springs for my car

I have been reading in the old post about upgrading with 280z and 300z springs and shocks but i was wouondering if anybody had any thoughts on what i might use,... I have a 85 200 sx that is getting a 302 sbf V8 and a t-5 tranny,...

any help will be nice

Chris

I think I'd get custom springs made, with stiff (6-8 pds/in.), and less ones in the rear (maybe a bit stiffer than stock). My thinking (it could be wrong) is that the stiffer rates in front will keep that heavier engine from bouncing too much. The lesser rates in front should let the drive wheels sit down. Also, get adjustable shocks

Yah a power plant that size is definately going to need some heavy springs to get it to somewhat ride properly. Rears are going to have to be stiffer too because of the added weight during takeoff, and weight transfer...A lot of it depends on how much more the V8 weights in relation to the engine that you currently have...8)

Your intended use for the car will make a big difference in what sort of rates you'd want... i.e. if you're going to be primarily drag racing you'd likely chose softer springs than if you intend to take the car autocrossing or to track days, etc. Given the amount of work you're going to be doing with the swap, it may be worth your while to get coilover sleeves or do something like the S13 Tein swap one of the other members here talked about. This would allow you to use standard 2.5" diameter racing springs which are available in any spring rate imaginable. If you don't like your first setup, you can get another pair or full set of springs easily. You could probably discuss your setup with the guys at Ground Control (www.ground-control.com). They don't list the S12 or even the Z31 as a Nissan application that they have stuff for, but I'm certain they could come up with parts that would fit and have some good suggestions as to where to start based on your goals for the project. They will cost a bit, you could also get generic coilover sleeves elsewhere a lot cheaper.