[Classic Mustang] Re: Replacing 66' Coil springs, HD or Stock?

I have two Mustangs - one with stock springs and thick sway bar and
wide 16" wheels and tires. That is very comfortable around town and
handles ok. I would be happy to drive it to Florida from Los Angeles.
The other car has the 620 Shelby springs in the front and something
heavy duty in the rear and front and rear sway bars and Bilstein
shocks and sub-frame connectors and if I had to get to Florida, I
would rather take a bus.

--- In classicmustang@yahoogroups.com, "Michael D. Myjak"
<mmyjak@...> wrote:
>
> Terry,
>
> If you are going to be tooling around in this car on the street,
> attending functions and meets, I would recommend that put it back
> stock. The springs used for the V8 were necessary because of the
> heavier engine. HD springs would increase the stiffness even
more. I
> don't think you'll like the ride - noticing every little bump in
the
> road. You would do better with simply adding heavy duty shocks to
setup.
>
> Your engine has a dry weight of 385lbs. Compare that to the 289,
which
> weighs in at 460-475 (depending on options). The FE big blocks
were 610
> lbs (560 for the Shelby w/ aluminum intake manifold.)
>
> I don't know what you're after here... a hard-as-nails ride is what
> you'll end up with if you change the spring rate by more than
10%. If
> you are looking for a 6 cyl. that corners a bit better, you might
try
> increasing the size (diameter) of the front sway bar - this would
> improve your cornering ability (and reduce the sag and dip). It
would
> also engage both coil springs more than just the one on the inside
> turn. I would try a standard V8 car's sway bar first... its 5/8"
in
> diameter, if memory serves... and it should bolt right in without a
> problem. If you want something more... you might step up to the GT
> version. But it might be too much as you have only half the weight
up
> front.
>
> I would not recommend increasing the spring rate above factory (and
I
> don't recall the rate for 6cyl. coils) by more than 10-15%.
Clearly, a
> 600lb/inch spring rate would be way, WAY too much for your car.
>
> My thots -
> Michael
>
> Terry wrote:
> > I'm getting ready to rebuild the front end on my 66' 6 cylinder
coupe.
> > I'm wondering if going with the HD V8 coil springs would be a bad
> > choice. I'm replacing the rear leafs too and am using the HD set
for
> > the rear. I'm looking for someone who can tell me what
difference I
> > would see, one over the other, in ride, height, control..etc
> >
> > Thanks
> > Terry
> >
> >
>

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