Front Spring Advice Needed

fxbill · #1 (**permalink**) 02-11-2005, 11:28 PM

Hi Guys,
It's been a while since I've been here....out on filming locations and not driving the car nearly as much as I'd like to. My engine blew the second week I began driving this season. I had an original set of twisted wedge heads on it that had never been modified to take rail rockers and I recently discovered that Trick Flow had problems with the geometry of them... I just found out first hand when a valve head snapped off and destroyed my stroker....including the 1969 block. I suppose I could sleeve it, but I found a nice engine on eBay and have already purchased it. It's a 446 cu in 351W based stroker, but the stroke is only that of a 408 or 418... The rest was done with bore. It has a Dart Iron Eagle block, forged crank, rods and pistons, roller cam, Trick flow R heads, Moroso 7 qt pan with pickup and was built by Creb Engineering back East. I contacted him before purchasing the engine to verify that it would stay glued together for a while and was reassured that everything on the motor was built with the best of parts and carefull construction. Here's a link to the engine when it was on eBay if anyone is interested... New Engine
I also just bought a TKO Tremec 600 with .87 final to replace the world class T5 I was running. I'm hoping this combo will get me back to the fun I've always had with this car.
Now....to my real question. I bought a set of adjustable upper A-Arms and tubular lowers from Pole Position...( nice people there...and the order got here in two days!). I also found some Carrera coil-overs new on eBay. They come without springs though and I recall that there have been numerous discussions here about the best spring rate to get for a Classic with a 351, but I can't seem to find any of them in my searches.
Can any of you point me in the right direction for getting springs for these? I have removed the front sway bar for a smoother ride....don't know if that will make any difference in the spring choice or not. I do remember someone discussing a rate of 375 lbs at one point, but also seem to remember that 375 was a little too much. Any help would, as always, be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Regards,
Bill

dscott · #2 (**permalink**) 02-12-2005, 08:51 AM

FX, sorry to hear about your engine. The new one sounds great. The front shock on the CR is not a Mustang II shock. The tower adds another 4" to the extended length of the shock so the Mustang II is too short. The spring I use is the 8MB375 from Carrera. It's a tapered spring that sits in the stock perch at the top. It is the lightest spring they make. I have never had a problem with them. The adjustment is perfect for the car. Since Carrera has been purchased by QA1 I have had problems getting the proper shock and spring so I now use Pro Shocks. You can purchase the front coil over package from us for $400. If you want to stick to the Carrera let me know and I'll get you the specs. It will have to be a custom shock.
Don

fxbill · #3 (**permalink**) 02-12-2005, 11:04 AM

Oops.... Oh well....there were lots of bidders on the shocks. They are part number 3336 and are 9" closed and 12" open. I can just resell them back on the bay.
Sure....whatever package works the best and is available will be fine as long as they work with the pole position A Arms.
Thanks Don..... I'm assuming your old tele number is no longer working, but if you have a new one I'll call you Monday and order them.....
Bill

dscott · #4 (**permalink**) 02-12-2005, 04:35 PM

FX, the number is the same 1-888-722-6272.
Don