I have a 72 Vista that has been lowered. The previous owner might of cut the springs, who knows. I want to put it back to normal height. I will be pulling the good running 350 to swap to a LS so I need to prepare for the lighter motor. What are my options for front and rear springs? Also, I want to add 4 wheel disc brakes. It currently does have front disc and the factory rally wheels. I am going to add torq thrust wheels so I need to know what sizes to go with to clear brakes and the correct back space. Thank you for your advice.

 

You can get new springs for your car at any brick and mortar or internet auto parts store/supplier as well as the remainder of the steering and suspension parts. For your wheels any 15' wheel with the appropriate width and backspacing will work on your car.

 

Here's the coil spring info I have archived from the online Moog catalog.



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An iron block aluminum head LS is as heavy or heavier than a 455. You should consider the springs for the 455 with the LS.

 

Not sure what would give you this idea. If you have ever tried to move an olds 455, olds 350, aluminum LS, or iron block LQ series (commonly referred to as "LS") around on a floor it is pretty clear which is heavier. An olds 455 is north of 600 lbs; olds 350 north of 550 lbs, and the LS motors will run between 400 and 500 depending on block type. The difference in weight is compounded when considering things like the original A/C compressor/ brackets on the olds vs. the MUCH lighter compressor and brackets on the "LS". I can tell you from experience that an LS1 (aluminum block) is significantly lighter than an original olds 350 (iron block would add about 80 lbs). Unfortunately, I cannot give any info on spring rates as I was already running air ride before I swapped the drivetrain. I can say I am running at least 15 - 20 PSI less in each front bag with the LS than I was with the olds motor. Around 105-110 now versus 125-130 with the olds motor.