coil over springs in stock A-body coil location

[69496]

A drag racer is using a 2 1/2"x12" 150lb coil over spring in the stock coil location on a 70 chevelle over on the chevelle forums. Car sat nice and he says it fit without any mods to the spring pockets. There are more choices in this type of spring than a conventional spring and more room around the rear for tailpipes.

Anybody see any reason not to do this on a pro-touring car?

[69496]

A couple pics of a couple drag cars show what I am talking about.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/IMG_1784-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/chevelleminitubnov2709002-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/IMG_1976-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/monstorgarage002-1.jpg

[badbu68]

Hmm, is he using zip ties to hold them in???

[69496]

I saw that too. But I have heard of guys doing similar things over on this site too. My assumption is that if he were to jack the car up the springs are too short and would fall out. Any short stiff spring would do the same if not secured in someway on the rear of a car like this unless you used shorter shocks or secured the springs in some way. Although I would not use zip ties either.

[69496]

Also the pic showing the tailpipes is 3 1/2" exhaust.

[Davezz28]

Why not just use parts that actually fit.

When we built the Chevelle I used Afco single pigtail springs with an Afco adjustable spring spacer for the upper frame bucket. These springs come in weight ranges from 150# to 300# in 25# increments. When you are done, you can easily swap springs to dial in your spring rate and you can adjust the ride height in the rear of the car.

Dave

[2ndgenhunter]

Why not just use parts that actually fit.

When we built the Chevelle I used Afco single pigtail springs with an Afco adjustable spring spacer for the upper frame bucket. These springs come in weight ranges from 150# to 300# in 25# increments. When you are done, you can easily swap springs to dial in your spring rate and you can adjust the ride height in the rear of the car.

Dave

Do you have a link for these springs?

[69496]

Davezz28-- You are right and I am 90% sure I am going with a conventional spring with adjusters, I just never have seen this done before and was curious if there is any real reason it shouldn't be done.

[Davezz28]

Here is a link to where you can buy the springs, they also carry the adjustable spring spacers.

http://www.pitstopusa.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=4288

Here are some pictures of the springs and the modified spring adjuster. You can weld a bolt on the adjuster and bolt the adjuster into the frame spring cup.

[The WidowMaker]

not sure the difference, but my spacers that look like those afco's were less than $30 ea from speedway. not coated, but still an option.

Tim

[69496]

Looking at the pics I posted I think I can answer my own question. Looks like the spring might go into full compression and bind before you get to full suspension travel?? Either way I think I will go with spring adjusters and single pigtail springs like everyone else:):)

[LowBuckX]

QA1 springs are only $36 maybe saving $20 per spring is his reason. But that isnt enough of a saving to deter even me..