I have an '81 3-spd manual a/c El that has smallblock swappedwhere the 229 one was. The stance is nice, but the ride is rather ummm, well, it sucks. It's WAY too soft and rebounds big time. All of which is typical due to the combo. Do any of you have any suggestions through experience on what springs I should buy? I have seen the Moog/TRW chart at maliburacing, but it was making my brain hurt a bit. It will retain the manual trans if that matters any. It currently sits on the OE size 205/75R14's. Any help would be awesome. Thanks in advance.

-Rob

With out any pics we cant tell how it sits now. Are you looking to lower or just stiffen it up? You can start with Monte SS springs and go to S-10 springs to F-body springs. Everyone has a different opinion on what firm and harsh is. Someone will chime in on the Moog springs they have. I used aftermarket, sorry.

With out any pics we cant tell how it sits now. Are you looking to lower or just stiffen it up? You can start with Monte SS springs and go to S-10 springs to F-body springs. Everyone has a different opinion on what firm and harsh is. Someone will chime in on the Moog springs they have. I used aftermarket, sorry.

What's your opinion on your after-market springs? I am planning on Moog, but I am open to other brands.

I'm not reaaly "stuck" on Moog specifically, though they do seem to be cheaper in some cases. I'll try to post a pic soon so others may have a better idea of the ride height. It currently sits on tires that are just over 26" and when viewing it from profile, the tires are not "tucked" into the wheel well, but the fender lip probably is a bout an inch or so above the top of the tire. It'll be about a week before I get to take a pic, as it will be sitting out of town for the next week and I won't have access to it.

Thanks again,
Rob

My front suspension on my Monte Carlo is Eibach springs with SC&C tubular upper control arms with tall ball joints on the upper and lower control arms for a drop of about 2". I am also running Bilstein shocks. I like the ride. Much firmer then stock but not near as stiff as my 86 Firebird. I also have all the front end G-body braces to stiffen the frame up. I have a buddy that used the Moog 5660 spring on his Monte and it sits about the same height as mine. I think he has less then $60.00 in his. I have a bit more. Again it all comes down to how firm is too firm or how low is too low. The top edge of my front fender sits 26 3/4" from the ground. This is with a 245/50/16 tire. There is a small gap (2") between the fender and top of the tire. Not sure what else to tell you. Whats good for me may be too low or firm for you.

I spent $40 on a set of A body big block springs. Cut off one coil for a stock height and FIRM ride!

The stance is nice, but the ride is rather ummm, well, it sucks. It's WAY too soft and rebounds big time.
It doesn't sound like you need a set of springs, more like you need a good set of shocks. Before you go through all the trouble of replacing springs, get yourself a set of Bilsteins or Edelbrock IAS shocks for the front and rear. The "WAY too soft" and rebounding ride will go bye-bye. If you're still not satisfied, replace the front end lower control arm bump stops with Chevy Extreme bumpstops. If you do in fact change the springs, go with the MOOG springs if you simply want a good stock replacement.