Cali,68,L-79

Still unable to fix loud clanking noise problem inherent with my S.B. coil-over shocks but I really like the car's look at 26.5" front fender lip height. So after 4 months wasted trying I'm going back to stock. I have the original springs and wish to get 26.5" with 25" tires (245/60/15). Need to know;

1. what stock height was, I believe 27.5 - 27 3/4."
2. how many coils to cut off stock springs, I'm guessing 1 3/4 to 2 coils.

Let me know. thanks.

MotorHead

If you cut off 2 coils you will be buying new springs, start with 1/2 coil, you may have to do it twice but you won't have to do it twice and buy new springs, ask me how I know

Also drive it around for 2 or three days after cutting so they settle and you can see the settled height, roliing it back and forth doesn't do it.

Cali,68,L-79

Give me your before/ after heights and I can extrapulate from that. Howabout 1 coil? don't think .5 coil will give a 2" drop.

MotorHead

27.5 - 26.5 = 2 in, ?

All Vettes are different and different springs will give you different heights
go ahead.

Cali,68,L-79

Sorry i should have based it on 28" to 26.5 = 1.5"

MotorHead

I am trying to save you some time and money, it is a trial and error sort of thing you can't really say 1 coil = 1 in. or something like that. If I were you I would start with 1/2 to 1 coil, no more than 1 coil. You can also get too low, it looks really cool but you are constantly worried about scraping going into parking lots oe any dips in the road, that's why mine is not so low any more.

LFZ

its hard to tell...from my experience and what everyone has said...each car and spring cut is different....i'd just go with trial and error..pita, but at least you won't compromise yourself.

Cali,68,L-79

See that's what sucks. With the coil-overs it doesn't matter much since you can adjust the collar the spring sits on and make up for either cutting too much or too little off to get the height you want. In theory my coil-overs are the best of both worlds but the noise is UNBEARIBLE!

LFZ

Cali, did the coilovers go below 26.5"???

DOZBOB

Hello..My stock height was 28"..with 255/60/15...I cut 3/4 of 1 coil..and it droped it to 26 3/4.. I drove the car around and checked it again...its at 26 1/4..

Taijutsu

Does anyone know the spring #rate of stock front springs? VB&P #460s might be a little harsh for my driving. I was thinking about stk springs w/1" cut. What would that #rate be? The other side is, VB&P knows what's up! Any thoughts? TIA

Rick

RHD '68 L89

Cali,
Cutting the springs also has the effect of making the springs harder. There is less spring to compress. Just so you are aware of it.

yellow 72

If it's adjustibility you're after, why not go with a transverse glass spring?
Mine rides much better than the cut VB touring coils it replaced and I'm at 26 1/2" with room to play

LFZ

Yellow72, can you go lower?? if so, how much do you think??

yellow 72

It would probably go another 1/2"...

norvalwilhelm

Stock front springs are in the 280 pound range and the rear is only about 140 pounds

Cali,68,L-79

Yes. The shock collar allows for 4" total of travel either up or down. Depending on how much coils you cut from the spring and where you place the collar. As the kit comes the springs are 9" and I got 31" to 28' With 2 coils cut off I had 29" to 26". If I cut off more well you get the idea. But the offset is now I have a undesirable noise from the spring clanging so goo or not the coil-overs have to go. i'm going with 3/4 coil for my first try on the stock springs. If I screw them up no biggie I was planning on buying VDB 550's anyway.

zwede

I think 3/4 turn is going to get you real close. I base that on very unscientific research which is when I cut 3/4 turn off a set of Z28 springs on a 75 Camaro I used to own and it lowered it 1.5". Yep, different springs, different car... as I said, unscientific.

Jughead

3/4 coil.

GATOR454

David,

You must be getting really good at separating the ball joints from the spindle. I have the hardest time getting those things to let loose. When I read that shortening the springs was a trial and error process I thought OMG I would go insane. I usually have to replace the ball joint because I screw them up so bad getting them separated. What is the best way to get them to separate without damaging them?

David