[C2] front coils C2
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 142
From: Bornem
front coils C2
When rebuilding my 64 (small block), I opted for these front coils recommended by Zip for easy install. http://www.zip-corvette.com/63-67-c2...l-springs.html
Little did I know (then, 4 years ago..) that they were probably much stiffer than the originals (less coils, thicker wire). According to Zip these are close to factory F41 specs, at least double stiffness compared to standard.
Now that I drive the car, I find them too harsh and want to replace them with the originals. I have seen those from LICorvette http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....ort~1~cadeikba , those at ZIP http://www.zip-corvette.com/63-67-c2...s-correct.html and mamotorworks http://www.mamotorworks.com/Corvette...oated-623208-1. To me they all look very similar (which does not mean too much I know) , although the price of LiC is much higher (185$ versus 120$) . Are the LIC's worth the extra?
Little did I know (then, 4 years ago..) that they were probably much stiffer than the originals (less coils, thicker wire). According to Zip these are close to factory F41 specs, at least double stiffness compared to standard.
Now that I drive the car, I find them too harsh and want to replace them with the originals. I have seen those from LICorvette http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....ort~1~cadeikba , those at ZIP http://www.zip-corvette.com/63-67-c2...s-correct.html and mamotorworks http://www.mamotorworks.com/Corvette...oated-623208-1. To me they all look very similar (which does not mean too much I know) , although the price of LiC is much higher (185$ versus 120$) . Are the LIC's worth the extra?
Last edited by alexandervdr; Aug 7, 2017 at 11:22 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 142
From: Bornem
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,142
Likes: 704
You might give these some thought:
TRW/Moog # CS5762
Free Height-13.13"
Bar diameter-.656"
Installed height-11"
Rated-474 lb./in.
Load 1062#
Corvette parts suppliers call these the "Grand Touring" springs. Rated heavier than the stock spring (293 lb./in.) and lighter than the F-41 springs (550 lb./in).
TRW/Moog # CS5762
Free Height-13.13"
Bar diameter-.656"
Installed height-11"
Rated-474 lb./in.
Load 1062#
Corvette parts suppliers call these the "Grand Touring" springs. Rated heavier than the stock spring (293 lb./in.) and lighter than the F-41 springs (550 lb./in).
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 142
From: Bornem
You might give these some thought:
TRW/Moog # CS5762
Free Height-13.13"
Bar diameter-.656"
Installed height-11"
Rated-474 lb./in.
Load 1062#
Corvette parts suppliers call these the "Grand Touring" springs. Rated heavier than the stock spring (293 lb./in.) and lighter than the F-41 springs (550 lb./in).
TRW/Moog # CS5762
Free Height-13.13"
Bar diameter-.656"
Installed height-11"
Rated-474 lb./in.
Load 1062#
Corvette parts suppliers call these the "Grand Touring" springs. Rated heavier than the stock spring (293 lb./in.) and lighter than the F-41 springs (550 lb./in).
Last edited by alexandervdr; Aug 7, 2017 at 04:05 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Florida
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
C2 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
I used 350 lb/in springs with my front coil overs. F41 springs at 550 lb/in. are too stiff for everyday driving. My LS engine is lighter. You probably need a 400 lb/in. spring.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 142
From: Bornem
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Pasco Florida
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,696
Likes: 3,683
From: Central Arkansas
It did sit well and ride smoothly for about a year but the front of the car just kept settling lower and lower until one day I lightly bottomed out one of my side pipes at the front. When I got underneath and looked at the coils, they were now so closed up (collapsed) there was hardly any space between them. I don't think my car is really any heavier than a 300 HP small block with PS & PB. I wouldn't put those springs on any Corvette.
If you want a custom spring wound to stock or custom specs you might try Coil Springs Specialty in St. Mary's Kansas. That's were I had my replacements made which I very slightly heavier than the standard BB spring. I don't know if they ship out of the country.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 142
From: Bornem
You don't. But I would suggest something marginally heavier than the stock GM coil. I purchased a stock set over the counter from Chevrolet with original part numbers back in the early 90s. It was difficult at the time finding proper std suspension BB springs. Since my car had an aluminum head & intake BB and no power accessories, I thought the stock SB spring might work OK.
It did sit well and ride smoothly for about a year but the front of the car just kept settling lower and lower until one day I lightly bottomed out one of my side pipes at the front. When I got underneath and looked at the coils, they were now so closed up (collapsed) there was hardly any space between them. I don't think my car is really any heavier than a 300 HP small block with PS & PB. I wouldn't put those springs on any Corvette.
If you want a custom spring wound to stock or custom specs you might try Coil Springs Specialty in St. Mary's Kansas. That's were I had my replacements made which I very slightly heavier than the standard BB spring. I don't know if they ship out of the country.
It did sit well and ride smoothly for about a year but the front of the car just kept settling lower and lower until one day I lightly bottomed out one of my side pipes at the front. When I got underneath and looked at the coils, they were now so closed up (collapsed) there was hardly any space between them. I don't think my car is really any heavier than a 300 HP small block with PS & PB. I wouldn't put those springs on any Corvette.
If you want a custom spring wound to stock or custom specs you might try Coil Springs Specialty in St. Mary's Kansas. That's were I had my replacements made which I very slightly heavier than the standard BB spring. I don't know if they ship out of the country.
I understand the sagging problem. But isn't that more related to the quality of the spring steel used? Heavy duty springs will (over time) sag less under comparable load than softer ones, for sure. Both both should not sag substantially when loaded within their specs and expected lifetime. Or do I see it wrong?
I'll check with Eaton and Coil Springs Specialty (thanks for the tip!) about the sagging, eventually the 2017 steel quality they select is better than 20 years or 50 years ago
Last edited by alexandervdr; Aug 8, 2017 at 03:28 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 142
From: Bornem
With diameter, wire thickness and number of active coils I calculated that the coils I have on are around 500lbs/inch. That is way above the 200 standard, and leaves enough space in between to go softer.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,696
Likes: 3,683
From: Central Arkansas
I understand the sagging problem. But isn't that more related to the quality of the spring steel used? Heavy duty springs will (over time) sag less under comparable load than softer ones, for sure. Both both should not sag substantially when loaded within their specs and expected lifetime. Or do I see it wrong?
:
:
My point is I would buy a spring from a quality aftermarket firm like Moog, Eaton or Coil Springs Specialty. I suspect some of those old GM replacement springs are still around and I wouldn't waste money on them.