69 suspension upgrade
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Cruising
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 14
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69 suspension upgrade
I have a 69 big block car that the motor is gone so I am putting in a small block. I am trying to figure out what suspension I should put up front since the engine will be considerably lighter. 550 or 450 spring? Coil over or standard spring and shock? Just going to be a dirver no track time or anything like that. Just want a comfortable cruising car.
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I would look at QA1 adjustable coil overs. YOu can tune in the rebound and damping if you buy the dual control. And with the coil overs you can dial in the height with out cutting the coils to lower it
Old Pro Solo Guy
Joined: Dec 2017
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From: Marlton NJ
I also recommend the single adjustable QA1s. They have a model for coil overs and another for without.
You only have to set the ride height one time. If you have to cut the spring, so what?
OTOH shocks control about 75% of ride quality. The adjustables let you dial it in and experiment until it feels right for you.
OTOH Bilsteins seem to be well-tuned the best of any non-adjustable shock.
450 is plenty of spring, unless you are racing. I did that for 30 years but I would not run 550# in the front if you want ride quality. Easier to dial it in with 450s.
There is a much more narrow window for comfortable adjustment with the 550s, and it is still a little firmer. You could even trim your BB springs, you will probably be losing near 200#.
The rear spring has a even larger impact on ride quality because it is 6" behind your hips. Either run a stock 9 leaf steel spring, or better yet a 330# composite.
Coil overs are also another option. All depends on your price range.
You only have to set the ride height one time. If you have to cut the spring, so what?
OTOH shocks control about 75% of ride quality. The adjustables let you dial it in and experiment until it feels right for you.
OTOH Bilsteins seem to be well-tuned the best of any non-adjustable shock.
450 is plenty of spring, unless you are racing. I did that for 30 years but I would not run 550# in the front if you want ride quality. Easier to dial it in with 450s.
There is a much more narrow window for comfortable adjustment with the 550s, and it is still a little firmer. You could even trim your BB springs, you will probably be losing near 200#.
The rear spring has a even larger impact on ride quality because it is 6" behind your hips. Either run a stock 9 leaf steel spring, or better yet a 330# composite.
Coil overs are also another option. All depends on your price range.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
So 2 votes for QA1's. That is kind of the way I was leaning. Makes life a while lot easier to tune ride and ride height. So a rear 330# spring would be better than a 355# or 360# even with the power I'd have( around 400-450hp from a 383 stroker)?
