Tweet
Since I've done the auto to manual swap in my Grand Prix I've been thinking about something. When we reinstalled my drivetrain the car sat way to high in the front with the factory automatic springs. I now have lowering springs for the '96 automatic in there and it does sit lower but not much lower than stock. My Z34 parts car has front springs designed for the manual transmission. My thinking is that there were different rate springs for the automatic and manual equiped cars. That being said, could someone use manual springs in an automatic and invariably have a lowering spring, or would it be too bouncy?
-
I may own a GTO now, but I'm still a 60V6er at heart. -
You would probably end up with a lower ride height as you expect, but you would sacrifice ride and handling, it would probably corner like a marshmallow and try to swan dive at every stop sign. The springs are set with a specific rate to handle the static weight and keep the body from rolling in the corners or diving when braking. The struts will keep things from happening too quickly or bouncing, not spring rate (stiffness or softness).
Your best bet is to get the "lowering springs" for your specific application and install them, or have a good spring shop make a set that have the same rate as the "auto" springs you had, but a bit shorter to get the ride height you desire.
Good Luck
Comment