I'm doing a v6 to v8 swap, and wanted to know if the springs were gonna be a pain in the ***. on my way to check eng swap board now. I appreciate any info on suspension differences in a v6 vs. v8

 

It's not too bad. No worse than the springs in about any kind of car.

6-cyl & V8 suspensions are identical. They used different spring rates, and different struts, and sway bars, i.e. the soft parts; but the actual suspension proper is the same.

 

It is not that hard.Set car on jack stands -place jack under control arm and take loose ball joint.I had did the same to my 1986 firebird to trans am conversion.From 2.8L to '66 vette 327.Just beware of the spring tension when lowering jack!!!

 

definately bolt a chain around the spring and control arm or upper mount (theres a hole that works well for this)

 

And don't use the heavy-duty Z28 springs unless you know they'll work. I found this out the "fun" way. Front of the cap sat like a hooptie.

 

Good advice! Dont skimp on safety, especially when it comes to front springs. Alot of spring pressure can do some serious damage.

 

When I swapped springs a couple years ago, I had two jacks under an arm, loosened the two bolts and the ball joint nut, then lowered each jack an inch or so at a time. Of course with the front end already on jackstands.

And whoever said it's just as easy as swapping springs on other cars has never done this on a thirdgen! Easy enough to remove, yes, but installing new springs is a huge PITA! I think I invented new swear words when I put the springs back on!

Pat

 

Do not go through this and install a set of stock springs. Buy the eibachs. They are easier to install because they are shorter. THe ease of installation makes the springs worth buying.