Lower Ride Height the Right Way

So, you have the power train squared away and the paint is done, now you want it to look low and mean on cruise night. Getting the right stance for the street isn’t difficult if you follow a few simple methods for lowering the ride height. We are talking muscle cars with stock suspensions here so I hope you aren’t looking for advice on a low rider.
I always like to go the simple route first so we won’t be talking about the expensive stuff here either, just some relatively easy mods to the stock suspension to drop the height conservatively so it looks good, rides good and doesn’t hang up on every speed bump in town. You'll find that a correctly lowered vehicle not only looks better, but will also provide much better road feel and have minimal body roll. Conversely, an improperly lowered vehicle will not be fun as a daily driver, and more importantly, it may be dangerously unpredictable on rough pavement. So if you've ever thought about dropping your chevy muscle car, read this guide to achieving a functional in-the-weeds stance.

Let’s start right at the most basic element of the suspension. The factory springs are a compromise meant to satisfy a wide range of drivers and ride heights of 60’s muscle cars were much taller than the new hardware on the road today. We’ll fix that! We have advantages today undreamed of back in the day. The aftermarket has lowering kits that provide you with all the components needed to drop the height in reasonable increments. Assuming you really want to drive the car on normal highways and streets, you will want to avoid getting too radical; usually 2 to 4 inches of drop make a tremendous difference in how the car rides, handles and looks on the street.

A discussion about springs is in order. Spring rates are generally rated in pounds per inch (lb/in), which represents the amount of force required to compress the coil spring by 1 inch. For example, a 200 lb/in spring will compress 1 inch under a load of 200 pounds. Spring load is the amount of weight that a coil spring can support at any given compressed height. A 10-inch-tall spring at free height with a 200 lb/in rate compressed to a height of 6 inches, would be supporting 800 (4 inches X 200 lbs per inch) pounds at that height.

A cheap alternative for lowering is to cut the spring. We are talking coils here; if you want to try this I suggest you make your cuts with an abrasive cutoff saw (a wet saw if you can get your hands on one) and only cut ¼ of a coil at a time until you are satisfied with the ride height. Never, ever use a torch to cut a spring and under no circumstances should you heat a coil spring to lower its height. The heat changes the metallurgy of the steel and ruins the spring. Cutting and reinstalling and removing and cutting and reinstalling is very tedious and time consuming but if you have a lot more time than money it can work if you are careful.

Safety tip: always use a safety chain when removing a coil spring – they have a tremendous amount of stored energy and can inflict serious injury if they are allowed to fly out unrestrained. Support the car with jack stands, use a floor jack under the A-arm to compress the spring, remove the ball joint and slowly lower the A-arm with the jack.

Leaf springs are a different case. Many aftermarket manufacturers make leaf spring sets designed specifically to lower the vehicle in precise increments and are a bolt-in proposition. Spring shops can also de-arch a set of stock springs to lower the car; a viable and cheaper option. Spacers are some times used to drop the ride height and are very cheap but beware that they can also induce wheelhop under acceleration because they stress the spring and create a lever effect in the spring action. If you use spacers, do not exceed 1” in drop.

We have stayed within the basics of the stock suspension and really only ventured into some very simple changes regarding spring heights to lower the car’s center of gravity, improve its handling and increase the road feel. For the cost of a few Benjamins and a few hours with the tools you can have just the look you want for cruising while creating a good handling street machine. Do your research, plan your mods and put that machine in the weeds!

  


Shop for Eibach springs and spring kits at Tire Rack.
Shop for Hotchkis Sport Suspension at Tire Rack.

Chevy Muscle Car: Make it Handle

 I was so proud of my “sleeper” ’69 Nova.  I had taken a 4-door six cylinder, powerglide machine and transformed it in a real beast by grafting in a 1970 Corvette 350 L46 with a turbo hydra-matic.  What a junkyard find that was!  Trust me, a friend at the local wrecking yard was invaluable to this project and I got the engine and tranny at a great price.  I was very happy with the 350 hp the Vette engine added and it really transformed the Nova; 8 lbs. per hp can add a great deal of enjoyment to your street ride!  I had a lot of fun with that car – it was my first hot rod.  I guess you could have called it a homemade Chevy muscle car.

It did not take many miles to realize that although my creation accelerated like a banshee, it was a real handful in the corners and the brakes (drums) sucked.  Back to the junkyard and I made a deal for some discs from a big block Nova donor car – a real safety improvement.  Now for the handling issue.  Basically, my amateurish efforts were mediocre by today’s standards but the heavy duty shocks, firmer springs and sway bars teamed with some Goodyear radials made a tremendous difference.  It felt tight and glued to the road. For the 70’s it was about as good as you could get. 

Now, let’s fast forward to today.  Let’s say you are building a muscle car street rod like the Nova and you want it to handle as well as scorch the ¼ mile.  Here are some ideas about how to improve the suspension without breaking the bank.

First, get the best tires you can afford.  That means tires meant to handle so stay away from the semi-race bias ply tires; they look great and really hookup but they aren’t meant for corners.  Get a set of slicks for the drags if you are into straight line speed.   Four brands of very good summer tires (meaning not intended for near freezing temperatures or driving in snow and ice) are the Continental Extreme Contact DW, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric, Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 and Pirelli P Zero.  All have excellent dry and wet traction and perform well in road course and slalom testing.  In testing of 225/45R17 tires for ride comfort, dry and wet traction, lateral grip, steering response and road feel there was very little quantifiable difference in these four tires.  The ranking was:

1.      Michelin Pilot Sport PS2

2.      Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric

3.      Continental Extreme Contact DW

4.      Pirelli P Zero

The difference between first and last ranking score was 7.48 to 7.45 so any one of these is an excellent street performance tire. 
performed this testing in June of 2009 on both a 6.6 loop of expressway, state highway and county roads and a 1/3 mile test track course that includes 90-degree street corners, lane changes and simulated expressway ramps. Run in both dry and wet conditions, the test track allows evaluation of traction, responsiveness, handling and drivability normally only encountered during abrupt emergency avoidance maneuvers or competition events.  Check out the full report at: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=120.

Next, shocks.  Things have changed since the 70’s when heavy duty was about the best you could do.  Shocks determine the rate of weight transfer by damping the motion of the spring and optimizing weight transfer is what good handling is all about. The shocks essentially control how the suspension operates, and you can't achieve the ideal damping for your combo without an adjustable shock. Next to tires, the shocks are the most important components of the entire suspension.  Double-adjustable shocks allow independent damping of both compression and rebound. Some single-adjustable shocks change the damping of the compression or rebound, but not both, while others change the compression and rebound action at the same time in equal amounts. Double-adjustable shocks allow very quick adjustments for fine tuning your suspension and are your best choice.

Springs:  Springs come in many forms - coils, leaves, torsion bars, or air bags. Springs primarily support the weight of the chassis, but also allow the tires to follow the contours of the road while providing roll stiffness in the corners.  Perhaps the most important aspect of spring design is its spring rate, which is different from spring load. Spring rate is simply how much force it takes to compress a spring one inch. For instance, a 200-lb/in coil spring requires 200 pounds of force to compress 1 inch. Spring load, on the other hand, is how much weight a spring can support at a given height. Spring rate does not change as a spring compresses but spring load is reduced. The more a spring is compressed, the less weight it can support. A shorter spring must have a stiffer rate than a taller spring to support the same weight.

Linear-rate springs are found on most production cars and race cars. Some aftermarket springs have a progressive rate, which means that they get stiffer as they compress. This design initially provides a softer rate to improve ride quality, then stiffens up the more it's compressed to limit body roll.  The theory is good, but with a variable rate spring, the shock valving must account for a wide range of spring rates, which can adversely affect ride quality and handling. A progressive spring rate can unnecessarily complicate fine-tuning the suspension.  When matched with the right shocks, a linear-rate spring can ride and handle better than a variable-rate spring so be wary of the benefits of progressive rate springs. 

Most passenger car spring rates are pretty soft so a good rule of thumb is to increase the spring rates about 30%; if the vehicle has the optional “heavy duty” suspension option and a firm ride, try some of the other modifications mentioned in this article before you pop for new springs.

Yep, sway bars.  Sway bars help resist body roll by increasing roll stiffness; this is done by attaching the left and right sides of a car's suspension together and anchoring them to the frame.  In the front suspension, the sway bar anchors the lower control arms to the frame. In the rear, the sway bar usually attaches from the rearend housing to the frame. As a car's body begins to lean in a corner, cornering loads twist the sway bar. Consequently, it is the bar's torsional stiffness (resistance to twisting) that determines how much the body roll is reduced.

The three primary factors that determine a sway bar's torsional stiffness are (1) its diameter, (2) swing arm length and (3) whether it is of solid or hollow construction. In regards to sway bar diameter, stiffness increases the bigger the diameter.  Small increases in diameter substantially increases bar stiffness so be conservative when selecting a bigger bar.  A 32 millimeter bar is 70% stiffer than a 28 millimeter bar!

Changes in swing arm length dramatically impact sway bar stiffness as well. The swing arm is the portion of the sway bar that extends from the frame to the control arm or rearend housing. Lengthening the swing arm reduces sway bar stiffness, while shortening it increases stiffness.  Shortening the bar’s swing arm from 10 to 5 inches results in a sway bar that's twice as resistant to twisting. 

Is a tubular sway bar less stiff than a solid bar?  In reality, a tubular sway bar can be just as stiff as a solid bar for any given diameter; the wall thickness is the critical parameter. A tubular sway bar is also lighter than a solid bar and tends to flex back to normal faster when twisted.  Less weight and faster response makes the tubular bar a good choice.

Roll Stiffness.  Here is a discussion on how to make the springs and sway bars work in harmony.  If optimizing handling is all about controlling weight transfer and body roll, then proper roll stiffness is your target. Roll stiffness is simply a suspension's resistance to body roll and is determined by the stiffness of the springs and sway bars. Some prefer using stiffer springs and smaller sway bars, while others prefer softer springs and stiffer bars. There is no clear consensus as to which setup is best.  Stiff springs and small sway bars allow the left and right sides of a suspension to perform more independently from each other, but compromises ride quality.  Soft springs and stiff sway bars preserve ride quality, yet detract from a suspension's side-to-side independence.  A number of suspension experts prefer the soft springs and stiff sway bars approach simply because stiffer springs deteriorate ride quality and are not necessary if you select a good balance with the sway bars and shocks.  For good street handling and decent ride quality, the suggestion here is easy on springs rates and very firm on roll bar stiffness.

Another tip.  Deflection in the bushings can harm suspension geometry and limit the rear suspension's ability to put the power down. Although they transmit the most noise and require regular lubrication, Heim joints virtually eliminate deflection, and they also enable the differential to articulate from side to side to reduce suspension bind.

What we have discussed here should help you significantly improve your muscle car’s handling.  Purposely, there was no attempt to go beyond what can be accomplished with simple hand tools and a reasonable budget.  We have assumed your suspension is stock and in good working order as a starting point.  Many aftermarket suspension suppliers offer packaged kits of springs, shocks and sway bars that are cost effective and easy to install.  Do your research and twist those wrenches, the result in street handling will make your Chevy muscle car even more fun to drive! 

Haynes 10345 Suspension, Steering & Driveline Haynes Techbook

Porting and Polishing Chevy Heads

The heart of your chevy muscle car engine is the cylinder heads.  A time-honored method for increasing chevy muscle car horsepower and torque has been improving the air flow potential of the engine cylinder heads. There are many ways to do this; expensive "bolt–ons" such as aftermarket heads, supercharging or turbo charging. For the real gearhead with little money and basic mechanical skills, porting and polishing the OEM heads is always an option.
With just a few key modifications, most heads can be made to flow 5 to 10% better than stock and the effort only requires a few basic tools, patience and a weekend’s worth of sweat labor. That’s free horsepower! If you are doing a valve job anyway, especially if upgrading to larger valves, this improvement could be in the 20 to 25% range.

The Basic Steps Are: 

1. Remove ridges from the intake and exhaust port bowls; this is formed when the valve seats are cut and once the heads are disassembled you can easily feel it with your finger; it's in the head just below the seat. Blend the ridge into the port walls using a carbide burr with a ¼ inch die grinder. A variable speed grinder and a light touch are best. Be very careful that the shank of the burr does not come in contact with the valve seat. Remove as little material as possible. The entire port should feature a continuous smooth radius. The valve guide bosses can also be cleaned up but be sure to leave .125 of material surrounding the valve guide hole. You can use abrasive rolls to polish the exhaust ports but do not polish the intake ports.  With the intakes, too smooth and you lose the turbulence needed to thoroughly mix the gas and air being pulled into the combustion chamber.

  

2. Unshroud the valves by gently removing material from the sides of the combustion chambers. Match the head gasket with the bolt and dowel-pin holes in the head and then scribe a cylinder-bore line around the chambers. Using machinist bluing or a dark felt tip marker will make the scribe line easy to see. You then know how far you can safely grind but do not go outside the scribe line or serious sealing problems may result. Again, remove minimal material to avoid reducing the compression ratio. Use some old valves in the chamber to protect the seats while grinding. You can also polish the chambers with abrasive rolls; it will reduce the tendency for carbon buildup.

3. Port match the intake runners to the intake using the intake gasket as a template for a scribe line. Some say this is worth 4% more CFM, 2% is more likely, but every little bit helps.   Do not polish the intake runners or fuel puddling and loss of flow turbulence could result – leave them a little rough.

Tools Needed:
• Variable speed die grinder with 25,000 rpm potential; an air grinder is ok but an electric with variable speed control seems easier to modulate
• Carbide burrs; ½ inch head and some smaller sizes for tight spots all with 2 inch long shanks

• Abrasive rolls (basically medium to fine grits, try to stay below 1/2 inch diameter)
• Leather gloves
• Ear plugs
• Eye protection
• Dust mask
• Duct tape (wrap the grinder tightening nut and tape around the combustion chamber scribe line just in case); running a burr across an unprotected head surface will ruin your whole day – the duct tape offers a little extra protection.

Key Learning: A valve job will be needed after this process because I have never seen anyone port and polish heads without nicking at least a few of the valve seats, no matter how careful they were - so plan accordingly.

Your chevy muscle car can really benefit from this "sweat labor" modification. Do this right and you can feel the added power and torque in the seat of your pants - improves gas mileage too!  The products listed below can help you in your quest for greater performance.

More detailed information can be found at: http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/95518_small_block_cylinder_head_porting/

1965 Chevelle Z16 Big Block Option

In 1965, with the introduction the new lineup of Chevy muscle cars, it was clear that the Chevelle was a packing a major performance punch. The new L79 350hp 327 V-8 had enough power bring a serious challenge to any Ford pony car.  To really play in the big leagues of muscle cars, Chevrolet upped the ante and really made the Chevelle a true Chevy muscle car with the option known as the Regular Production Order (RPO) Z-16, known as the Chevelle Z-16. The Z-16 package equipted the Chevelle with an L37 396 big-block that cranked out 375 hp at 5,600 rpm and 420 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm.

You may have noticed the 396 only boasted 25 more horsepower than the L79 327.  It's rumored the motor was seriously underrated.  Every Z-16 was equipped with a Muncie four-speed, and you had three colors to choose from: tuxedo black, regal red, and crocus yellow; the vinyl top was optional. The Z-16 had special trim and emblems on the rear, and the Malibu SS emblems were moved to the fenders. To strengthen the structural integrity, Chevrolet built the car around a stronger convertible frame with rear reinforcements and two extra body mounts.

Other features included 11-inch drums, power-assisted brakes, front and rear sway bars, and more.  In 1965, the Z-16 was close to being a true production drag car.  Chevrolet never intended on producing mass numbers of the Z-16 option due to limitations (at that time) in producing the volume; they didn't even advertise the option.  Many Z-16s were used as dealership promotional vehicles to develop an image for the Chevelle. However with a car like this, it's hard to keep a secret, and the word got out.  Chevrolet produced 201 Z-16 Chevelles -200 hardtops, and one convertible built for GM executive, Bunkie Knudsen.  Lucky Bunkie!

With about 3,400 lbs. gross, this beast was very fast and even with the conservative 375 hp rating, the power-to-weight ratio was close to 9 lbs per horsepower.  What a surprise on cruise night for the Ford guys!  The seat-of-the-pants feel is visceral when you plant the throttle and it is hard to see the road through first gear because you are pushed back in the seat with such beautiful violence!  A classic Chevy muscle car and just a taste of what was to come later in the decade of the 60’s.

1967 Chevrolet Chevy II Nova SS

As far Chevy Muscle Cars went, the ’67 Chevy II Nova SS was a real sleeper.  It was a rattlesnake wearing a rabbit skin.  From the outside it looked like a mid-sized grocery getter but underneath it might just have the nasty L79 small block, a high-revving 327 with 350 hp and 360 ft. lbs. of torque; essentially a corvette engine in a very light car. The Super Sport edition had some extra chrome, blackout trim details, and small SS emblems. Even with the slotted wheels of the '67 disc-brake option, a Nova SS was essentially a stealth machine.

I ran across one of these rare birds one night in 1969 and got my butt handed to me; my 1969 Nova had a 350 but it just couldn’t match the power-to-weight ration of that little ’67.  He left so fast I never got close.  Ouch!  I caught up with him at a What-A-Burger and asked what in the hell was under the hood.  “Just a little 327” was all he said.  After a bit of exchanging basic BS, he lightened up and told me about the car.  Would you believe 2,700 lbs?  To put that into perspective, a new Dodge Charger weighs about twice that much.  At 350 bhp, the power-to-weight ratio was 7.7 lbs per horsepower!  I felt better knowing I had lost to such an evil little machine (I thought, “Man I got to get me one of these!”).

I have never understood why Chevy only made the body style for two years – that cost them a pretty penny in tooling cost.  I think it was an attractive, if understated, Chevy Muscle Car and is worthy of honorable mention as a pioneer in the small car/big engine performance design.  It is rare but it has such potential for a street rod.  Try to imagine how quick one could be with say a 383 stroker with 450 hp; might want to get real serious about traction!

1963 Chevy Impala SS

Let's talk about one of the early Chevy muscle cars.  How about a boulevard cruiser that really screamed? I can still remember the first 1963 Impala SS I ever saw. I was just a kid still riding a bike to middle school but that white SS with the red interior was like Sophia Loren in a red satin gown. I still think the ’63 was the best looking Impala ever built. It had a real persona with its dual headlamps, pointed front and rear fenders and the signature three taillights per side. The Super Sport roof line really set it off. It was long, low and massive.
The 409 “elephant motor” available in the SS just looked wicked and there is still nothing that looks like it today. The ground shook when it fired up; there is no more beautiful mechanical sound than a big block rumbling through the twin exhaust. A solid lifter 409 with two four barrel carbs was good for a whopping 425 bhp. If you are a real engine freak, check out the 348 W motor build in Hot Rod Magazine’s November ’09 issue - they turned an old 348 into a 437 ci monster making over 650 hp! (see link to article at bottom of page) As if the 409 wasn't enough, Chevrolet introduced a new engine, the Z-11 in mid 1963. This was a 427 cid V8 loosely based on the existing 409 but featured a smaller bore and a longer stroke. It had angled valves and was nicknamed the "porcupine motor." Although it was officially rated at 430 bhp, it easily made close to 500 bhp and was an instant success at the drag strip. A vary rare RPO (Regular Production Option) and sold almost exclusively to racers so none of us average Joes are likely to ever see one.
So, want to take the wife and kids out on cruise night in a legendary Chevy muscle car? Find a ’63 and make your own unique statement. It has an engine bay that will accept just about any powerplant although I still think the 409 looks just right in this car.