I have heard (and it makes sense)that with a 2.8 to 350 swap the front suspension needs to be beefed up. but does the struts & the coil springs need to be changed or just the springs?

Thanks

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Chuck
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I'm not shy, I just
observing my prey.

don't forget the Firebird is an F-Body TOO

 

Struts should all be the same. V8 springs are made from a thicker wire giving a higher spring rate. Lets say the weight of the V6 compresses the V6 springs 2 inches. The extra weight may compress those same springs 3 inches. Using a heavier V8 spring and the weight of the V8 will only compress them 2 inches.

That's about as close as I can describe how they work. The spring rate of the springs should be matched to the weight of the vehicle on them. Front springs carry more weight than the rear.

When I had a small block in my race car (iroc springs) the car was 1800 on the front and 1200 on the rear with me in it. I've since added a big block and installed V6 springs but haven't been able to weight it yet. Because I've removed so much weight from the car, the front end actually sat higher than stock with the small block and I had to cut the V8 springs. The V6 springs make the car sit more level now.

If you use an aluminum intake and headers, you might be able to make the V8 closer to the weight of the V6.



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Follow my racing progress on Stephen's racing page
and check out the race car

87 IROC-Z Pro ET Bracket Race Car
383 stroker (carbed) with double hump cast iron heads and pump gas
461 Big Block installed and ready for the 2001 racing season

Best results before the 383 blew up
Best ET on a time slip: 11.857 altitude corrected to 11.163
Best MPH on a time slip: 117.87 altitude corrected to 126.10
Altitude corrected rear wheel HP based on power to weight ratio: 476.5
Best 60 foot: 1.662

Racing at 3500 feet elevation but most race days it's over 5000 feet density altitude!
Member of the Calgary Drag Racing Association

87 IROC bracket car, 91 454SS daily driver, 95 Homebuilt Harley

[This message has been edited by Stephen 87 IROC (edited April 17, 2001).]

 

Thanks.
nice Explanation I understood it completely

Nice Car!!

------------------
Chuck
-------------------
I'm not shy, I just
observing my prey.

don't forget the Firebird is an F-Body TOO