Suspension setup help please!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Wichita KS
Suspension setup help please!
I'm getting my front end rebuilt with poly bushings, etc, and am going to change a few things out at the same time. I'm getting KYB shocks put in all around and want to change the front springs, too. What I'm wondering is which springs to get. I'm not planning on doing any SCCA stuff or anything like that, but I do want the car to handle well. The 460 lb springs cost the same as the 550 lb springs, should I go ahead and get the 550's anyway? Will it be a huge difference and should I do it with the setup I'm going to have? There is a 7/8" sway bar in front, none in rear, and a 340 lb fiberglass spring in the rear. I'm guessing the 460 spring will be fine but I want to know if I'll be missing out if I don't put the 550's in. I don't want to have to get into this area again so opinions are very welcome, tell me what you have and think. Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,145
Likes: 125
From: The Motor City
Re: Suspension setup help please! (Blankman)
My setup is almost exactly that, but I have stock SB springs with a coil cut off (not sure of rating of them) in front. With the composite spring, I recommend the Bilstein Sports. I had the KYBs on before and the Bilsteins are a night and day difference, especially with the composite spring. With the KYBs it was very bouncy going down the road... no control whatsoever. I'd say that you should spend the extra $$ for the Bilsteins. Everything else works well for me.
HTH.
HTH.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Wichita KS
Re: Suspension setup help please! (Scooter70)
OK, after reading a little more (why don't I ever do that first?) I'm thinking the 460 lb springs and the Bilstein shocks are the way to go, so now I want to know what they come with. Do I still need to go buy new mounting bolts, etc, or do the shocks come with EVERYTHING you need? I'm planning on replacing the bolts even if the old ones don't look too bad, it won't cost too much and will make me feel better. Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 594
Likes: 0
From: St. Charles, MO
Re: Suspension setup help please! (Blankman)
For what it's worth, I'm running 550s in the front with a 1 1/8" bar, and a 7 leaf in the rear with a factory 9/16 bar (all poly bushings). All of this with KYB Gas-A-Just shocks (I might consider Bilstein next time). I was concerned about going with 550's over 460's after I heard people say that the 550's can be stiff. I like the set-up, but if anything still find it a little soft compared to what I expected. I'm sure glad I didn't go 460, cause I know I would be doing it again with 550's. The set-up could only be classified as 'soft' compared to my '87 with the Z-52 package. I should say that I don't care about ride in this car, I expect it to be rough to improve handling. If it's mainly for cruising, 460's might be the choice.
