78 Grand Prix project

[Bonnewagon]

FWIW my 81' Malibu wagon w/Pontiac 400 needed springs and at the time I had a new set of 77' TA springs for a 400. I figured that would be the ticket for the 400 in a Malibu but the spindles are about 1" shorter so the front end pointed up to the sky. I ended up cutting 3/4 of a coil from each spring and it sat perfectly, plus gave a nice stiff ride. At the time I remember that nowhere could I find a spring recommendation for that setup, I guess no one anticipated Pontiac 400's in G bodies.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

Here's my latest edition to the pile o' car parts. A reman posi unit and a set of 3.08's.

****EDIT**** I paid for 3.08's and got 3.23's. The only downside is that I have a 2 series carrier. I might have to look into a ring gear spacer or get 3.08's anyway.

 

[pontiacgp]

It's going to boil down to how stiff you want the car to be and where you want your ride height. I'm using the 5664's up front. They're the HD IROC convertible springs. Reasons being:

1. The Pontiac weighs a little more than a SBC. We're looking at 650lbs vs 575lbs
2. I'll be using 2" drop spindles and don't want much suspension travel up front (to prevent rub obviously)
3. I'm also limiting my turning radius with a 2.25 quick ratio box from an IROC
4. I'm going to use a 34MM sway bar from an IROC.
5. Came across the springs on ebay for $30 brand new....so why not?

If you want to have a better look at spring rates here's a link. My 5664's are probably overkill, but since I got them cheap I'll give 'em a try.
http://jeffd.50megs.com/Moog_Spring_Page.htm

Here's my link to engine weights/dimensions before anyone starts questioning my numbers
http://www.carnut.com/specs/engdim.html

with those springs plus you bar you spring rate is proably close to 1100 lbs..

I'm running 660 lbs springs in the front with the GTA 36mm bar with Afco #7 valved shocks, it's a stiff ride but it does corner nice...and on the highway the faster you go the nicer it feels...

 

[G-Body_Vet]

the faster you go the nicer it feels...

Nothing wrong with that! I think I've even made that suggestion at some point!

Hopefully the ride won't be too harsh. My shocks are the Belltech drop shocks all the way around. I had them on my '85 SS back in the day and recall them being a decent ride. I had drop spindles on that car too.

 

[pontiacgp]

and you have the same steering box I have....it does feel real nice on the highway and at 200 it feels like 120... 8)

edit*...actually our 200 kilometers per hour is your 120 mph...

 

[G-Body_Vet]

and you have the same steering box I have....it does feel real nice on the highway and at 200 it feels like 120... 8)

edit*...actually our 200 kilometers per hour is your 120 mph...

I spend quite a bit of time doing 70-75mph on the expressway so that will be a good thing.

 

[pontiacgp]

I'm also running 3.08 gears so at 75 I'm reving 2000 in 5th..

It's too bad we arn't closer, I'll have the 3.08 7.5 gear for sale after I install the 8.2 posi 3.08 rear end

 

[G-Body_Vet]

I pulled the heap out of the garage today and ran it to the car wash so I could steam clean the 305. Getting ready to yank it and the less grease the better. It was actually nice to see it in the sun for once. Here's a few random pics.

 

[Bonnewagon]

Nice! But you're right. It's screaming for a big Pontiac motor.

 

[papabearxl]

I pulled the heap out of the garage today and ran it to the car wash so I could steam clean the 305. Getting ready to yank it and the less grease the better. It was actually nice to see it in the sun for once. Here's a few random pics.

That is such a nice example of a beautiful car! Never been a Pontiac guy, (haven't owned one), but that thing is awesome.