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big block springs

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Old Feb 7, 2012 | 12:53 AM
  #1  
72cutlassolds's Avatar
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From: California
big block springs

i have a 72 cutlass supreme and im putting a 350 rocket in so i figured if i bought bb springs it would be more sturdy i was told i shouldnt use bb springs ona small block how would that effect the car`s suspension ?
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 03:56 AM
  #2  
MDchanic's Avatar
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From: The Hudson Valley
It will make the car ride higher and rougher.

Depends on what you want.

- Eric
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 04:08 AM
  #3  
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A big block only weighs about 50-70 pounds more than a small block according to the Olds FAQ so it probably wouldn't be that drastic of a difference IMO.
Guys put big blocks in small block cars and don't change the springs and have no problems.

http://www.442.com/oldsfaq/ofbbb.htm
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 11:40 AM
  #4  
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From: Surrey, England, U.K
You may find the car sits too high at the front so why not stick some small block springs in it and it will ride fine. I have the opposite problem in that i have a 72 Cutlass Supreme with 455 and big block springs but have drastically reduced weight up front so now it sits too high, good luck with it, any photos ?DPP07DA0501140E36[2].jpg
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 08:03 PM
  #5  
MDchanic's Avatar
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Originally Posted by Bluevista
A big block only weighs about 50-70 pounds more than a small block according to the Olds FAQ so it probably wouldn't be that drastic of a difference IMO.
I've got big block springs all around and a small block motor in my Delta, and the front sits noticeably too high.

If I put station wagon springs in the back, I'd get a sort of "4x4" look, but with the regular big block springs, it just looks high in the nose, and feels like you're driving uphill all the time.

- Eric
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 08:18 PM
  #6  
Allan R's Avatar
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From: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Originally Posted by MDchanic
I've got big block springs all around and a small block motor in my Delta, and the front sits noticeably too high. ..... it just looks high in the nose, and feels like you're driving uphill all the time.

- Eric
That gives it the Bernoulli's principle for air flow needed to get the most effective use of momentum and conservation of energy as it careens down the highway. Hope you don't drive at night - your headlights would be lighting up the top of the trees.
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 08:38 PM
  #7  
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Sounds like the only solution is to drop a big block in it...
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 08:41 PM
  #8  
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Well out here in cali we ride our muscle cars wit the front a lil higher than the back its called A-1 also im puttin big rims on it so I was thinking I need the clearance im going with 22 inch irocs
Old Feb 8, 2012 | 04:49 PM
  #9  
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From: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Originally Posted by Lady72nRob71
Sounds like the only solution is to drop a big block in it...
So obvious it was hiding right in front of us....
Old Feb 8, 2012 | 05:03 PM
  #10  
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Originally Posted by 72cutlassolds
Well out here in cali we ride our muscle cars wit the front a lil higher than the back its called A-1 also im puttin big rims on it so I was thinking I need the clearance im going with 22 inch irocs
That's gonna be awesome
Old Feb 8, 2012 | 11:05 PM
  #11  
72cutlassolds's Avatar
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From: California
What is that suppose to mean ?
Old Feb 9, 2012 | 05:54 AM
  #12  
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I assume you're making it like a pro-touring car with 22" rims. Its gonna look good if you do it right. I wish I had the money for some nice rims, maybe 18's or 20's but I'm broke now. Good luck with the project! Post some pics when ur done.
Old Feb 9, 2012 | 09:37 AM
  #13  
Intragration's Avatar
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From: Northlake, IL
SB springs should be sufficient. My '83 is originally a 3.8 car, now with a 455. Removed all the emissions and AC stuff, still rides just about level with the stock springs.
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