We put a 385 stroker in a 79 Vette, now the front end sits really high. We took a ton of weight off by going to Trick Flow heads from the old L48s, there is also a Edelbrock intake manifold on now, other weight removed was that we took all the ac out. Could this be it as to why it sits high? We talked to a couple tech places and they said to cut the front springs to bring the front end down. Before the motor the car sat level.

Neil

 

Yep, that is pretty normal. Have you driven it around yet? They will normally settle a bit.

If you decide to cut the coils, DON'T use a torch!! Use a carbide blade or cutoff wheel, so you don't heat the spring up.

I have done it with a torch, by putting the spring in a bucket of water, but it still heats it up more than I like.

 

or replace the springs witha set of lowering springs

 

Yeah it sounds like you lightened the front end of the car substantially. Cut a coil or 1.5 coils off the front end, that should bring it down to where it once was. As a side benefit, cutting the coils increases the spring rate so the car should handle a little better to boot.

I had a 1970's Corvette years ago and they sure handle great. That 385 should really turn your '79 into a highway star.

 

1.5 coils is a lot. I'd start with far less than that. About 1/2-3/4 coil should get you back to level. 1.5 will put the nose way down on the pavement.

The first 1/2 coil doesn't do much but after that the difference is substantial. Typically the first 1/2 coil doesn't have much angle to it- it's fairly flat. After that it angles down pretty fast and the the ride height comes off quick.

 

Damon, you could be right, it might be better to start off cutting less off the coils. He states the front end is really high after swapping on aluminum heads, which is why I suggested 1.5 coils.

I think there might be a difference in how low the car will sit after cutting depending on whether or not the springs are constant or variable rate. The Corvettes from the late 1970's sit high to begin with especially if equipped with the gymkhana suspension option.

Cutting 1.5 coils off a new set of stock springs in my '77 Z put it even with the rear of the car, which had been lowered by about 3/4". I still have good front end travel.