composite rear spring
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,920
Likes: 731
From: Youngstown Ohio
For me, it is weight savings......6 lbs. vs. 43 lbs. for the stock steel spring. Also it provides a smooth ride for everyday driving as well as a good stiff launch for a street/strip car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
Well, it appears there is more than 1 answer. Read this http://www.duntovmotors.com/tech-rear-leaf-springs.php
I installed my 330# composite spring today. The car is undergoing a complete restoration so it will be awhile before it hits the pavement. But if I don't like it I'll sell the spring and put a steel spring back in.
I installed my 330# composite spring today. The car is undergoing a complete restoration so it will be awhile before it hits the pavement. But if I don't like it I'll sell the spring and put a steel spring back in.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,920
Likes: 731
From: Youngstown Ohio
I've had both types of springs and definitely like the composite better. Comparing spring rates between the two types (as the above referenced article does) is like comparing apples to oranges. The numbers don't relate to "ride feel". You will need a higher number rated composite to feel like the steel one. Usually whatever rate you decide for your composite, you should go slightly higher for the feel you expect to get. Also, you have to get the right shocks, otherwise you'll bounce around and blame a bad spring. (Adjustables, like QA-1s work very well).
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 21
From: Columbus MN
I've had both types of springs and definitely like the composite better. Comparing spring rates between the two types (as the above referenced article does) is like comparing apples to oranges. The numbers don't relate to "ride feel". You will need a higher number rated composite to feel like the steel one. Usually whatever rate you decide for your composite, you should go slightly higher for the feel you expect to get. Also, you have to get the right shocks, otherwise you'll bounce around and blame a bad spring. (Adjustables, like QA-1s work very well).
The lower weight of a composite spring affects how it responses to road imperfections. You need to have a shock that matches the spring sensitivity, not just the rate. I have a 360# composite spring from Vette Brakes and Products. It is equivalent to the original 7-leaf Gymkhana spring that came on my car. I had some middle-of-the-road HYB springs that some owners really like, but that spring-shock combo was jittery, especially in turns. I now have Bilstein Sports on all 4 corners. Perrrrfect.
BTW, I also have a composite monospring in the front. That was one of the upgrades in my Top-5 list:
1) GM Performance crate engine
2) Keisler RS500 5-speed with hydraulic clutch
3) Steeroids rack & pinion steering.
4) Composite leaf springs
5) Bilstein Sport shocks (just about tied with Hydroboost brake booster)
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 2
From: Frederick Md
I put a Composite rear spring in all 3 of my C3's...the 72 has a 360 pound rear spring and the 76 and 79 have 330 pound springs...
Honestly the 360 on the 72 "feels a little tighter" especially when tossing the car around but there is not all that much difference between them that I can tell..
Bob G,
Honestly the 360 on the 72 "feels a little tighter" especially when tossing the car around but there is not all that much difference between them that I can tell..
Bob G,
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 46
From: Severn Maryland
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I installed one on my previous 68 and absolutely loved the difference in the ride quality!
If I ever decide to take my current 68 in a different direction, I would install one in a heartbeat!! I don't have a composite rear spring on my current 68 since it would take away from the overall look of the car.
If I ever decide to take my current 68 in a different direction, I would install one in a heartbeat!! I don't have a composite rear spring on my current 68 since it would take away from the overall look of the car.
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6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Fairfax Ca
Composite springs
I had it installed in 2004. I can't find my receipt, but I think I chose the tighter springs from stock. They squeak like crazy. I'm gonna get the car lubed again, to see if that fixes it, but I wonder if it is rubbing or if the shocks aren't right. I haven't driven it a lot, so it's not a mileage thing.
Denyce
Denyce
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,300
Likes: 1,583
From: Western NY
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
I agree. Had the VBP #330 spring with their designed/matching VBP218 shocks installed last summer. A world of difference from the old 9-leaf steel spring. So much more pleasureable to drive.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Have you ever heard the sounds from a 'dry' leaf spring during operation? There are more creaks and groans than you hear in a chiropractor's waiting room full of octogenerians. The composite spring is ultra-quiet, smooth and, as mentioned, provides a much better ride.
To get the best out of the composite spring, you also need some good gas-shocks.
To get the best out of the composite spring, you also need some good gas-shocks.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,300
Likes: 1,583
From: Western NY
That is correct. When I did the rrebuild of my wife's car, I did things a little backward, in that I bought the shocks first, since a local retailer was having a BIG close-out sale on Monroe shocks. When I ordered the rear spring, VB&P was very specific about what shocks would work properly with their spring. Fortunately for me, the Monroes that I had bought were on their list of accepable shocks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 46
From: Severn Maryland
MD Events Coordinator
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
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I had it installed in 2004. I can't find my receipt, but I think I chose the tighter springs from stock. They squeak like crazy. I'm gonna get the car lubed again, to see if that fixes it, but I wonder if it is rubbing or if the shocks aren't right. I haven't driven it a lot, so it's not a mileage thing.
Denyce
Denyce
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 50
From: Laguna Niguel California
The ride height can be adjusted with the bolts.
I've had my composite spring a long time and no problems - it goes back to the time when they were sold under the TRW brand. After a number of different shock combinations, I recommend Koni's, they're just right at the initial setting but they are adjustable if you want it a little stiffer.
I've had my composite spring a long time and no problems - it goes back to the time when they were sold under the TRW brand. After a number of different shock combinations, I recommend Koni's, they're just right at the initial setting but they are adjustable if you want it a little stiffer.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,300
Likes: 1,583
From: Western NY
You just need to adjust the ride height, by "lengthening" the bolts at the end. If you can't get it low enough with the bolts you have, get some a little longer. (Grade 8, of course...)