MYBAD79

There were several questions about front coil springs and the ride height recently, therefore I'm posting this in "tech" - moderator(s) may prefer this in "general" ?? If so, please move it...


Just got my suspension done - finally the way I want it. I removed my 460lbs springs and installed 550s....

Below are photos of
1) the '79 with 460lbs springs uncut, as they came out of the box. Ride height was at 29.5" ... and too soft for my taste....

2) 550lbs springs - nothing cut off these... the ride height is at 27.25" and the ride is stiff but not too harsh. I had to lower the rear with 10" bolts to match the front (I will have to cut off the threaded part that is not needed)

MIKER

MUCH MUCH better stance!!! It looks great.

steves_77vette

Yep. Mo' better. Looks like a Vette is suposed to.

LiveandLetDrive

Yikes to the first picture. It looks great now. I cut one coil (half at a time) and am now at 26.5" I like it there, but I certainly wouldn't go any lower for a street car. Normal speed bumps are okay, but "taller" ones scrapes the headers even at 0 mph.

Enjoy
Chris

MYBAD79

I agree, that's why I posted this... to warn others about the 460s - they are very good for a soft and comfortable ride but you really have to cut at least 1/2 or 3/4 off. I got the ride height down to 27.25" after cutting 3/4 coil, however I wanted it to be stiffer so I got the 550s.

The rear on the first picture is sitting at 30" with a re-arched 9-leaf spring and the original 6" bolts. I got it down to 28.5" with 8" bolts and now it's at 28" with 10" bolts and 1" thread left at the bottom (2nd photo).

rihwoods

My front is exactly the same as yours. 26.5" after cutting coils.Did this in 82' and height still same today after cutting original FE7 springs. (116,000 original miles.)I take bumps at an angle.

TXShark

Just finished the install of my VBP GT suspension with 460# coils and 330# rear fiberglass spring. When I got it together the first time, I found spring spacers in the lower cnotrol arm and of course, put them back in. Surprise, the car sat too high once I got it on the ground (29.5"). I pulled it apart and took the spacers out (they apparently were in there from the factory since the front end had never been apart). Anyway, did that this weekend and the car now sits at 28" (actually a hair shy). Huge difference in ride and handling. I'm very happy with the set up. Ride is good, not harsh, and it pivots rather than turns around corners. The old beast can run rings around the young punks!

rihwoods

I may be wrong on this,but I remember a chart showing that stock delivery heights for C3's averaged 27.4" or near that number.

flood

Looks much better!

I think I will get 550's now, yep. I was thinking about a composite rear spring but not sure on that yet. Its a ways away though.

Gordonm

I had the 460s in my car and they were no where near the height of yours. Mine only dropped about 3/4 of an inch in going from 460 to 550s. The second one looks much better. The first one

Jughead

This page is from a 1970 C3, but should be pretty close.

MYBAD79

You are one of those who made me buy the 550s - thanks !!

between the two photos I cut 3/4 coil off the 460s - the ride height was fine but it was not stiff enough for my taste.

When I bought the 460s I listened to all those who said the 550s are way too hash and too rough for 'normal' driving....

Don't get me wrong, the 460s are great for somebody who wants the Vette soft and comfy.... IMO... a Vette is not a Caddilac....

rihwoods

Thanks Jughead.You got it. This chart pretty much puts things in perspective.

flood

Well don't cars that run at tracks go to like 1000lb springs? I wouldn't think 550's would be TOO harsh. but even if they are, oh well. I will have stories to tell my kids. "my vette rode so hard you could feel a penny in the road"

MYBAD79

I used to have a Volkswagen Scirocco (not a very popular model here in the US) - It had yellow Koni shocks and H&R springs with a 2.5" drop...I could feel what side of the penny was facing up...

TXShark

I'd be careful cutting the coils. From what I've read, you dork up the spring rate and it becomes unpredictable. I went with the "soft spring/big swaybars" approach and I'm very happy with the ride--not firm but not too harsh, and it corners beautifully. I also set the caster slightly more positive than stock and it is a joy to drive now. It was darty and loose before. Very happy with my set up. It's a daily driver and I am saving my kidneys from undue battering. Good luck.

TroyC

anyone have a link to where I can get these 550lb springs?