaf rear spring...
I'm in the process of rebuilding the front end and need advice on the front coil springs. I'm trying to decide between the 460lb and 550lb spring.
1. Will both springs work well with the 9 leaf stock rear spring?
2. Has anyone had issues with the 460lb spring actually raising the front end due to the old springs sagging from age.
3. If the 550lb would work, is there really that much of a difference in ride quality due to the 460lb and 550lb spring rate being so close together.
Basically I'm leaning towards the 460lb spring unless it would raise my ride height and force me to cut the springs which at that point, I might as well go with the 550lb springs if they would work.
Thanks, Eric
I'm in the process of rebuilding the front end and need advice on the front coil springs. I'm trying to decide between the 460lb and 550lb spring.
1. Will both springs work well with the 9 leaf stock rear spring?
2. Has anyone had issues with the 460lb spring actually raising the front end due to the old springs sagging from age.
3. If the 550lb would work, is there really that much of a difference in ride quality due to the 460lb and 550lb spring rate being so close together.
Basically I'm leaning towards the 460lb spring unless it would raise my ride height and force me to cut the springs which at that point, I might as well go with the 550lb springs if they would work.
Thanks, Eric
After taking around 180lbs off the front of my car I had to cut the stock front springs one coil to stay level. But they're much too soft so my plan is to go 550lb 2" lowered coils when I get 17" rims/tires and Bilstein HD not Sport shocks. I might consider the 460lb springs if I were using a harder 18" tire but I'd likely still have to cut a coil due to the weight loss. I do have a 7 leaf rear spring and Koni adjustables in back though which would make a good match with the heavier coils up front. Sorry to ramble on but I'm at work and rushing a bit.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 535
Likes: 8
From: London Ontario
The 'stock' replacement TRW springs are actually somewhere in between stock and the 'touring' springs. They are also approximately 2" shorter than stock and sit pretty even with my new 9 leaf rear suspension after a couple of months. With new shocks and a good alignment it rides like new!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
1. ANY change in anti-roll stiffness (by spring or by bar) at one end of the car relative to the other will necessarily alter its balance. So, either way you might as well go for the 550's, and then figure on an F41 rear spring likely being in your future (adding rear spring being preferable over adding rear bar from a grip standpoint).
3. You're only talking about roughly 45 in/# difference in effective wheel rate - the value that really matters. And, given that you must support the nose anyway, I wouldn't put too much emphasis on the percentage difference between the two choices you're considering.
Of course, if comfort trumps handling, the discussion is moot.
3. You're only talking about roughly 45 in/# difference in effective wheel rate - the value that really matters. And, given that you must support the nose anyway, I wouldn't put too much emphasis on the percentage difference between the two choices you're considering.
Of course, if comfort trumps handling, the discussion is moot.
Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; Dec 31, 2014 at 04:20 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,814
Likes: 105
From: Dearborn Heights Michigan
I run a 550 front on my 70 that is basically an Autocross only car. They are cut about 2" to keep a nice ride height. 330 rear fiberglass.
Ride is fairly stiff, but, I don't care as it is a track machine.
Ride is fairly stiff, but, I don't care as it is a track machine.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 383
Likes: 21
From: Greenville Ohio
Well after researching the past several days, I'm leaning towards the 550lb springs and due to the limited funds, drive it like that for a while until I can buy a new rear spring. Thanks for everyone's input.
Eric
Eric
