Nova Front Spring Install

[Craig W.]

I started with the 213lb springs in my car with iron heads, steel hood, etc. They lowered my car about 3/4" compared to stock. But as I lightened the car, the front end wound up mega high. So I cut 2 coils off and really slammed the front. Had to cut about an inch off the lower bump stops to have any downward travel. Its still got plenty of upward travel.

[71 Nova]

Well, I let the springs set for a few weeks and the Moroso springs with one coil cut off sit about an inch higher than before (see pic). It sits kinda level now. Think I'll try this combo before I cut anymore. Going to the track in a few weeks to see how they work. What do you guys think?

[DriveWFO]

I went through the same ordeal with mine, but I pulled the springs back out and remove a little more and now my stance is like your first pic, though I've got the rear tires tucked up a little more.

I see you're a member of the black hood posse too

[John_Heard]

I think you'll end up taking another 1/2 coil off or more. These cars need absolutely all the front end travel they can get at the stage you are at, lowering the front another inch will give you more total travel.

Lowering the front end may also pick up a little bit of MPH in the traps as well. But, it can be a pain driving one that low around town and can be hard on headers and the oil pan. My car is so low I have to be careful of the crown in the side roads around here. It's a pain in the butt loading and unloading if you don't jack the trailer up too. If your car hooks good then it might be less headache leaving it where it's at

[71 Nova]

I took my Nova out to the track on Saturday and I noticed the front end rising quicker at launch with the new springs. I can now feel the front suspension hitting the upper travel bump stops (couldn't with the stock springs). I have about 1.5 inches between the suspension and the lower bump stop and could cut another 1/2 to 3/4 inch off the bump stop (see pic). So I think I will cut off another coil to lower the front end some more. Any thoughts?

There's a picture of my launch here (scroll to the bottom): http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/ThumbPa ... 7898&s=210

[John_Heard]

Another full coil might drop it a bit more than what you're wanting, althought it's a bit more work you may want to sneak up on it.

[71 Nova]

Good idea. Think I'll start with just 1/2 a coil and see where that puts me.

Is it a good (or bad) idea to trim some height off of the lower bump stop to get more downward travel? Or off the the upper bump stop for more upward travel for that matter?

Humm, the "black hood posse", eh DriveWFO???

Thanks!

[Ron69SS]

It's always a good idea to cyt the upper a-arm bumpers for more travel. I have mine cut down to about 1/4 tall, just to keep the thing going metal to metal.
I think the bottom one should be left alone. Adds a cushion for those huge wheelies!

Ron

[dadnova]

Yes cut the upper bump stops to get more hight in the front for racing. Leave the bottom alone for the street.