PDA

View Full Version : 63 Impala Wagon



63impala!
09-27-2025, 03:49 PM
What’s going on guys wanted to see if I could get any tip. I am wanting to set the wagon up for more pro touring handing. So it’s a 63 with LS1 and T56 the car is on Ridetech’s full coilover suspension and has every part they offer for the car on it. I am curious how does everyone figure out there spring rates? So I am getting around to changing the rear springs. It came with 600 pounds in the rear. Way too soft with the car full of passengers and fuel. Thinking I am going to have to so up to 900 or 950 and see how it does. 800 pound springs didn’t really change anything unfortunately.218467

marolf101x
09-28-2025, 12:55 PM
https://ridetech.com/tech/spring-rate-calculator/

The kit (albeit for a sedan) has 575lbs springs.
A jump to 800lbs is pretty substantial.

How much additional stuff (weight) do you add to the car?
It should be around 4000lbs unloaded.

You can use a lighter spring rate and add more preload, or a heavier spring with less preload.
If your load changes a lot you want heavier spring rate as it won't change as much when you load the rear.
However, that will affect ride quality when the vehicle is not loaded. It will ride much stiffer.

To do this correctly you need to know weights unloaded and loaded, as well as motion ratios.
Then it's relatively simple math and making a few decisions based on use case.