OK. Here is the deal. I pulled the 350 motor from my ’79 vette this weekend and replaced it with a HOT 400 I built (WOW what a blast). The problem is the front end looks about an inch or two higher. I’m assuming this happened because the new motor has aluminum heads and I removed 20 lbs of emissions junk and other 10 lbs of cast exhaust manifolds. How do I get my front back to where it needs to be?

No answer. My thought is to cut the springs. The question, if this is the right way to fix it, how much do I cut?

|UPDATED|3/21/2004 4:26:53 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

You can lower by cutting them with a cut off wheel,don't use a torch you will weaking them. I'd go one ring at a time and make sure it fits into the spring pocket.
Dave

Hey, it's only 50.00 a pair for springs. Once you cut them you have no Idea of the Spring Rate. Check it out before you deside to Cut! Call Vette Brakes & Products. Good luck, Curtis

If you cut the springs they will actually be stiffer. They will be lower. Do you want the extra stiffness? New lower rate springs is the best answer.

Here is one for the books if you are adventurous. You can lower the springs, and retain the same spring rate. Remove the springs, and measure the length. Compress and band them. A spring shop can do this easily. If you choose not to band, you can leave a good compressor on them. Now this sounds weird. Put them in the oven at 500 degrees for several hours (6 to 12). Remove and allow to cool. Remove the compressor and measure the spring height. If they aren't enough, recompress and back in the oven. Make sure you bake them both evenly.

Do I really recommend this? No, too much trouble. I would just buy another set. But it does work. Just thought I would throw it out there.

Ken Styer

how long has the new engine been in the car, it takes a while for the car to settle back down, especially if you haven't driven it???