Projects

Research Topic: Springs

Several springs were used on 68-72 Novas. GM used an EDP (Electronic Data Processing) process to specially select the right spring for your car based on options ordered. Basically they calculated the overall weight distribution (front and rear) for the car with all of the options on it. The total front and rear weight determined the spring code that was printed on the chassis broadcast sheet. There were 27 different front springs for the 70 Nova alone. Quite a few overlapped with the 69 Camaro. The parts books give some charts to help figure out what spring to use, but they usually only list 3 or 4 service springs. Other than COPO cars which were at the extreme end of the spectrum and had fairly limited options installed, it is harder to determine what spring was on your car once the tag was gone. A 307 with custom interior and AC might use the same spring as a stripped big block car. It all depended on the total options on a car. This means that it is extremely difficult to determine what springs were on your car. 

There were mono, four, and five leaf rear springs. The springs were labeled with a paper tag. Examples of these are found in the Nova parts catalogs. 

1969 Spring decoders

These decoders will identify what springs could have been on you Nova based on the options installed. If you use the calculator please email  the results whether it matches what is on you car or not. 

1969 Spring Codes: L4 L22 Base 307 L34 L48 L65 L78

1969 Spring Part number Identification Chart

BETA 1970 Spring Codes:

L4 L22 Base 307, L34, L48, L65, L78 note that codes YB 3955717, YC 3955718, and YD 3955719 are not included. If you feel you have these springs, please contact me.

1970 Spring Part number Identification Chart 

Research Goal: 

This Research topic will gather statistical data to try and determine what springs were used on common engine/option combinations. Please use the survey form below to document the rear springs  used on your car.

Spring Survey

Please take a minute to email the information below. This Research Project relies on accurate facts gathered from people like you. These facts will be added to our database and used for statistical analysis.   NO unique car or personal information will ever be released!

What is the VIN (We use this for indexing and date estimates.) 

What is the Body Number? Same as VIN. 

What is the date code off of the trim tag? 

E-mail to be used if we have any questions. 

What is the model year of the car being reported? 

What is the original engine size? 

What is the original transmission? 

What is the axle code or axle size, ratio, and type)

Describe your rear springs. Include number of leafs, spring dampers, anti-squeak pads, etc.

Does your spring have a part number tag?

     What is the part number and two letter code?

     What is the color of the tag?

Is there a spring tag on the front springs?

     What is the part number and two letter code?

     What is the color of the tag?

Is there are rear sway bar or mounts for it on the underside of the body?

Any other comments or information about your car.

Send your Survey information to: