660Z Posted December 3, 2012 Share Posted December 3, 2012 I`m putting a pontiac 455 in my Z for dragracing. The engine is heavier then SBC and has a deep oilpan on it. My Z was lowered somtime in its life and I need a stiff spring for the front. Are there any other springs I could use from car makers that will fit the struts? Mazda for example. Thanks,Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pdinnell Posted December 3, 2012 Share Posted December 3, 2012 (edited) I used Mogg # 6558 , off a 1980's chevette front coil springs, for the rear of my 280z. Im sure they would also work on the front. Just cut them down to size.By the way, i have a 472 cadillac in my 280z and i run stock front springs cut a coil and a half. Edited December 3, 2012 by pdinnell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
660Z Posted December 3, 2012 Author Share Posted December 3, 2012 Thanks for the reply, I just found moog 6558 in the search. Has anyone installed them uncut? I need the height not only for the motor weight/oil pan but also to clear the front spoiler for using a tow dolly to the track. 472 cadillac would be awsome to have. I had a 500 once but there was no aftermaket support for it. Wish I kept it, times have changed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
660Z Posted December 3, 2012 Author Share Posted December 3, 2012 Theres only 100# differance between my 400 sbc and the pontiac 455. I had no problem getting around with the small block so, the moog springs should be fine. I`ll try them uncut first if I can compress them enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emeraldlion Posted December 3, 2012 Share Posted December 3, 2012 There is a pretty big difference in rate and length to run them uncut. I bet your car will look like a monster truck. If you have corner weights JohnC has an equation somewhere that will help you find out what your compressed height will be. I plan on running the cut chevette psrings on the rear, and running cut 280 rears on the front. I have a sbc though. Remember cutting the chevette springs will get you a rate increase. with the extra length you might be able to see as much as a 5-10% rate increase depending on how much you cut. That should put you around 220# Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evildky Posted December 3, 2012 Share Posted December 3, 2012 Why not just measure the free length and order coil over springs in the free length and weight you want? Thinking a 10" free lenght is aobut right, run 700 lb/in and it won't move much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emeraldlion Posted December 3, 2012 Share Posted December 3, 2012 Soudned to me like he had stock struts. Personally I don't feel like taking the struts off and modifying them at this point in my project, that's why I chose to go with the chevette springs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebekahsZ Posted December 4, 2012 Share Posted December 4, 2012 If there is any way that you can do a coilover conversion, springs for that are $50 each and come in any rate/length you could imagine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
660Z Posted December 4, 2012 Author Share Posted December 4, 2012 Yes they are a stock strut. This is a low buck second time around project. Spent too much and took to long the first time around. I lost focus and built the fun right out of it. The 455 has brought back the intrest, but it must be cheep. The chevette springs I think are what im looking for. Jegs has them for $30 a pair. Im happy with that. Are the lowered springs the same height unsprung as the stock or are they shorter? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emeraldlion Posted December 4, 2012 Share Posted December 4, 2012 (edited) Lowered springs are shorter. There is a thread in the FAQ suspension forum where JohnC goes over free length vs. compressed length on the tokico blue springs for 280z. This is a good starting point to judge length for chevette springs. Cut them a little long then put on car and compress, see where you are, then uncompress and cut more while still on car. BTW, I definitely want to see more pictures of your car. Some of the tube front end, mounting of the 455 etc. Edited December 4, 2012 by emeraldlion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
660Z Posted December 4, 2012 Author Share Posted December 4, 2012 (edited) Thanks for the info, Thats an old pic with the SBC. I havent started the 455 yet, but soon. the tubing is a kit from S&W racecars. Its not pretty but it works. Wont let me use the pic I want. Edited December 4, 2012 by 660Z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evildky Posted December 4, 2012 Share Posted December 4, 2012 Soudned to me like he had stock struts. Personally I don't feel like taking the struts off and modifying them at this point in my project, that's why I chose to go with the chevette springs. I was suggesting getting coil springs in the correct free lenght to fit inside the stock strut. The stock spring perch and upper mount aren't a perfect fit for 2.5" coil springs but they'll fit and if the free length is correct they shouldn't move or rattle. I suppose he could buy coil springs slightly shorter than stock and a threaded collar and perch to take up the slack and even app pre load but thats would double the cost, standard coil over springs tend to be $50-60 each, perches and collars are also readily available but since he was lookign for an OE fitment I figured he wanted the cheapest easiest solution which in my mind would be a 2.5 x whatever free lengh by whatever sprign rate he deems suitable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emeraldlion Posted December 6, 2012 Share Posted December 6, 2012 I see what you mean dky, never really thought about doing that, but I do see how it's an option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
660Z Posted October 17, 2013 Author Share Posted October 17, 2013 (edited) Some pics of the pontiac 455 in the z. Have some bugs to work out before it goes to the track. Edited October 17, 2013 by 660Z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebekahsZ Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 I just want your tow truck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socorob Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 I would love to have a nice tow rig setup. This would be mine as long as I'm dreaming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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