Suspension / Handling Questons.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Gainesville GA
Suspension / Handling Questons.
I had a few C-3 Corvettes when I was younger and have decided I want another one. I think the lines on the C-3 are some of the prettiest every made.
I’m on the fence on if I want a convertible, or T-Top car. If I get a convertible I’d like to get a bumper car (68-72) otherwise I’m thinking of a 78-82 car.
I’m don’t really care about being a numbers matching car or anything I’d like to build something with a healthy SBC somewhere in the 450 to 500 HP range, and manual transmission that will be a fun driver, and handle well.
Now to my questions:
I’ve never owner a convertible Vette’ do they handle the same as a coupe?
Are the suspensions the same between the older 68-72 cars and the later 78-82 cars?
Would either car handle the same?
Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.
I’m on the fence on if I want a convertible, or T-Top car. If I get a convertible I’d like to get a bumper car (68-72) otherwise I’m thinking of a 78-82 car.
I’m don’t really care about being a numbers matching car or anything I’d like to build something with a healthy SBC somewhere in the 450 to 500 HP range, and manual transmission that will be a fun driver, and handle well.
Now to my questions:
I’ve never owner a convertible Vette’ do they handle the same as a coupe?
Are the suspensions the same between the older 68-72 cars and the later 78-82 cars?
Would either car handle the same?
Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
New England Events Coordinator
Got one
I have been driving a 70 vert for two years now and I wouldn't have it any other way. Driving with the top down is the only way to go (my opinion). As for handling, I can't attest to the coupe but, just did a complete front end rebuild and this car handles the road like a glove.
Go for the vert
Go for the vert
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
I have two coupes...69(502) and a stock 78 L-82..both are 4 speeds....both handle very well..sorry..can't tell you about verts,but bet they can handle just as well....just a matter of $$$....and type of components..I have stayed with 7 leaf's on both vettes..just put Bilstein Sports on the 69...suspension bushings are important..
Difference in power/torque,weight ratio is part of this...I prefer the 78 for autocross,as an example..
Difference in power/torque,weight ratio is part of this...I prefer the 78 for autocross,as an example..
Last edited by rihwoods; Mar 2, 2006 at 01:10 PM.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 424
Likes: 2
I've owned a '68 coupe, and a '68 vert, and For driving comfort and enjoyment I say vert. With the T-Tops out, with or without the back window in, the coupe had alot of cabin turbulance, I drive the vert in 20 degree weather, windows down and I'm not cold, cabin turbulance is almost non-existant. The coupe also is more prone to leaks due to the T-tops, my vert has a hard top which has never leaked (I bought it in '76 and still have it). As far as handling is concerned, I can't feel the difference, but theoretically the coupe would have a little stiffer chassis, but how much stiffness can a sheetmetal bird cage offer since it is only tied together in the center of the windshield.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
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Originally Posted by Doug S
Thanks for all the feedback.
What suspension upgrades does everyone recommend?
What suspension upgrades does everyone recommend?
http://www.vansteel.com/
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Originally Posted by Doug S
rihwoods,
Thanks for the link. Do you do a lot of Autocross with your 78? How does she hold up?
Thanks for the link. Do you do a lot of Autocross with your 78? How does she hold up?
For street,I'm very comfortable with the handling,including mountain twisty roads...but getting ready to tweak it more..stiffer shocks,new bushings...
Suggest you take yours for an autocross if you can...you can go as novice with instructor..then go from there with your suspension...and you will have a better understanding of your vettes handling characteristics....and where to spend the $$$
Rich
Last edited by rihwoods; Mar 2, 2006 at 04:17 PM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,078
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From: Santee CA
I'm going to end up doing suspension mods for my '74 coupe here in the next few weeks (hopefully)...Vette Brakes & Products has a full suspension kit that we're going to do since just about everything's shot.
I've been told by several people that this kit is an incredible kit for suspension, especially if you're planning on doing any autocross...
I've been told by several people that this kit is an incredible kit for suspension, especially if you're planning on doing any autocross...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Gainesville GA
Originally Posted by rihwoods
For street,I'm very comfortable with the handling,including mountain twisty roads...but getting ready to tweak it more..stiffer shocks,new bushings...
Suggest you take yours for an autocross if you can...you can go as novice with instructor..then go from there with your suspension...and you will have a better understanding of your vettes handling characteristics....and where to spend the $$$
Rich
Thanks for all your feedback. I haven't got the chance to do any Autocrossing yet. I grew up Drag Racing, and living down south now I've made a ton of laps at Road Atlanta. We've got some killer roads up in the mountains by were I work. From my office to a friends house is 9 miles, with 112 Turns, and 2000' elevation change. To use local terminology the roads so windy you'll see your own tail lights. Which suspension kit would you suggest for Street, and some track days?
Sprzout,
Would love to hear how the kit goes in, and how it works when you get it done.
Thanks again,
Doug
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Gainesville GA
Originally Posted by Sprzout
I'm going to end up doing suspension mods for my '74 coupe here in the next few weeks (hopefully)...Vette Brakes & Products has a full suspension kit that we're going to do since just about everything's shot.
I've been told by several people that this kit is an incredible kit for suspension, especially if you're planning on doing any autocross...
I've been told by several people that this kit is an incredible kit for suspension, especially if you're planning on doing any autocross...
Sprzout,
Curious which kit you went with from VBP? Just trying to compare all of the kits out there.
Thanks,
Doug
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
You might find this interesting.
http://ganeys.home.sprynet.com/77facts.htm
The 77 Corvette record was later matched by a Ferrari 512BB.
http://ganeys.home.sprynet.com/77facts.htm
The 77 Corvette record was later matched by a Ferrari 512BB.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 0
From: Santee CA
Originally Posted by Doug S
Sprzout,
Curious which kit you went with from VBP? Just trying to compare all of the kits out there.
Thanks,
Doug
Curious which kit you went with from VBP? Just trying to compare all of the kits out there.
Thanks,
Doug
http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=474
Looks to be the best one for the price, especially considering that we can get a forum member discount on it. Poly bushings, new A-arms, sway bars, struts, springs, etc...It's all stuff that needs to be replaced on our coupe...
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Originally Posted by Doug S
Rich,
Thanks for all your feedback. I haven't got the chance to do any Autocrossing yet. I grew up Drag Racing, and living down south now I've made a ton of laps at Road Atlanta. We've got some killer roads up in the mountains by were I work. From my office to a friends house is 9 miles, with 112 Turns, and 2000' elevation change. To use local terminology the roads so windy you'll see your own tail lights. Which suspension kit would you suggest for Street, and some track days?
Thanks again,
Doug
Thanks for all your feedback. I haven't got the chance to do any Autocrossing yet. I grew up Drag Racing, and living down south now I've made a ton of laps at Road Atlanta. We've got some killer roads up in the mountains by were I work. From my office to a friends house is 9 miles, with 112 Turns, and 2000' elevation change. To use local terminology the roads so windy you'll see your own tail lights. Which suspension kit would you suggest for Street, and some track days?
Thanks again,
Doug
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...t&SubGroup=603
Personally,I've stayed with stock upgrades..on cost,my new steel rear spring/Bilsteins were around $650....so the Vansteel kit price is a good value at $950...
Rich
Last edited by rihwoods; Mar 3, 2006 at 09:04 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Originally Posted by Breezer
That is rather basic, don't you think, rihwoods?
As for me,I'm just running for the shear heck of it,in Improved Stock Class...yeah,got my points card,etc....but not getting real serious about it..
Rich
Last edited by rihwoods; Mar 3, 2006 at 10:01 PM.
