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S10 Coil Springs?

PostPosted: Fri Feb 24, 2017 6:16 am
by n8thenetninja
Hello, I know that a lot of the front suspension parts from the S10 fit the H-Body, but what about the front coil springs? I'm doing an aluminum LS1 swap into a Vega and wondering if I could use the 4.3l S10 springs, since the iron V6 is probably about the same weight as the aluminum V8.

Thanks for the help!

Re: S10 Coil Springs?

PostPosted: Sat Feb 25, 2017 8:32 am
by cosvega76
Don't forget that S10s have a full frame, while the Vega is a unibody. Just a quick look at the specs, though - while the springs may have similar load ratings, the S10 springs are at a 10.75" compressed height compared to the Vega's 9.00". Plus, the S10's spring rate is in the 500 lb/in range, compared to the Vega's 300s. An LS is probably closer in weight to the stock 4 cylinder engine instead of an all-iron V6. Jeff Schwartz used the stock Vega springs in the Flyin' Turd with an all-aluminum 5.3L LS.

Chuck

Re: S10 Coil Springs?

PostPosted: Sat Feb 25, 2017 2:38 pm
by chevyart
damm chuck. that was a very thorough analysis of that suspension question. we are lucky to have guys like you with so much knowledge. thanks art

Re: S10 Coil Springs?

PostPosted: Sat Feb 25, 2017 8:48 pm
by Monza Harry
I think Chuck is pretty close to spot on there, the Sonoma is 3600/3800 pounds to the Vega's low, low 2000#'s range depending on vintage, So I would expect a rate difference of that much for sure, with a shortish search you should be able to find exact rate depending on year and options on the S10/S15/Sonoma. You may get a pretty stiff spring from an early short box regular cab 4 cyl. stripper, but installed height will probably be the stumbling block as Chuck points out! :th: Harry

Re: S10 Coil Springs?

PostPosted: Wed Mar 01, 2017 1:06 pm
by 1100kaw2
Vega 2300 L4,
found this. Interesting. this is just the engine, not accesories . 245pounds
https://forum.chumpcar.com/index.php?/t ... urs-weigh/

Gm LS1, fully dressed
https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=129304.
Soooo. I bet they are damn near the same, installed.

Just FYI. I run stock springs all 4 corners on my Alum LS Vega.
Sits nice, drives nice. Gas shocks recomended....
I am running 5spd, not a heavy Auto thou

Re: S10 Coil Springs?

PostPosted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 4:44 pm
by n8thenetninja
I apparently need to check my spam settings or something cause I didn't see any emails when your responses came in. Lol

Thanks for all the info! I hadn't considered that the LS and the l4 might actually weigh about the same. I am putting a TH400 behind it though, so that might make it dip a little lower. I guess the smart thing to do would be to see how it sits with the stock springs and go from there. I'll post results whenever I get that far.

Re: S10 Coil Springs?

PostPosted: Sun May 14, 2017 5:46 pm
by TeamEvil
Is there any such thing as "V8 springs" available for the Vega?

Those might be just what you need. IF they exist . . .

Re: S10 Coil Springs?

PostPosted: Mon May 15, 2017 6:18 am
by spencerforhire
The Vega is so much lighter than the Monza that the closest spring to being right for an iron V8 Vega is one for a V6 Monza. Also, the early Vega will require an upgrade to "deep pocket" Monza or later Vega style lower control arms.