2nd Gen Firebird Spring Recommendation

[johnm]

OK, I have a 1978 TA, Getting ready to put the suspension together, I have used the new GW uppers with del-a-lum bushings, I rebuilt the lowers with del-a-lum bushings, boxed them in so they should be strong enough. I have used the rear global west leafs lowered 1.5" with del-a-lum bushings. My question is, I need to pick shocks and front springs. Currently I have cut 1.5 off my front springs, I put an LS1 in the car, and they needed to be cut, should I get a set of shocks and use my springs, or should I get a set of coilovers that bolt into the front stock locations. Furthermore, what rear shocks should I get. Should I get 4 that match one another, or can I go with coilovers in the front and stand alone shocks in the back. Furthermore, I am using the LS1 rear brake conversion, so I need to relocate the rear shocks at the same time, anything really big involved with this?



Thanks
John

[johnm]

NOBODY? I thought with as much knowledge as everybody has here, they could help me out on this. Any help would be appreciated.

[Mean 69]

What front coil-over type shocks are you planning on using? The bee-hive type from QA1?, or a more traditional set where the spring is fully located on the shock itself? There is no problem running a standard type shock in the rear with a coil-over up front. The issue is really more of the valving you need based upon the wheel rate, roll resistance, tires, etc. For a street car, I wouldn't sweat it too much, but you will like the freedom of an adjustable race type shock if you are going to do track time.

I know that is really a general response, try going to nastyz28.com there seem to be a ton of second gen guys there that could offer more specific advise.

Mark

[johnm]

I was thinking the QA1's that Global West promotes, but I am not against any of them, I am just researching. Would I be better doing an adjustable shock and keeping the front spring the way it is?

John

[6'9"Witha69]

John,
While it is great that you stated what you have and your ideas, one thing I have learned around here is to state your intentions with the vehicle and maybe even an amount you are able/willing to spend.
With that many more people are able to help without having to guess or ask.
Just my .02 on that.

[johnm]

Sorry, I put springs in the title, I meant shock absorbers. Good question and advise. As shown from the suspension parts listed, my goal is just a great handling street driver with very occasional track use both auto-x and dragracing. 95% street driven though. SO, thats why I want to know about shocks, I know shocks are a great tuning devise, but I am affraid if I pick a set of adjustable shocks, I'll adjust them once, and thats it. So maybe just get a set of good shocks, but which brand, and are shocks for lowered cars different than shocks for stock height cars. Thanks again for all the help.


John