spring rates

[1977nova]

I am wondering what type of front springs I should get. I am kind of a Herb Adams follower so I am going to go with the large sway bar, softer springs but I still think the stock springs are too soft. I am thinking maybe a z28 spring at 380 lbs but I dont have much experience with spring rates.

[79T/Aman]

I would put someting about 500-550 lbs, 380 is too soft for perf. driving.

[baz67]

What kind of motor? BB or SB, iron or alum heads?

[David Pozzi]

don't use any of the spring numbers I have on my page, they are all 5" dia springs.
You need 5.5" OD springs.
Moog 5276 is the stock spring for your car and is a 300 lb rate. This is pretty much the same rate as used on first and second gen Camaros.

If you use Delrin or steel bushings there is less friction, you can go a little stiffer without feeling stiffer.
If you lower the car you need to go stiffer because there is less travel.
If you use tires with more traction, go stiffer.
If you drive agressively go stiffer
If you drive on banked turns, stiffer.
If you increase power, go stiffer.

If you do all of the above then you probably need a 700 lb ft spring.
If you have 400hp, don't hang the corners all the time, the car isn't lowered to the max, you don't have huge tires, you can tone it down to 400/500 coils.