big block V8 engine on V6 front springs -- how much sag?

[454GrandPrix]

This thread is not asking the question but instead providing an answer. If you're like me, you may have wondered how much the nose of your G-body will sag if you remove your stock V6 engine and install a big block V8 in its place without changing the front coil springs. In my case, I went from a 231 V6 (which is all iron, of course) to a Chevy 454 with iron heads. How much did the nose drop? In my case, about this much.

Before:

After:

Sorry for the different lighting. I haven't taken a tape measure to it, but I'd say the nose now sits about 2" lower than before.

Perhaps someone will find this information and photos useful.

 

[Texas82GP]

Are you planning on replacing the front springs?

 

[565bbchevy]

2" sounds about right for the weight difference.

 

[pontiacgp]

How much heavier is a big block than a V6?..

 

[foxtrot]

Now if you could lower the back end by a few inches you would really have a good look.

 

[pontiacgp]

Now if you could lower the back end by a few inches you would really have a good look.

how about putting the v6 in the trunk...

 

[565bbchevy]

The weights I have seen listed are.
Buick 80"s V6 approx. 375 lb
SBC iron headed 575 lb
BBC iron headed 685 lb
I have found various weights listed but most of the weights I find are within 10 lbs of these.

 

[MrSony]

I'd say get stock HD V6 springs and bilstein shocks all around and some better wheels and tires and you'd have a kickass stance.

 

[STLRegal]

Im curious. whats with the 4 lug wheels on the back? Ive never seen it before.

To me it looks like the front springs were already worn, before the swap. It was sitting a bit lower than id expect normally.

 

[454GrandPrix]

Are you planning on replacing the front springs?

Yes, definitely. That will be one of the first things I do after I get the car running with the new (V8) engine.

I'd say get stock HD V6 springs and bilstein shocks all around and some better wheels and tires and you'd have a kickass stance.

The tail is already done (I hope). My plan now will be to raise the front end a bit with new, heavier/taller springs. I am looking closely at the Moog 5610 springs.

Now if you could lower the back end by a few inches you would really have a good look.

(chuckle) I did just install new Moog 5391 coils out back along with some KYB Gas-A-Just shocks sized to match. This gave me a little bit of rake, which is fine with me as it makes room for taller rear tires in the future.

Im curious. whats with the 4 lug wheels on the back? Ive never seen it before.

I'm running a Ford 8.8 axle, so I needed wheels that fit.

To me it looks like the front springs were already worn, before the swap. It was sitting a bit lower than id expect normally.

Allow me to go back in time. Here is the car all stock on matching wheels:

At that time, there was no rake or sag. It sat very evenly.