2nd Gen Camaros/Firebirds & Ridetech Spring Rates

[mklinger]

I had purchased a ridetech 4-Link over 5 years ago for my ‘71 Firebird project. The 4-Link came with 175lb springs. These were a soft ride in my opinion and I would occasionally get tire rub in the rear. Recently I looked at the ridetech current offering and saw they are now offering this set up with 200lb springs. I called and asked about the change and they tech I talked to had no idea. So, assuming they made this change for good reason I updated to the 200’s. It's a better ride and and now the tire rub is less frequent.

I am curious what spring rates folks are running in the 2nd gens. Anyone running 225’s or 250’s on the rear? What’s been your experience with the Ridetech out-of-the-box set up?

[marolf101x]

When we were testing the black 2nd gen ridetech test car I ran as high as 350# rears.
Just depends on vehicle weight and your perception of acceptable ride quality.

One quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive way to test a higher spring rate is to use spring rubbers.
Slide a 25 or 50# rubber in each spring. Not exactly like the real spring, but we used them a ton for testing to quickly get us in the ballpark.

[mklinger]

What was the source for the 25 and 50# rubber shims?

[Josh@Ridetech]

You can still run a 175 with this kit as well (I am currently on my Firebird). I don't have any rubbing issues with mine, however, that's more than likely related to wheel/tire fitment differences.

It's more of a preference thing as Britt mentioned above. I've had 225lb springs on mine as well and it was a little more first but that was the intent at the time.

[mklinger]

I ran the ridetech spring calculator on the car and it is suggesting 250's with me or me plus a passenger in the car.

My math was 3600lbs (Car - 55/45 F/R weight distribution) + 200lbs (Me) puts the rear corner weight @ 855
150 (upsprung weight)
Coilover angle is 72 degrees, ride height is 14.5"/12" springs

With the 175 lbs springs I found the the ride to be very soft , with 200's I was heading in the right direction but almost indistinguishable from the 175's

I like a firm ride so I am hopeful the 250's I have coming get me where I want to be. If I'm wrong I can always back down to the 225's.
Trial and error to get to the sweet spot.
On another note, I changed out the 650's on the front for 700's and found them to be spot on.