Mooser

Looking to change the stance of the car and drop it a little more. I will be buying a VB&P rear composite spring

VB&P states

The 330-lb/in spring is recommended all small block C3 cars. It will give a great ride and improved handling. For a big block car and/or race applications, we recommend 360-lb/in or 420-lb/in rear spring.

I'm still not sure why they have different springs for the SB / BB (I think GM used the same except for the F41)
So I've got a big block, no AC, alum rad, intake, water pump on a purely street driven car.

Most everyone I've talked to say stick go with the 360lb spring but I don't want to end up with too stiff a ride.

Has anyone used a 330 lb spring in a BB and found it to be too soft?

Thanks
M

terrys6t8roadster

VB&P also sells a bolt kit that has longer spring bolts. That's what I did when the 69 SBC got the 330# spring. T

Mooser

Running a TRW now at stock height with 8" bolts, don't really want to go to 10" so it's time to go to a lower arch spring, all part of a plan to switch to 17" tires as well but need to get everything in place first
M

mrvette

Bought my '72 old show car rag top in '95, all the mechanical stuff was stock as a stove,, even had the old iron multi leaf stiff spring in it.....and so went immediately to a 360 VBP plastic spring.....and 8" bolts and stock sway bar with thinner front sway bar same 17x9.5 wheels and 50 series tires, '89 vette rims 2.5" wheel adapters VBP once again.....Thin front sway bar...bur urethane bushings, same as rear....and of course a cross support....OH, billy stein sport shocks on all 4 corners....

The final purchase was the billy shocks....why?? because they handle a local undulating bridge that's 3.5 miles long....and the *** end don't bounce to bad as with whatever was on there before...been a while....

terrys6t8roadster

Just remembered that VB&P also sells a shorter spring which is helpful for those that want wider wheels. T

gdh

M, you've ridden in mine with the 360 rear, 550 fronts with Bilsteins all around. I replaced the original 7 leaf spring, ride was similar. What shocks do you have or plan on using?

Mooser

I've got GR2's on there now and they work well for the driving I do, hopefully I can keep them, if not I'll have to look at options at that time.
M

gdh

Some have found the KYB's a bit bouncy with the glass spring. I'm using 8" bolts with no issues.

Mooser

Honestly the KYB have been fine on the TRW glass spring in there for the past countless years. If/when I change to the VB&P and lower the car some I'll have to see what it feels like at that time.

M

stingr69

Be sure to match the shocks to the spring rate. I run an older 355# AOS/TRW spring with Bilstein Sports in the back and it rides/handles great. The stock metal leaf spring was OK with the standard shocks but once I installed the 355# fiberglass spring with the standard shocks it was a soft bouncy mess in back. Added the Bilstein Sports and it has been superb.

Do not fear the 360# spring rate when combined with the right shocks. It will not be too harsh.

Mooser

Thanks for the input all

I'm gonna go with the 360# spring, now to actually get one

I've been watching for a used one but they seem rare so I'll have to go to VB&P. Friends of ours are snowbirds so I'll have to arrange for them to bring one back for me next season.
Hopefully I'll be set for getting a set of 17" TTII at the same time and do it all at once.

M

Maymyvetteliveforevr

Thanks for starting this thread Mooser as I'm thinking of replacing my metal 9 leaf spring. I presently have Monroe (2 years old) shocks and I've been told they should be changed also.

Please let me know how you make out as I believe I'll also go with the VB&P 360's. Are you going to shorten them 1/2" each end?

Dodosmike

Following.

I have a TRW 330 (I think) on 8" bolts and 15" stock side BFG's. Rear is about 2" to tall.
Don't know if I want to try the longer bolts or re-do the spring.

Issue is shipping to CDA. I have a good buddy that has a place in FLA about an hour from Vansteel, going to see if he's going down and back anytime soon.

Primoz

Just contact VB&P about the delivery date. I'm waiting for my kit for almost 4 months now!

Miccar

I have a small block and requested something slightly stiffer than the 300. They made a 315 for me and I love it. I don't race the car, but is gives a very nice ride and handles well for how I drive.

jim-81

I was also waiting over a month with no delivery update from VB&P so I cancelled and ordered from VanSteel. Got it the next week.

As far as the spring rate, I went with their 350#. And it is not too stiff at all. I had the 330 before (on sale in the parts section - free) so I was concerned the 350 would be too stiff - not so. I really don't feel much difference.

Primoz

I just received the info today that VB&P is going bankrupt!
I'm also switching to VanSteel!

Mooser

As everyone seems to have found out, shortly after I started this thread VBP seems to have gone for a poop and the 330-360 question is no longer valid so I think we have to do a 360 vbp vs 355 VanSteel comparison as far as ride height as well as ride

I was down in Carlisle and was hoping to find a 360lb spring but there was nothing, or at least nothing I found, tempted to go again to the vette flea market but it's an expensive trip all said and done.
M

Maymyvetteliveforevr

Never heard of the "vette flea market", care to share?

Mooser

Corvettes at Carlisle
http://www.carlisleevents.com/carlis...s-at-carlisle/

Late August
M