[stgnfilm]

Hello collective wisdom:

I need some advice. I have a 66 coupe with a 351w shoved into it. Runs great, love it. The front end needs some help. I know a number of you out there have the same or similar set up. What kind of springs and shocks are you happy with?

Thanks.

 

[Grimbrand]

What part of your handling are you unhappy with, Stgnfilm? Personally, for a daily driver, stock springs with KYB (cheap solution) Bilstein (more expensive) or Koni (priciest) are the way to go. Swaybar (1"), export brace, and Monte Carlo bar, along with some subframe connectors to stiffen things up are all very important.

Lastly, if you haven't done the Shelby (Arning) drop, you absolutely should. It will lower your front end by a very small amount, but it greatly improves handling, and reduces body roll in corners significantly.

 

[HuntingKy]

To add to Grim's question: what do you hope to end up with when you get done? Nice cushy ride, canyon carver or something in between? And how much are you willing to spend?

 

[Beechkid]

FYI- depending on accessories, the difference on the weight between the 302 vs 351 is 50 lbs (80 on the highest end). A good spring shop will be able to take this info with what your needs are a provide you with the perfect springs. IMHO, don't rely on shocks to control this extra weight because of the dynamic loads, you will feel issues (although minor) in the handling.

 

[Grimbrand]

Using a good set of aluminum heads and intake will definitely help offset this weight gain too though - and add some power to boot!

 

[paul289]

Having a suspension that allows motion also helps a bunch and removes much of the violent behavior. So, bronze-bushed or rollerized spring perches, better strut rods (adjustable would be nice, too), poly or rollerized lower control arm mounts, etc. With the suspension free to move, it'll respond to spring and shock upgrades better, and will have much better response. Opentracker is a good source for that stuff. KYBs are alright, but I prefer Bilsteins and Konis. Running some Konis on my car right now. Now if you want coilovers, Varishock has some good, bolt-in stuff that you can get through Total Control Products. They also sell non-coilover bolt in shocks, but they do get pricey. However, the adjustable ones have more adjustment range than the Koni Classics. Still, I haven't tried them, but I know that Griggs Racing uses some custom-valved versions for their upgraded coilovers.

So, my recommendations? I'd say KYB Gas-A-Just if you just need something and don't want to pay much, Koni Classics if you want to do some canyon carving or autocross, and I guess VariShocks if you really wanna do some hardcore canyon carving or autocross and have money to spend.

 

[Beechkid]

Using a good set of aluminum heads and intake will definitely help offset this weight gain too though - and add some power to boot!

Yes---I would call that a "break-even"...not even enough to worry about

 

[zray]

What springs are in it now ? If regular springs, I'd change to GT aka handling group springs. If you already have the GT springs, I'd go with 620 springs. And Komi shocks regardless, set in the middle position.

Z

 

[JustAnotherRuki]

Using a good set of aluminum heads and intake will definitely help offset this weight gain too though - and add some power to boot!

Hear, hear! after replacing the old iron heads with AFR aluminum ones i noticed how the front end rose up tremendously.




J

 

[stgnfilm]

Man, you guys are the best. Thank you.

I'm obviously new to the forum so I'll try to answer you all.....in between caring for new twin girls also!!!

Right now, looking for a nicer cushy ride. What concerns me is that I just do not feel nor see any give at all in the front suspension. I have just some plain old V8 springs from CJ Pony and to be honest, I'm not sure what shocks are in there...I know they're new, recently replaced from a shop down the road, but I do know they are nothing fancy.

Good to know about the head and intake. That's on the list.

Paul, came across the Bilsteins and KYB's. Thank you for your insight on those. That helps.

zray, thanks. Yeah, I'd call them regular springs and shocks. I know there are far better options than what I have in there right now....just needed a little guidance on where to turn.

If I'm making a turn and hit a bump, the tire hits the wheelwell. Not a good sound and certainly not a good thing at all.

Thanks guys, this is great!

- Sean