[68FB400]

When I got my car, the prior owner already put "stock" springs from Year One. I wanted to lower it just a bit so I had a coil cut and it brought it down a bit too much. (I think the springs were not seated properly in the perches to begin with). Now it's a little bit too low, although it only rubs a little on hard bounces in a turn.

I want to replace the springs and go somewhere in the middle to retain a slight lowered stance with out being too low. It is a 400 a/c car with only the evaporator case. No a/c in the forseable future. Rest of suspension is stock (except swaybars).

I've been considering the Hotchkis but not sure if 2" is too low. Eibach 1" drop concerns me because it is the same part # as SB Chevy and may turn into a 2" drop. Global West's says 1"-2" drop. Same with Performance Suspensions. This seems like a lot of variance.

Looking for input/suggestions/alternatives.

Thanks,
Wayne

[68FB400]

When I got my car, the prior owner already put "stock" springs from Year One. I wanted to lower it just a bit so I had a coil cut and it brought it down a bit too much. (I think the springs were not seated properly in the perches to begin with). Now it's a little bit too low, although it only rubs a little on hard bounces in a turn.

I want to replace the springs and go somewhere in the middle to retain a slight lowered stance with out being too low. It is a 400 a/c car with only the evaporator case. No a/c in the forseable future. Rest of suspension is stock (except swaybars).

I've been considering the Hotchkis but not sure if 2" is too low. Eibach 1" drop concerns me because it is the same part # as SB Chevy and may turn into a 2" drop. Global West's says 1"-2" drop. Same with Performance Suspensions. This seems like a lot of variance.

Looking for input/suggestions/alternatives.

Thanks,
Wayne

[68FB400]

This is after cutting 1 coil off. (and paint)

[69fireburger]

Car looks good! I know everyone is different, but if it were mine I'd leave the front as it is. Drop the rear 2-3 inches and it would be perfect.

--Bob

[Kybird]

Another factor to consider in addition to ride height is spring rate. I believe that the Eibach springs have a rate around 450/inch and the Hotchkis around 600/in, this would affect the ride. It might be worth looking at David Pozzi's site in 1st gen suspension (do search on David Pozzi). Nice car!

[culick]

There is a pretty cool set up that allows you to use any spring rate and adjustable ride height (like coil over). Check out this site:

adjustable front springs

the adjusters are made by landrum and AFCO and the springs are standard 5" diameter, 9.5" length springs that are made by several companies (in almost all spring rates). I bought 750 lb/in Hyperco springs and AFCO adjusters from Port City Racing (the whole set up was ~$180).

[cblandin]

Wayne,

I have the Eibach springs in my 67 Firebird Convertible (455 - no A/C, aluminum intake, headers instead of exhaust manifolds, and I have both cocktail shaker in front). Based on your before and after pics, I think these are exactly what you are looking for from a ride height perspective. How many "fingers" can you get between the top of your tire now and the fender? I had the same concerns as you when I swapped out my original really sagging 6 cylinder springs (car has a 455 now) for the Eibachs since they were listed for a SBC. My 455 probably weighs a little more than your 400 (just a few pounds), but has no A/C. My cocktail shakers probably add 50 lbs though so if anything I am probably slightly heavier than you if you have an iron intake, and exhaust manifolds. The stiffer spring rate helps to compensate for the lowered height, but isn't punishing.

[68FB400]

Thanks for the responses so far. The adjustable springs and Pozzi's site seem to cater to the modified suspensions (upper/lower control arms, coil overs, etc..).

CAB,
I do have iron intake/exhaust so my 400 may be about the same as your 455. I can't get any fingers horizontal to the top of my tires. The tops are actually tucked under the outer lip. How much height is there from your tires? Do you have any pics you can share?

Wayne

[68FB400]

Update to spring replacment:

Decided to go with Hotchkis 2" drop (for pontiac/big block). It brought the car back up to just about to where it was originally. I am a little surprised it was not lower. Haven't had the chance to drive it yet, but it does feel rather firm on the fender bounce.

Next step new 17"

[67vertBird]

I would like to snatch those rally II's when your ready.

[Bruce1223]

I just got the Hotchkis springs like you installed the other day. Thanks for posting a pic--I was wondering what mine would look like when installed. Your car looks great!

Bruce

[68FB400]

I have now driven the car a little and everything settled. The height is right where I wanted it, in between the originals and the cut springs pictured above.

There is a "2 finger" gap between the top of the tire and the fender. The ride is firm but not at all harsh.

Overall I am very happy with the results!!

[Dr.Corvette]

What size tires a shown in your latest picture?

[68FB400]

215-70-14 all around

[68FB400]

Last update. Put the 17" Torq Thrust on today.
17x7 4.0" back space front w/235/45/17
17x8 4.75" back space rear w/255/45/17

I chose these sizes as they matched overall tire height by .2"-.4" but put a lot more tread down. So far no rubbing issues up front. A lot of room in the rear.

Same "2 finger" space from top of tire to fender i had with the 215/70/14.

[68FB400]

Close up of front tire/fender clearance