Spring weight for coil over shocks ?

[Paraman1]

So I am looking at coil over shocks for the front of my 64 El Camino with a small block motor but am not sure what weight of springs to get ? This car will be driven around town mostly and occasionally some spirited canyon carving and maybe once a year autocrossing . Should I go with the 450 pound springs or the 550 ?

[WallaceMFG]

I'd call ridetech or another suspension company to see what they recommend. I would assume with a small block you'd want the lighter springs, but I could be wrong.

[bret]

The hard way is to solicit recommendations and try them all until you get what you want [or give up]. The easy [and correct] way is to gather some data to input into this tool: http://www.ridetech.com/tech/spring-rate-calculator/

Our calculator works with anyone's springs...but works better with ours

[BMR Sales]

450

[kevmurray]

I'm with TC. I have an all-iron big block and have 530 springs. They are just right for me and some people find them a bit harsh. With a small block you will likely want the 450s (if you had only those two choices). Use the calculator and see what comes up. Then let us know because I'm curious.

[BMR Sales]

450 gives good handing & comfort. 550 could be to harsh and you would be able to lower the car like with the 450s

[Buryingthesun]

450 gives good handing & comfort. 550 could be to harsh and you would be able to lower the car like with the 450s

Im just wondering why 550 would be too harsh? I used to run 800lb springs in my honda S2000

[BMR Sales]

Im just wondering why 550 would be too harsh? I used to run 800lb springs in my honda S2000

A Spring Rate is different in a CoilOver than it would be in a Conventional Spring/Shock in an A-Body or an F-Body

The Highest Spring Rate that Viking makes for these cars is a 650 and that would be for a Race Set-Up

As far as the S2000, different things for different cars

[killer69]

My opinion is 450 is too light if you are using a good adjustable shock like Viking or ridetech I would go with 550 they are not harsh at all.

We use the 650 spring in all BB applications no complaints

opinions are like Belly buttons ......................... EVERYONE HAS ONE.

[Rod]

My opinion is 450 is too light if you are using a good adjustable shock like Viking or ridetech I would go with 550 they are not harsh at all.

We use the 650 spring in all BB applications no complaints

opinions are like Belly buttons ......................... EVERYONE HAS ONE.

agree with Blake, the spring doesn't create harshness that comes from the shock valving (adjustments) and a good shock (like ours) will allow you to tune the ride, I use over a 800 pound front spring on my 1968 LS power Camaro and even my girl friend drives it around and on trips comfortably and its an easy tune to setup for autocross

[BMR Sales]

My opinion is 450 is too light if you are using a good adjustable shock like Viking or ridetech I would go with 550 they are not harsh at all.

We use the 650 spring in all BB applications no complaints

opinions are like Belly buttons ......................... EVERYONE HAS ONE.

I understand, but just passing along Info from the Manufacturer & from Customer Experience