7 leaf spring vs 9 leaf spring (pic)
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,721
Likes: 3,707
From: Central Arkansas
Mike - welcome to the forum. Seems like we have several rear spring questions a week come up here so hopefully it will generate a little business for Eaton Springs and some technical help for the rest of us.
Dan
Dan
Navigator
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
From: Detroit Michigan
the 7 leaf has a rate of 305lbs so the ride would be a bit softer than the 330lb spring. However, the rates of both increase when the spring is shortened. - Mike
Navigator
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
From: Detroit Michigan
Bill, the 6/3 and the 2 stage spring are the same thing. In spring talk we say 6 and 3, which means it is a 2 stage spring. The spring rate of this spring starts at 140 lbs, so it needs a higher free arch. - Mike
Navigator
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
From: Detroit Michigan
Dan,
Our main concern is helping to keep the information correct. - Mike
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 312
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio Texas
Dan Martin, the corvette guru down here, took out my 7 leaf for me in my car, and put in the composite monoleaf fiberglass spring with KYB shocks. I had wanted to go with the Eaton 7 leaf , but Dan was right..
I love the ride now and it was a definite upgrade....
Dan installed new front springs for me too, and got the ride height level and correct...
The whole car was sagged to the ground when Ifirst got it 3.5 years ago..
Zale
I love the ride now and it was a definite upgrade....
Dan installed new front springs for me too, and got the ride height level and correct...
The whole car was sagged to the ground when Ifirst got it 3.5 years ago..
Zale
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 92
From: Rochester Hills Michigan
You wrote 6/3
I read 63 (single stage)
I need to get me a 6/3 for my 65
I'm geting too old and creaky for my 7/0.
Thanks for the clarification. I learn something every day.
Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 9,556
Likes: 288
From: Granbury Texas
Mike of Eatonsprings, Welcome to the Forum. Your expert information is quite welcome.
I do all of my driving on "weekends", so my questions might not be representative of the C2 forum member so I might contact you off line for spring info.
Thanks,
Garrett
I do all of my driving on "weekends", so my questions might not be representative of the C2 forum member so I might contact you off line for spring info.
Thanks,
Garrett
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
Ok, so then if you make me a 9 leaf that is 1/2" shorter on each end for wheel clearance, what would the new spring rate be? Also, my biggest complaint about the 330# composite is not so much stiffness but it seems to react too fast. In other words, after compression it feels like it decompresses too fast giving me the sensation of shooting me upward. This is not so much a characteristic of the multi-leaf spring?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
Also, my biggest complaint about the 330# composite is not so much stiffness but it seems to react too fast. In other words, after compression it feels like it decompresses too fast giving me the sensation of shooting me upward. This is not so much a characteristic of the multi-leaf spring?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
The stock types shocks (even brand new) are completely inadequate in dealing with the characteristics of a composite spring, both in compression and rebound. Most vendors now sell the shocks and spring as a package.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
I tried that. VB&P special KYB shocks didn't help, Bilstein Sports didn't help, Bilstein HDs didn't help, QA-1 12 way adjustable didn't help. So shocks are not the answer. At least not for my driving experience. On smooth roads they are fine but for dips, rough roads, they aren't so good.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,461
Likes: 18
From: cooper city florida
I tried that. VB&P special KYB shocks didn't help, Bilstein Sports didn't help, Bilstein HDs didn't help, QA-1 12 way adjustable didn't help. So shocks are not the answer. At least not for my driving experience. On smooth roads they are fine but for dips, rough roads, they aren't so good.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 92
From: Rochester Hills Michigan
I tried that. VB&P special KYB shocks didn't help, Bilstein Sports didn't help, Bilstein HDs didn't help, QA-1 12 way adjustable didn't help. So shocks are not the answer. At least not for my driving experience. On smooth roads they are fine but for dips, rough roads, they aren't so good.
Shocks prevent multiple bounces, but I think what you're complaining about is just the first bounce. You have a 330 lb/in spring. The F41 spring is 305 lb/in. They are both just too stiff unless you're in your 20s. The standard spring is 140 lb/in. That is a huge difference in stiffness. I think you're gonna need a new (softer) rear spring.
My sensation after going to stiff springs and low-profile tires was that my seat belt was gonna cut me in two on big bumps...but the car cornered on rails. A taller tire will help the ride, but that rear spring is just too stiff.
Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 11
From: Rocklin California
Ken:
Shocks prevent multiple bounces, but I think what you're complaining about is just the first bounce. You have a 330 lb/in spring. The F41 spring is 305 lb/in. They are both just too stiff unless you're in your 20s. The standard spring is 140 lb/in. That is a huge difference in stiffness. I think you're gonna need a new (softer) rear spring.
My sensation after going to stiff springs and low-profile tires was that my seat belt was gonna cut me in two on big bumps...but the car cornered on rails. A taller tire will help the ride, but that rear spring is just too stiff.
Bill
Shocks prevent multiple bounces, but I think what you're complaining about is just the first bounce. You have a 330 lb/in spring. The F41 spring is 305 lb/in. They are both just too stiff unless you're in your 20s. The standard spring is 140 lb/in. That is a huge difference in stiffness. I think you're gonna need a new (softer) rear spring.
My sensation after going to stiff springs and low-profile tires was that my seat belt was gonna cut me in two on big bumps...but the car cornered on rails. A taller tire will help the ride, but that rear spring is just too stiff.
Bill
Now I should be half that rate? 
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 92
From: Rochester Hills Michigan
My strategy with the stiff springs (550 front/305 rear) was to pick the roads I drove on. I would actually do a pre-run with a daily driver if I was going somewhere new! (I used my car strictly for high-g back-road-blasting.) I did find that going from 60 series tires to 70 series tires helped the ride, and the handling is still great.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 312
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio Texas
I tried that. VB&P special KYB shocks didn't help, Bilstein Sports didn't help, Bilstein HDs didn't help, QA-1 12 way adjustable didn't help. So shocks are not the answer. At least not for my driving experience. On smooth roads they are fine but for dips, rough roads, they aren't so good.
What size tires and wheels are on your car?
Looks like 50 series tires?
Cheers, Zale
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Dunno.
I have a 360# composite spring on my C3. With worn, stock Delco shocks the ride was unacceptable and handling was dangerous. The car would hop sideways in an uneven corner if taken quickly. With NEW Delcos the handling was at least controllable but the ride was still too bouncy. I have a video a friend took from behind while going through some twisties and the pogo stick oscillations are very noticeable. I tried the KYBs recommended by Corvette Central and the problem was solved. The car does not have the ride or handling quality of a newer Corvette, but I doubt that there's any spring and shock combo that will achieve that.
I have a 360# composite spring on my C3. With worn, stock Delco shocks the ride was unacceptable and handling was dangerous. The car would hop sideways in an uneven corner if taken quickly. With NEW Delcos the handling was at least controllable but the ride was still too bouncy. I have a video a friend took from behind while going through some twisties and the pogo stick oscillations are very noticeable. I tried the KYBs recommended by Corvette Central and the problem was solved. The car does not have the ride or handling quality of a newer Corvette, but I doubt that there's any spring and shock combo that will achieve that.