I'm in the process of replacing the LT in my '94 Trans Am (former CMC spec race car) with an LS. I have options to go with an LQ9 (iron block/alum heads) or an LS6. My car is balanced for the weight of the LT which is substantially similar to the LQ9. The LS6 is approx. 100lbs lighter.

The car is set at stock ride height with 1000lb springs on Bilstein coilovers, and 275lb springs in the rear OE position with Bilstein shocks.

My questions is whether the 100lb difference in the front will create a change in ride height, and whether that difference in weight will create a need for rebalancing the car. My concern is that lowering the car to rebalance will reduce the shock travel, and I don't want the shocks to bottom out. I am at Sebring for at least 20 days a year so shock travel is a concern.

I have been instructing for over 20 years and driving on tracks for longer so I can feel just about anything that changes in a car's setup, although, I am not an expert in suspension set-up and have left that to those who are.

I do not have a preference as to which engine goes into the car because either way I'll have at least 80hp to the wheels more than I have now.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

 

With 1000 lb springs, your ride height won’t noticeably change.

Go aluminum.

 

take your car as it currently sits. set 2 cases of bottle beer on the radiator support. measure ride height. remove the beer (either at once, or in 12 ounce increments). the difference in ride height is what you will experience going from the LT1 to the LS

 

Thank you both!!

 

If you need help drinking the beer...... I work just north of SRQ.

 

You just may if you like wrenching . . . .