I need help from Nova suspension experts

[don k]

The F41 Suspension package is bars & shocks - not springs. So, the stock springs were 'computer selected' in 1970 based on the option combination for that particular car. A set of new, stock springs should give you the proper stance.
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Marlin


Thanks Marlin, Is there a difference between springs in a F41/F40 equipted car and a Nova with just standard suspension?

In other words comparing a F41/F40 equipted car and a Nova with standard suspension providing the option combination was the same it could be possible to have the same springs?

Don

Don the Camaros and Novas had many similarities. Just a small tidbit.....the Camaros when new were also stanced upward slightly on the frontend.

[Nova Research Project]

Don,

Certainly talk to the folks at NNN. If you more a bit more on the challenge to find the right spring read on.

Take a look here and you can calculate the GM code and hence part number of the spring that will get you in the ball park for 72. F40 and F41 both used the HD Spring Code not the RPO at the bottom of the calculator. More years and engines are available on my site

1970 L48 Spring Calculator. and

1970 Spring Part number Identification Chart

All Nova springs were designed to be 11.09" when installed. The "computer selected" spring was just fine tuned to the weight of the car with all the particular options.

There were 27 front springs in 1970 not sure about 1972 (the AIM might list them). The differences are the wire diameter and the coil count needed to put the spring at 11.09" when the car was fully assembled with all options.

As example the shortest free height for the 345 rate springs was 14.97" and the tallest was 16.95". This is one of the reasons folks have a hard time with the generic 345 springs and body ride height. All 345 rated springs will do the job. The difference is the ride height you get. Aftermarket manufacturers (Moog etc) will get you close. But there are endless stories on the internet about ride height issues. You might just need to do a bit of trial and error with the spring height. Eaton will sell you an equivalent spring to come close the ride height you specify. They would not be able to always match the wire diameter and coil count that came on the car originally. However the spring should function fine.

Within reason, you could trim the generic springs to shorten the cut off length and lower the ride height. Alternatively you can install another higher or lower GM coded spring to get a higher or lower ride height. My spring calculators use the parts book weights to specify the spring required to hit the factory ride height for that weight.

The spec for GM part number is what you are looking to have. Installed Height @ XXXX lbs = 11.09"

If you are looking for the exact ride height, you are probably better starting with the GM part number replacements (i.e. one to match the part number from the calculator) and hope they are not too short(I have never used them). But even then you may need to trim the spring just like the Moog to get the correct ride height.

The springs sold by part number came on the scene several years ago. They should address the ride height problems found with the one size fits all generics. I do not recall who the manufacturer is for them.

No matter what spring you buy; you need to shoot for Installed Height of 11.09" @ for you weight.

does this help any?
Greg