69 Firebird Hotchkis question

[av8or32]

I have a 69 Firebird and just recently finished installing the Hotchkis TVS. The front end seems higher than the rear. Is this normal? By the way, they recommended BB springs for the 400 Pontiac engine. Has anyone seen this and what sort of mod will I need to get the front end down?

[ProdigyCustoms]

Well, I disagree with the big block springs. Any Pontiac motor is much closer to the weight of a small block Chevy then a big block. With that said, the Hotchkis springs do settle a bit. But you probably have to strong springs.

[av8or32]

what do you think I should do to get the front end down where it should be?

[brownz]

what do you think I should do to get the front end down where it should be?

I know that alote of people cut the spring have not seen anymore than one loop so wouldnt do more than that but as far as the bb spring not sure. even hothkis cut the spring in the sec gen project to get it to sit right. they are setup for stock cars steel everthing.

[av8or32]

maybe I should swap the bb springs for the sb ones

[Big Injun Dave]

http://geetotiger.com/GreenBird_complete.jpg

When I began the build of Project Greenbird we were the first first gen Firebird. We started with the BB springs and then ended up with the SB. They are the same wire size just a half coil shorter. You can adjust your own ride hight if you want.

You can see the rest of our project over on www.geetotiger.com.

PS: All cast iron 455 with A/C.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Yeah, either swap the springs for small block or cut 1/4 or half a rung off the big blocks.

Sorry for your troubles, Wish I would have sold you the springs.

[av8or32]

will a regular cut-off disc work on the spring steel?

[ProdigyCustoms]

Yes it will, that is the way to cut them. DO NOT use a torch! it is a PIA, but go a 1/4 rung at a time. Or else you may find yourself saying Ahh****!

[brownz]

Yes it will, that is the way to cut them. DO NOT use a torch! it is a PIA, but go a 1/4 rung at a time. Or else you may find yourself saying Ahh****!

but go a 1/4 rung at a time

*2

[av8or32]

OK sounds good. Do ya'll have a particular method/trick of accurately measuring 1/4 coil or is it just the "eyeball" method

[ProdigyCustoms]

Well, you can measure around 3 or 4 inches and cut.

[av8or32]

Followed your advice and cut 1/4 coil off. At first the thing sat way up in the air so I shook the front end side to side and the springs popped into place. It still looked a little higher in the front than the back. Then I took the car out for a short drive around the block. When I got back the front had settled way down. I guess this is normal. I think it looks right now except for having major toe out. / \ :lol:

[av8or32]

I have another ? What size wheel/tire combos are you running? I'm considering either 18's all the way or an 18 and 20 combo. After lowering the car what considerations need to be made?