Spring rate doesn't have anything to do with changing ride height. New springs might change it some though, if yours are worn and compressed. A higher spring rate will give you better handling (less dive in the turns), but will also give you a harsher ride. These cars ride like a truck in stock form, so consider what you want to get out of it. If you are replacing the rear leaf spring, definitely get a fiberglass one. There is no debate there.

 

I know spring rate doesn't mean ride height but those were my only options for springs that didn't lower it. Pretty much same options for 1" lowering springs too...
I've heard it the other way as far as the rear spring. That if I wanted one that was gonna last to stick with steel. Because composite springs won't lose spring, but they WILL break if a rock hits them wrong. Plus going to something so much lighter screws up the balance even more since you're taking weight off the rear end where it's already unbalanced

 

Actually... what's your opinion on coil-overs?

 

lol....nope. Give yourself some peace of mind and get under a C4 Vette and tell me what kind of springs they have, front AND rear. Ok, I'll make it easy and tell you, composite springs! And I wouldn't worry about the slight less weight, the only thing I noticed on mine is a better ride, which is what composite gives you over the clunky steel springs.
I never messed with coil-overs, so can't give you any first hand guidance there.

 

Huh. I didn't realize that the composite springs had advanced that much by the C4 body... good to know! Thanks man

 

Starting with the C4, so waaaay back in 1984, both front and rear springs are composite. The front springs are a single transverse mount type, just like the back is. No coils.

 

Safe to assume there's no way to convert the front to that in the 69? Meh on second thought that sounds like more trouble than it's worth Haha. Anyway so does 430lb rate sound like a good compromise? I don't plan on racing this thing, just cruising and showing it off. Maybe put a ricer in it's place once in a blue moon.

 

Talking about front of course... rear I'll use a 330lb composite spring.

 

A bolt on kit has been around for a number of years. Not exactly dirt cheap though, but if you're already looking at replacing some of the front suspension stuff.... http://www.vbandp.com/auto-parts.htm...category_id=47

 

I'm thinkin I'll stick with stock type suspension in the front for now at least