I finally finished all of my suspension mods which consist of SC&C SPC Stage II, tubular front and rear arms, stock spindles, factory valved Bilsteins, and front and rear Hellwig bars. I've been able to make due with the stock big block front springs cut to who knows how many coils to get the ride height low. My front crossmember is about 4" off the ground. I like the ride height it's at now. Mark (SC&C) and I contemplated my front spring rate is currently around 450lbs so I've been using that as a baseline rough estimate.

I had a chance to drive it semi-hard over the past few days. It is very apparent that my front turn-in is extremely soft. It ends up being really grabby and with the new rear bar you get to a point where the rear feels like it's on ice. I think the front spring rate is the weakest link in my setup right now.

What are my choices to get to a front spring around 600-650lbs? I believe the Eibachs come stock at around 500-550. Not sure if I cut enough if that will get me close to 650lb while still keep the ride height. I would like to avoid short circle track springs and having to use spacers. I know Hotchkis, GW, SC&C have their own springs as well but i'm almost certain i'll have to either cut those or they'll be too short. I could probably go wth custom springs but want to avoid the brain damage with trying to explain to them the ride height I want to end up at. Also want to leave the Varishock option as a last resort. Anyone out there have any suggestions?

I have an LS1 out front set as far back into the firewall as possible (without firewall mods) so I think i've already got some little bit of advantage with the lighter and farther setback motor. The 650lb rate up front will probably feel stiffer for me than would compared to a standard iron small/big block in the stock location so that's also something i'm considering.

The springs on DSE's coilovers are 650. I went from 450's on the QA1's I had on the car to 650's with the DSE setup and it made a world of difference. Not sure what their spring rates are for their non-coilover springs, give them a call.

Look at 'speedway motors' oval track springs. Afco makes a street stock spring, 11" tall, that should go right in and the ride height should be close, without the big spacers. They start at 700# rates. Just an idea. I plan on trying it when i eventually get my car together.

I used to run the 11" 650lb front springs and adjusters. You couldn't just put the spring in there without the adjuster... Unless your car doesn't move, that is. :D

If you want to try it, I have the speedway adjusters and 650lb springs in the garage. Be aware that the adjusters aren't meant to be temporary and they will move around if you don't secure them. Also, max shock body girth should be about 2.5" - anymore than that and the adjusters will rub through the shocks.

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the suggestions. Dan - I probably will try to avoid the spacers. I thought it about it a lot and i'm not equipped (both in skill and brains) to properly secure the spacer up there.

I'm thinking of two options...

1. I saw Greg was using 1" BMR lowering springs (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BMR-SP013R). After doing some research I found out they were 525lb spring rate. If it only lowers a stock chevy by 1" i'm guessing this will give me some room to cut and possibly get close to 600lb spring rate after cutting a couple of coils. The problem I see with this is that this is a progressive rate spring. The "start" spring rate is probably a lower 250-350lb and the "end" rate is at 525lb. If I cut off the top i'm only cutting the progressive side which won't yield much higher "end" spring rate if any.

2. Go with a varishock coilover to get the 650lb rate and the adjustable ride height - basically just be done with it. The problem here is that I heard/read this setup limits suspension travel due to the nature of the design of placing a coilover in the stock spring pockets. I'm pretty low as it is and i'm worried I'd be slapping against the bottom of that shock body all the time. Anybody have any experience with these?

Would a 12" tall spring work? Lefthander chassis has them 700#-1400#. What was the final assembled height of your 650# spring plus adjuster stacked together?

Would a 12" tall spring work? Lefthander chassis has them 700#-1400#. What was the final assembled height of your 650# spring plus adjuster stacked together?

I never measured, mostly because I didn't think about it. Take into consideration that with the 650lb 11" spring, adjusters at almost max height (3") with a iron head BBC weighing it down, the crossmember was sitting at 3.5". This was with SPC stage 2+ and OE LCAs.