recommended spring rates for '69 Chevelle - Lateral-g Forums

gnx7 · #1 11-20-2012, 03:44 PM

My project is running an aluminum 5.3/turbo setup that I'm guessing will be around 500lbs total. T56 is 140lbs and my clutch/flywheel is a behemoth 45lbs. Running a fiberglass hood setup for stock hinges.

How do I figure out what spring rates to run? This car will be a driver that will be more focused on handling than ultimate drag race results. That being said I don't want my fillings to fall out of my mouth either.

Global West front control arms, stock drum spindles, QA1 single adj coilvoers up front. Rear still TBD for shocks/coilover combo.

Currently I have either a new set of KYB shocks or new Koni reds (adj) that came with the car.

Goal is 315/30/18 out back and 275/35/18 up front. 13"/12" Wilwood brake setup.

I listed my engine/trans weight as many on here run SBC/BBC that weigh considerably more. My car right now with the engine bare sitting in the car looks like it is launching in slicks sitting still. It is on stock front suspension right now (original 350/TH350/10bolt car).

Payton King · #2 11-21-2012, 02:51 PM

weight was probably 3400 lbs. Ran 550's on the front and 325's in the rear with coilovers on all 4 corners. That was the street/autocross set.

The ride harshness comes more from the shock dampening than the spring rate. The ride was very nice with the above on my car. I would compare it to the way my wife's M3 rode.

I originally started with 350 up front, then 450's, finally 550's. For the big track I had a set of 700's and 500's.

Hope this helps