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Dang good to know. Are you going to install them right out of the box or cutting coils? Is there a specific way you remove and install or is it a game of chance trying to jam a spring compressor into the subframe lol?
That part number for the springs I'm using is Moog 6490. They are V-6 Monza springs. On my last Chevette I built I used the V-8 Monza springs and they seemed to be perfect for that car with a old style SBC sitting a lot farther forward.
I'm positive I will have to cut some coils but just how much I'm not sure. I just plan to cut a little at a time until I get to my desired ride height.
You don't need a spring compressor, just unbolt the lower ball joint and let down the lower control arm on a jack and they will come right out.
Took the Vette to a local car show today and managed to get parked right next to the other Vette. Cars got about 60 trouble free miles on it now and it actually cruises very nice.
I noticed that I had pictures of my last Chevette and my current Chevette sitting in about the same spot in my yard, minus the trees we cut down. Here they are side by side about 8 years apart.
Finished machining my hubs and brackets this morning at work and got the front brakes mocked up. I’m waiting for my front tires to get here to finish everything up.
Here’s the Chevette sitting on uncut V-6 Monza springs. I’m going to start with cutting 1 coil and then trim 1/4 coil at a time until I get the ride height where I want it.
I finally got the springs, brakes and tires on the car. I didn't want to cut the springs much more until I can get the car out and drive it and see if things settle down any. There calling for rain the next few days so maybe I'll get to drive it this Saturday.
It stopped raining for now so I had to take the Chevette out for a drive. Brakes are much better and it drives much nicer with heavier springs up front. I think the front sits right where I want it. I might raise the back a touch.
So What is that front brake set-up made up of? I did search your thread before I asked, but I couldn't find the info.
I was going to post some better pictures and explanation of how this is put together tomorrow but it’s basically just 1st gen Camaro or Corvair drum brake hubs with 01 Grand Am brakes and rotors.
Here's the hubs I used for the swap. There drum brake hubs off a 1969 Camaro. The OD has to be turned down to 5.680 to clear the rotor hat and the seal area is opened up to 2.441. The outer bearing stop is also recessed .130 to match the Chevette's bearing spacing. This set-up only moves the wheel mounting surface out .210.
Here's a size comparison of the original bearings against the new bearings.
The outer bearing needs a spacer to fit the Chevette spindle so I use a piece of 4130 tube and turn down the OD to press fit in the bearing. The ID will need to be reamed to .6875 to slide on the spindle, which is .687.
The Set 30 inner bearing will also need a 1/8 radius to clear the radius on the spindle.
It sure would be nice if these where sold with radius on them, but there not so I had to add one.
These are the brackets I made to fit the brakes.
Here's how the brackets mount to the factory spindle. I also made some spacers .650 long to properly center the caliper bracket on the rotor.