Firebird Spring Rate Tech

Tech Question - Firebird Spring Rate

Mike:

I have a 1976 Firebird front stub grafted to my 1936 Chevy.

The stub has been narrowed 2 ½”, the drag link has been sleeved, and the engine moved back 11 inches to accommodate the radiator.

The front springs now are too stiff and carry the car like a 4 wheel drive vehicle.

The spring Rate on the stock coil spring is 500# but because of the high stance, the tie rod ends are almost at a 45 degree angle to the drag link.

It’s a new experience in driving thrills.

I have been told that ALL Pontiac front springs are the same Rate.

Can you help with either a better set up or at least provide the springs and I will cut them.

The front weight of the car is 1860#.

-Mike

Mike:

Sorry to tell you, but all Pontiac springs DO NOT have the same Rate.

And NO Pontiac spring has a Rate of 500 Lbs.

1976 Firebird spring Rates range from 294 to 335 Lbs.

The free height of '76 Firebird springs range from 17 to 18.125 inches long.

Now with this info, we may have a spring that will work for you.

However we need a good benchmark. And in order to do that, you will need to install one of our spring sets. Once we know how the car sits with our spring on it, we will know what spring to use to get you to where you want to be.

However, before we get to sending springs let me ask,

"Is the car 99% done and have you driven it"?

If the car is not done then messing with the springs is a total waste of time.

Why? Because springs hold weight and if there are missing parts there is missing weight.

When there is missing weight, the car will sit too high.

Let me know and we will go from there.

-Mike