Suspension Options
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,313
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From: Carmel CA
Suspension Options
I'm rebuilding the suspension on my 65 small block coupe and I would like to do some minor upgrades to improve the handling. I want it to look close to stock, so no composite spring in the front etc. I have been looking at the specs for the F40 option and I am curious about some feedback from someone who has something similar. I am considering a rear sway bar and an increase to the size of the front bar. What about he 550lb front springs and 7 leaf rear spring?
Thanks,
Doc
Thanks,
Doc
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10
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I'm rebuilding the suspension on my 65 small block coupe and I would like to do some minor upgrades to improve the handling. I want it to look close to stock, so no composite spring in the front etc. I have been looking at the specs for the F40 option and I am curious about some feedback from someone who has something similar. I am considering a rear sway bar and an increase to the size of the front bar. What about he 550lb front springs and 7 leaf rear spring?
Thanks,
Doc
Thanks,
Doc
The 550lb coils allow only 3" of travel compared to 4 1/2" and car sits lower in front with the F-40. With this it is necessary to have the correct rear leaf spring.
The correct 15/16 front sway bar is available out there. You'll need heavy duty front and rear (220lb) shock absorbers since the orig delco's are not available.
For the rear sway bar 9/16" is the correct diameter and the geometry of the orig one cannot be replaced by any other design or it will put stress on your trailing arms and suspension. Anything thicker than 9/16" does not allow enough sideways travel and limits your actual handling. The correct sway bar is available out there also.
If you intend on driving your vette, this option is almost a must.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 68
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From: Utah
I have a 1965 that I rebuilt with the upgraded suspension from America's Finest Corvettes. The Sway Bars and hardware were perfect reproduction parts. Very pleased. www.corvetteusa.com
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,660
Likes: 7
From: DFW
I agree, for the most part, with afcmike. The stock pieces work very very well.
The addition of a rear bar to an F-40/41 small block car will make it a little tail happy (oversteer). With the stock C-2 camber bracket the rear suspension has a tendence to "jack" (raise up) and accelerate trailing throttle oversteer. The last thing you need is more weight transfer in the back (a rear bar). (The factory needed it to restore balance with the heavier front end on the big block cars.)
I'd consider also using a C-3 camber bracket or one of the aftermarket ones that lowers the rear roll center. (helps with "jacking")
If, with the F-40/41 springs, you go to the biggest factory front bar (a C-3 part at 1.125"?? diameter), then the rear bar will be needed to bring back the handling balance.
While a C-2 will never handle like a newer Corvette, the ride on my '66 with F-41 and a C-3 bracket compared favorably to my Z07 '92. I think you will like it.
The addition of a rear bar to an F-40/41 small block car will make it a little tail happy (oversteer). With the stock C-2 camber bracket the rear suspension has a tendence to "jack" (raise up) and accelerate trailing throttle oversteer. The last thing you need is more weight transfer in the back (a rear bar). (The factory needed it to restore balance with the heavier front end on the big block cars.)
I'd consider also using a C-3 camber bracket or one of the aftermarket ones that lowers the rear roll center. (helps with "jacking")
If, with the F-40/41 springs, you go to the biggest factory front bar (a C-3 part at 1.125"?? diameter), then the rear bar will be needed to bring back the handling balance.
While a C-2 will never handle like a newer Corvette, the ride on my '66 with F-41 and a C-3 bracket compared favorably to my Z07 '92. I think you will like it.
Last edited by 66since71; Apr 23, 2007 at 04:41 PM.
