Honest question for F41 people

[Camshaft]

Okay, I've been collecting parts to go for an F41 suspension setup on my '86 Cutlass. I have the F41 swaybars, new shocks, and I'm likely buying the steering box this week. I've been looking at springs, and I'm actually considering adding stiffer springs to the mix. I'm going to go with F41 springs in the rear, and Z28 springs up front for a subtle 1" drop. For those that have gone this route, do you find the ride to be much harsher? I have my share of sports cars and the cushiony ride offered by the stock suspension of the cutlass is a rather nice change of pace. Since this car won't win any autocrosses, I don't want the ride to be harsh and nasty for no good reason. Thoughts?

 

[dogsht]

Agreed. I think the f-body IROCK Moogs were #5664 rated at 767 pounds and almost were harshly stiff. I think the 5658 would a good balance with a 1/4" lower ride height and a spring rate of 579 pounds. Stock was sofa soft 346 and still soft 420 pounds for the GN, 442, MCSS.

 

[Camshaft]

Agreed. I think the f-body IROCK Moogs were #5664 rated at 767 pounds and almost were harshly stiff. I think the 5658 would a good balance with a 1/4" lower ride height and a spring rate of 579 pounds. Stock was sofa soft 346 and still soft 420 pounds for the GN, 442, MCSS.

Thanks for the tip Vern! Just out of curiosity, what were the #5658s originally fitted to?

 

[Longroof79]

If I'm not mistaken, the #5658's were 4-cyl. S-10 springs. The next one up is 5660's, which I believe were 6-cyl. S-10 springs.
These were very popular replacements for G-body cars, and not quite as soft as the 5658's. As Vern pointed out, the 5658's still had a higher spring rate than the stock F41 springs.
The 5664's might be too harsh for your liking, unless you use the car for autocross or road racing.

I don't know if you've seen this MOOG chart. I think it would be helpful to do comparisons. http://www.maliburacing.com/coilspring.htm

 

[Camshaft]

That is a killer chart! I'm tempted to just drive the car & enjoy it for now - I just got new tires so I may put the new steering box & sway bars on before I get it aligned - and then rip the front suspension apart and do all the bushings this winter, along with new springs.

 

[canadiantbone]

I'm running the 5664 & don't find them all that harsh at all . They are a fair bit more stiff than stock but still acceptable . in the rears I'm running 5413 . I have all the f41 suspesion pieces including the GP cross bar (that ties the front frame horns together ) & the monte rad support to firewall & fenders to rad support . The whole package works well .