A stock 302 or a stock 250 from our vintage? I was thinking about getting new springs for the front of my car (originally a 250 but now a 302). I like the ride height for now and Autozone lists different springs for different engines. I'm guessing I should get the ones for a 302.
Springs are very easy to swap. I would suggest before spending the dough onj the 302 springs, trying the 250 springs. They are very adaquate for the 302 weight and gives the car a really nice ride height. If you don't like it after it is done, then get the new ones and swap them in.
As far as I know it has the original 250 springs in it. The 250 engine is long gone and it's had a 302 in it for a while. I like the way the car sits now which is pretty level. I just put new leafs in the rear so I'm looking at maybe working on the front soon. I guess the proper question is which springs would you guys guess would keep the ride height the same? I realize the key word is "guess."
With new springs front and rear.The car will sit level but...High.If you really want to change the front springs get new 6 cyl coils for up front.I have the 6 cyl springs on the sprint and new leafs in back and the stance is just right.Check the gallery for pics of the Sprints stance.I think you will like it.Good luck!!!
When I swapped my 250 for the 302, the nose of my car rose up at least a couple of inches.. I may be wrong, but even though the 250 was lighter, it sat alot further to the front of the car and making it more "front heavy". I put my 302 in my car (that did have a 250 in it) and the car sat higher in the front after the swap. The center of gravity of the motor (302) was transferred to the rear
That's odd. I did a 302 swap in a '69.5 last year, and the car sat noticeably lower in the front after.
Oh yeah, I forgot about the bumpers!! I have the small front bumper now too! Probably should get springs for an earlier car if they're different.
Here's a screen shot from autozone with various cars/engines. I had a choice of 2 or 4 doors for a 72 but only one choice for a 74. The only spring they say is different is a 74 with a 302, when all other options are kept the same. I guess I should error for a stiffer spring that I can always cut down if I don't like it.
The 250 weighs about 420 lbs, 302 is around 460 lbs. The V8 sits back further in the bay and not on top of the front axle like the six taking some of the weight with it.
But it would not change the center of gravity on the car. I beleive the I-6 sat about 3.5-4 inches more to the front (if memory serves correctly). The lighter changes would just make it sit higher.
