Why so bumpy?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Carlisle Pennsylvania
Why so bumpy?
Why are corvettes such a hard ride? I recently replaced all four shocks on my 69 and I can still feel every bump. I am currently running bias ply tires which were remolded off the original tires... would switching to radials make the difference?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Near Round Top (pop. 90) Texas
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Even the later model C3s had the same suspensions as the earlier ones, when they could have easily turned into cruisers with low-power engines. They were heavier due to the crash bumpers and may have ridden a bit softer but they were still a sports car.
Rick B.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Race Director
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 136
From: Out of Site...Out of Mind. Corvette: anything else is just transportation.
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
'70's tech. isn't that great. If you have the money, look into the Shark Bite coilovers that are available.
Race Director
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 136
From: Out of Site...Out of Mind. Corvette: anything else is just transportation.
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
Much more comfortable and still great handeling.
Why? No ox cart spring.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 640
Likes: 1
From: Mertztown Pa
I think mine rides really good. I replaced my spring and shocks years ago. But then again maybe I just accept how it rides. I have a truck and a Mini Cooper S with sports suspention and those drive way worse than my corvette. One reason you might not be used to it is that you are so close to the rear tires. When you hit a bump you get the full hit.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,557
Likes: 0
From: Ridgeway VA
Also check your front and rear suspension bushings - they get worn over time and a rebuild might be a great winter project - parts don't cost that much but labor is the killer. On my '70 I recently replaced rear bearings and spindles - now it almost feels like a new rear suspension and ride is great.
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 5
From: Sacramento California
One other and often overlooked ride factor is servicing the leaf spring. On the multi leaf setups, the springs will rust together and not allow it to absorb the road shocks. Mine was horrible and after removing, disassembling cleaning it up and using some white grease between the springs really helped the ride. Of course you could just replace them with a fiberglass spring too if you don't want to go through all that trouble.
