Global West Front and Rear Suspension

[67 Camaro RS]

I am about to purchase Global West front and rear springs. I have a few questions that I hope some members will be able to help me with.

1. What is the difference between the Performance Street and Semi Comp springs? I plan to drive the car a few times per week with the hope of attending open track days in the future.
2. What are the spring rates of the front and rear springs for the Performance Street and Semi Comp springs?
3. I know these springs will lower my car about 1 - 1.5 inches. Does anyone have clearance problems after lowering their vehicle this much? How often does the car scrape? - entering driveways, speed bumps, etc...
4. Anyone have pictures of their car with this setup?

Thanks for the all the help.

-Andrew

[vanzuuk1]

The only thing I can help with is the lowering question, but you may not like the answer.

You may install lowering springs and your car will be the same or even higher! Your stock springs could be sagging or soft and the new springs might initially raise the car.

You may have to install the springs and drive them a week or so, then trim them bit by bit untill you get your ride height.

Also remember an inch off the spring does not translate to an inch of ride height , so cut small amounts.

Dont make the mistake of eyeballing your clearances with an empty car, two people and a tank of gas will lead to scraping noises!

The good news is when you reach your desired ride height the car will look great.Its a pain but the end result is worth it.

If you luck out and get it on the first attempt then I hate you!

[dipren443]

My only response to the above is in regards to the ride height issue. Please remember that on a coil spring, if you buy a certain spring rate, that each coil and turn of the spring is necessary to attain the measured spring rate. What will happen by cutting that spring is you will be changing the spring rate. If you are concerned about front ride height, you may want to consider a ride height adjustable coil over. Global West offers those as well.

[chicane67]

.....but the lower you go, the more rate you will need to keep it off of the bumpstops.

Normally, an increase in rate is still warranted over what effects it has on actual ride height because until the springs settle and the height has normalized, the rate will continue to increase. But, the nomimal increase in rate will still out weigh its change in ride height.

The correct way to 'trim to ride height' method is to install the springs as they are and drive the chassis for roughly, 30 days and allow the springs to settle before you attempt any cut. At that point, cut in very small incriments..... you can always cut more, but you can never add back too........

I dont think you will have any fitment or clearence issues with the amount of drop you are considering. If the chassis is set to or near "designed ride height", speed bumps and scraping will be kept to a minimum..... any lower and you life is in your own hands. Tire height will also have an effect on this as well..... keep that in mind.

GW's "semi-comp" springs are roughly 650 to 680 lbs. The street springs are roughly 500 to 550 lbs. Anyway, to get a more realistic idea of what they really are, call Steve or Doug and get it from the horses mouth.

I dont see any problems with the small increase in rate you would incur, if you cut trim the springs in this discussion. I run front springs over 700 (rears at 300+) and have no ill response because of it..... and that reason is mainly due to GW's del-a-lum busings and their near zero frictional losses, allowing the suspension to do its work, plus a properly valved damper (shock) balance it all out.

Other options are Landrum's spring adjusters with linear spring rates...... or....... as stated in another post, there is always the option of a true coil-over...

[67 Camaro RS]

Thanks for the quick replies. I will still be using 15 inch rally wheels (235/60R15 tires all the way around) for the time being, so I am not really interested in lowering ride height immediately. The car was restored about 12-13 years ago. The measurement from the hub centerline to the top of the wheel arch is 15.75 inches in the front and 15.25 inches in the rear. I am not sure how these measurements compare to a new stock suspension.

I also plan on getting the front and rear koni shocks, front sway bar, rear bushing and shackle kit from GW. Also, I will be purhcasing a front suspension rebuild kit from performance suspension, a new center link, pitman arm, and steering box. I am hoping to rebuild the front and rear suspension and steering systems.

Does anyone know the spring rate for the Performance Street or Semi Comp rear leaf springs from GW? Also, are there any speculations as to whether I will have ride height clearance problems while driving?

Any comments on my plans for the suspension and steering are welcome. Thanks.

[chicane67]

Does anyone know the spring rate for the Performance Street or Semi Comp rear leaf springs from GW?

I wont "quote directly" what the rates are, (I have been asked not to give out proprietary specifications for their respective combinations) but the numbers I stated for the front are just about dead on. As for the rear, the same story, can quote directly..... but both springs are right in about a 135 to 150 rate (street to semi comp.)

On another note, If you do the rear shackle kit, I would advise you to also run atleast their lower control arm bushings...... but really both the upper and lowers to finish it out.

You shouldnt have any ride height issues. I lowered my 67 RS L30/M20.... lower than what the GW springs will get you to and I have had no problems what so ever. Even with 14 and 15" rims on it. Doug designs and builds his suspensions to what they will be driven on. His street package has speed bumps and the like in mind, when he makes a kit out of his selected parts..... even with 15" rims on it or a 17 x 8 front and 17 x 9.5 rear.....