MEBE007's 80 Regal Build Thread almost there

[mebe007]

Re: heres my 1980 regal limited,nearing completion, new pics

ok guys i am finally at a point where i can start working on her again. engine is coming out to replace oil pan. other than that she is where she was except the grant wheel is installed. now im debating ditching the morrosso rear trick springs and replacing the whole 9 yards front and back with the hotchkis kit. any input on the hotchkis lowering kit?

now i have the whole rear end to do still but i want to go ahead and get tires out of the way. im planning on just running the bfg radial ta. i was thing 275-60-15 in the back as they should be the biggest i can fit. now what would be a good front tire size? currently i am running firehawks and the fronts are 215-65-15 and they rub the inner wheel well like crazy.

so those are my 2 areas of concern

btw wheels are corvette rally wheels. 15x7 front and 15x8 rear.

 

[Blake442]

Re: heres my 1980 regal limited,nearing completion, new pics

215/65R15 is the stock size used on 15s for these cars, so it shouldn't rub.
I would bet it's the backspacing of the wheels that is causing your clearance problems.

 

[mebe007]

Re: heres my 1980 regal limited,nearing completion, new pics

well with lowering the front down 1-2" what would be the best size?


was there a difference in v6 and v8 springs? my car was originally a 3.8, could that be a cause of rubbing?


now the car was in an accident way back when but the frame was straitened on a machine and everything checked out fine.

 

[JBreu]

Re: heres my 1980 regal limited,nearing completion, new pics

No difference in the v-6 and the sbc v-8 springs , iir it's the big block springs that are different......With your wheels, I agree with Blake, it's prolly your backspacing. As far as the header issues...I reccoment the flowtech afterburners..Fit great with no problems and they are somewhere around $180.00 or so.... Great project and that regal looks sweet!!

 

[mebe007]

Re: heres my 1980 regal limited,nearing completion, new pics

Notch so should I drop in size or what?

As far as headers go the hookers are doing great. It was the solid morroso mounts causing Clarence issues. Now I gave a solid transmission mount but I see some say don't do it, so should I change it?


Any comments on the hotchkis lowering kit?

Btw thanks for the compliments

 

[JBreu]

Re: heres my 1980 regal limited,nearing completion, new pics

I would go with a transmission mount that will match your motor mounts...The hotchkiss kits are big $$$$$$ I think you can grab new springs/shocks from a good place like Napa or autozone..Just depends on what your looking to do. Good luck. Glad you got your header issues in check 8)

 

[mebe007]

Re: heres my 1980 regal limited,nearing completion, new pics

only reason i asked about the hotchkis kit is because i have a source on one from a friend bnib for around $200. figured that wasnt too bad, but wanted feedback on the kit itself.

Edit: well i went ahead and picked them up from him. he said yours for $170 bones so i figured i couldnt go wrong. they are brand new. he was going to use them in his elky but went a different route.

 

[Blake442]

Re: heres my 1980 regal limited,nearing completion, new pics

There is indeed a difference between the V6 and V8 springs.
Mine rubbed at the top of the wheel well opening until I swapped springs.
I am running 235/60R15, but with 3.25" backspacing. I wish it was 3.5 or 4...

Stock V6 springs

MCSS F41 V8 springs

 

[mebe007]

Re: heres my 1980 regal limited,nearing completion, new pics

There is indeed a difference between the V6 and V8 springs.
Mine rubbed at the top of the wheel well opening until I swapped springs.
I am running 235/60R15, but with 3.25" backspacing. I wish it was 3.5 or 4...

Stock V6 springs

MCSS F41 V8 springs

your v6 picture is pretty much what my fender gap looks llike in the front with the stock springs. so im def guessing its the v6 springs.

 

[Blake442]

Re: heres my 1980 regal limited,nearing completion, new pics

I wish I didn't have to change them... the stance with the V6 springs was perfect.
Unfortunately they were just too soft with the V8 in there, even with all the other weight I shed from the front end.
I'm kinda pushing it with the backspacing and tire size I run, and I'm planning on switching some stuff around soon...