DesertSpider

Question, is anyone running a rear composite mono spring ?

Difference between: Muskegon, TRW, Hyperco, etc ?

I'm getting a Hyperco as a component of a kit from VanSteel, was wondering how it compares to the Muskegon / TRW springs.

It is rated 200#, will that be too 'soft' ?

DS

62Jeff

My 65 coupe has a 315# spring from VBP, along with the special rear shocks manufactured specifically for composite springs.

I hate it. The car has a bouncy-bouncy feel when hitting bumps.

I plan to go back to a steel 9 leaf spring in order to regain a more tolerable ride.

BADBIRDCAGE

My guess is that at a 200 lb rating it will be waaaaay too soft. I run a 330 lb rated VBP spring in my 63. I previously ran a 300 lb rated VBP spring in a 78 Corvette and it was a touch light for other than street use.

Most important part is pairing a set of shocks with enough *** to properly assist the spring; thereby removing the "bounce" that so many people complain about and run back to a steel spring.

Chevrolet has used composite springs in Corvettes for over 25 years successfully. I realize that the older suspension system is different but that doesn't mean it can't be improved upon.

I'm also a believer and user of poly bushings in upper and lower control arms. That doesn't make me correct in using other than a factory replacement rubber bushing in these applications but I like the way the poly tightens up the handling for me.

Rich

jkuzzy

I have never seen one that soft. I believe mine is around 300. It is a bit bouncy at times, but it put my stance exactly the way it should be. With the tired old spring the butt was sagging....

redred65cpe

I have the TRW spring and gas shocks. 315 lb spring IIRC, maybe the middle one. No bounce. It seems that most people reporting bouncy have the VBP spring given the reports in the various threads on this subject. Maybe they're more sensitive to "shock tuning" than the TRW, don't know. The springs are different designs. Haven't seen the Hyperco mentioned before.

larry

Donald #31176

According the AMA spec for C-2 rear spring the stock spring has a rating of 140-163 lbs/inch. Most aftermarket springs have a higher rating and a harsher ride. Its really a driver preference but if it were me I would stick to the factory spring and vary the ride with shock absorbers that are adjustable. If the rear is sagging its usually not the spring but the rear spring cushions that have worn.

kellsdad

I have the complete VBP performance monospring setup on front and back of my car. The ride is somewhat stiff, but not unacceptable for me most of the time. BUT, I recently crossed some concrete span bridges where the sections were exactly the wrong spacing for the speed I was going. Each joint amplified the jounce of the preceding one. It was very uncomfortable.

DesertSpider

Yeah, I recall reading about this extensively somewhere here, but could not find that thread (C2 & Rear Composite Spring).

BADBIRDCAGE

And it would have been very uncomfortable with stock springing also. This happens on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel with my Eldorado, My Corvette or my Hyundai Sonata.

Rich

Kensmith

Jeff,

I had the same spring but it was a 330#. I know have a Eaton 3/6 9 leaf. It's better but not much. Don't expect too much, I don't think you can get totally away from the ride in a light car.

R6T7

I agree - the composite springs are way too bouncy - I have the VBP spring on my '63 SWC and plan to replace it with a stock steel spring!

DSR

I just removed a 315lbs. composite spring due to the harsh, stiff ride. I installed a stock 9 leaf replacement spring from Paragon. Much nicer ride, softer, smoother on the bumps. I have the Edlebrock shocks. I think a stock spring is around 195 lbs.

Dave

w1ctc

You have to careful about a light spring. It may seem fine until you add a passenger, 100 lbs of luggage and a full tank of gas. An easy 400 lbs over just the driver.

4440stevesvette

I have the TRW in my '65 coupe. I don't know the rating because it was in the car when I bought it last July. It has no "bouncy" ride that I have ever noticed. The shocks are new but I don't know what kind, the spring/shock package is working just fine. Good luck.

Sky65

I have a 300# VBP rear spring. I thimk it has a nice ride and is not "bouncy". As Rich said you need the right shocks. I like the ride for around town and hwy. However, I spent the other weekend chasing some sport bikes through the back roads in WV. It is way to soft for sporting around. I kept up with the bikes but it was bottoming out allot!

vettegozzzz

I have the VBP suspension and it's great on smooth roads but too bouncy on most. I've tried all the ride adjustments. What shocks are recommended to tame the bouncing?

DesertSpider

There is another thread (fairly large one) that details this discussion (matching the springs, etc.) - I just can't find it.

DS

Sky65

Paul
I'm using Spax. They are externally adjustable. The thing about ride quality is it's so subjective. What I think is good you may not be happy with. Below is a link to what I am using. I bought them in the US, actually locally here in Maryland.

http://www.spax.co.uk/classic_products-gas2.php

Don't forget tire pressure. Drop a couple lbs of tire pressure and drive it again. If it feels better drop it again. I run the highest pressure I can and still like the ride. Right now I run 32/30. But if I want to soften it up 30/28 makes a big difference.

Tom

BK N 66

i have the vette brakes and products 330# fiberglass spring.

it is absolutley perfect. my corvette rides like a cadillac nice and
soft and smooth. if u are getting a lot of bounce you are not running the correct shocks with your spring.

mine does bounce occaisionally if the road is extremely rough but it
is better and softer than my old worn out leaf spring that would jar
the fillings out of your teeth every time u hit a bump. the fiberglass
spring has a nice soft feel to it. a vas improvement over the old
metal leafspring. try a really soft shock with it and u will be very
happy camper. good luck.

62Jeff

I have the VBP spring and their specially valved KBY shocks designed specifically for their rear spring. But what I have is a carnival ride, not a cadillac ride. I may have the wrong shocks, but I'm running the ones the manufacturer recommends.

To their credit, they have agreed to work with me to try different springs until I find one I'm happy with, but my energies are focused on the 62 right now, not the 65, so that will wait for another day.