Softer Ride

Cobra 29 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-13-2002, 06:18 AM

Bob, I have 6 Carrera coil overs (with adjustable height collars) in my 427 SC with front and rear sway bars and 16 wheels (245/50s in front, 27X12-16 Sports Car Specials in back). I want to soften the ride, especially the front.

I would like to accomplish a bit softer ride with the same wheels / tires at this time. What is the softest spring dimension for the front and rear you would suggest for street driving?

The front springs are yellow not the red color that my FIA buddy received in his ERA kit. The rear are chromed. The car has the FMS crate 351W with aluminum heads.

Thanks

Jeff Frigo · #2 (**permalink**) 10-13-2002, 06:54 AM

Easy, put the correct motor in the car. I thought small blocks were not allowed in ERA's.

Bob Putnam · #3 (**permalink**) 10-13-2002, 10:24 AM

29,

Those tires are not helping things - try 22 psi front, 24 psi rear. Increase the pressures a bit if the car feels too sloppy.

Our standard springs for your combination would be 250 lb/in springs in front and 4x350 lb/in springs in the back. I hope your Carerra's are valved correctly for the springs...

Jeff Frigo · #4 (**permalink**) 10-13-2002, 03:50 PM

Bob:

All joking aside, how many small block 427 cars have you guys made? Any 429/460's ?

Bob Putnam · #5 (**permalink**) 10-14-2002, 05:09 AM

Jeff,

Since our engine stands on the chassis are the same with FE and SB, it's hard to say exactly. I'd guess that about 5%-10% of 427SCs have SB engines. I think we've done 3 or 4 429/460 engine stands in 650 chassis'. They don't fit very well, vertically - lots of restrictions on intake systems to clear the hood.

427Aggie · #6 (**permalink**) 10-14-2002, 08:05 AM

I would be afraid of the resell on the vehicle...I know alot of people are really into the small blocks but I would think it could hurt things....Hey Bob don't forget the 427SOHC motor down here in Austin

Tight fit...

Matt

Cobra 29 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-16-2002, 08:52 PM

Bob, thanks for the advice to use 250 lb/in in front and 4 springs in the rear at 350 lb/in. What is the free length and inside diameter of these springs? From the ERA manual I gather that the front spring is 2.5" inside diameter and a free length of 12" for an adjustable height coil over. 14" for non-adjustable set up.

The rears are stated to be upgraded XKE springs (350 versus 250 lb/in). But I am unsure of the free length and inside spring diameter.

Can you fill me in on the details? Does Eibach make these springs?

Thanks as always.

Bob Putnam · #8 (**permalink**) 10-17-2002, 05:30 AM

The rear springs are 2.5" ID by 10" long with the non-height-adjustable dampers. We use 8" long springs with our rear height-adjustable dampers.

Cobra 29 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-17-2002, 08:09 PM

Bob, how about the free length and inside diameter dimensions for the front springs WITH an adjustable height coil over? I believe this is where most of my opportunity is. Thanks

Bob Putnam · #10 (**permalink**) 10-18-2002, 05:01 AM

29,

"From the ERA manual I gather that the front spring is 2.5" inside diameter and a free length of 12" for an adjustable height coil over."

You answered your own question three replies above. Just follow the manual.