4th Gen suspension upgrades

[mrv777]

Ok, I was wondering if you guys could recommend some parts for me.
I have done all the major upgrades on my 79 nova before painting it except the suspension upgrade.
I have some KYB gas shocks for it and plan on getting REAR 6 LEAFSPRINGS (from springking0001 on ebay) and the 67-79 Nova Rear Leaf Spring Installation Kit from Paddock.
I was wondering about the front springs. Is there a better choice then the Front Coil Springs from Paddock?
Also, any recommendation on Bushings or any other parts I should look into?

Thank you in Advance

[novaboy009]

4th Gen Suspension Upgrades - In order of effectiveness

Drag/Straight Line (Sticky tires are first priority to hooking!):

1. Competition Engineering traction bars, SSM lift bars, Slide A Links, or Cal Tracs (cal tracs/slides are best).
2. Competition Engineering Subframe Connectors
3. Summit/Comp Eng 90/10 front drag shocks - stockers work fine in the back
4. Front - Moroso Trick Springs.... PN 47175 with small block
5. Back - Calvert Split Mono Leaf Springs or rebuilt stockers will work fine
6. Poly bushing kit from energy suspension
http://www.suspension.com/nova.htm
PN 3.18117 + 3.6112 = $203.00
7. Tubular Control Arms (more weight than anything)
8. Cut down upper bump stops
9. Remove front sway bar
10. Relocate shocks to inside of springs and get them hanging with a little more angle - will allow you to run a VERY large tire (295/65 15 with 5.5-6" bs).

Autocross/Pro Touring (Short/stiff tires! large diameter wheels!):
1. Poly bushing kit from energy suspension
http://www.suspension.com/nova.htm
PN 3.18117 + 3.6112 = $203.00
2. Subframe Connectors
3. Larger Front Sway Bar - ADDCO #020-709 (Jegs)
4. Smaller Rear Sway Bar - ADDCO #020-671 (Jegs)
5. Hotchkins lowering springs
6. QA1 Coil Overs, Other High End Shocks
7. Four Link Rear Suspension
8. Tubular Control Arms with increased camber built in

Basic Affordable Cruiser:
1. Poly bushing kit from energy suspension
http://www.suspension.com/nova.htm
PN 3.18117 + 3.6112 = $203.00
2. New Coil Springs - ebay, paddock, classic industries, local shop, Pep Boys?
3. New Leaf Springs - JC Whitney + same as coils
4. Subframe Connectors
5. Traction Bars - replace the spring pad, not the universal clamp ons
6. KYB or better gas shocks all around - NO AIR SHOCKS

Kev (might want to sticky this - add as appropriate)

[mrv777]

Thanks for the really good reply. I was looking for the comfortable all around ride.
One question that I can think of right now:
Any recommendation on the Subframe Connectors?

Thank you

[novaboy009]

I've used DMProducts on ebay for subframe connectors. They say they're for up to '76 but I don't buy it. I think they're the same all the way to '79.

Summit sells the Competition Engineering connectors. Jegs sells them under their "Jegster" brand for cheap. They're all basically the same bolt in bars.

Chris Alston and Global West make tubular weld in connectors that are probably a little better at building a tight chassis, but you have to cut the floor and weld the bars in. They're a little more of a pain than many people want to deal with. They're also more $$$.

I'd look at the Jegster bars personally.

Kev

[Philip]

Good info. I'll stick it to the top for awhile and talk to the boss about creating a subsection for info like this.