I'm rebuilding the front end on my 70 L46 convertible. I'm going with poly. I called Muskegon Brake to order new springs. I had decided on the 460# springs as advised in Richard Newton's book. The guy at Muskegon said their spring supplier recommends the 550# springs for small blocks w/AC because of the extra weight of the AC system. Now I'm confused but still leaning toward the 460s. The AC system cannot add more than 30-40 lbs so I don't think that a 90# heavier shock is warranted. I want to upgrade over the 280# stock springs but I don't want an overly harsh ride. I realize the poly bushings will add more harshness to the ride but I don't want to go overboard. The car is a cruise night and weekend ride with occasional short trips planned and some limited day to day usage. I have owned this car for 31 years so this is not an attempt on my part to upgrade something just for the sake of novelty but an honest attempt at bringing it somewhat closer to today's handling standards. I'd just like a little input so I can make a better informed decision on the springs.
Thanks,
Claude

 

Try carrying that A6 compressor around and tell me it doesn't weigh more then 40lbs, that puppy is heavy. I think the entire AC system weighs approximately 90lbs all together. I don't think it warrants a 550 spring over a 460 on it's own. I'd think the 550 would be awfully stiff on a small block especially if your not into autocross or other serious handling needs.

:cheers:
Pat Kunz

 

I have the VB Street/Salom coils in my car. It lowered it by almost two inches and the ride is not harsh. However, I did not use poly suspension parts. I used the hard rubber a-arm bushings from Guldstrand Engineering. If you want to keep the ride height stock, get the 460#. I also used them in my 72, but I prefer the lowered look I get from the 550's.