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Migrating to the C3 group as my '04 ZO6 LeMans car is off to a new home, replaced by a '71 small block/4-speed convertible that was bought in mid-restoration.
The car is numbers matching with 60,000 miles on the odometer. I recieved the car as shown PLUS 9 boxes of parts and pieces. I've cataloged & inventoried everything, so I now know what I have to work with and what I'll need to compete the refurbishiment.
The prior owner sadly passed away in the midst of a restoration. A guy bought it to flip which is where I came across it. To transport the car from the owner, the front suspension had to be installed so it could be rolled into a trailer. I have no knowledge of what was done in the install, but as you can see, the front is far too high. Only the engine is in the car (for transport)....no gearbox, radiator, etc. Any thoughts on why the front end is sitting so high? From the photo taken in the prior owner's garage, the suspension was installed by a local mechanic while on a lift. Before I tear into it, wondering if anyone might have an idea?
Thanks!
Bob
I would say welcome to the forum, but welcome to the C3 section!
C3s sit significantly higher than a C5, even from the factory. It almost looks like the rear was lowered, which will make the front look even higher. How long are the two bolts holding the leaf spring in the rear? My guess is the control arm bushings were torqued while the car was jacked up in the air. They should be tightened with the full weight on the car, or “Z” height as the assembly manual calls it. Otherwise they will be in a bind and make the car sit high like you’re seeing.
Last edited by Piersonpie; Nov 1, 2025 at 12:38 PM.
What he said...plus coil springs need everything installed (or approximate how much weight is missing/not installed...then add the right amount of blasting sand bags/etc in the engine bay to help settle the springs.
Also...the ends of the coil springs might not be turned to the correct position causing the frame to sit too high.
Be sure to roll the car forward and backward about 10' to settle the suspension and tires into place.
Hello,
I'd think there are several issues to check on...
First: determine what front spring was installed?
Second: how was it installed? It could be upside down and/or not seated properly in the frame and the lower control arm.
Third: how much of the total weight that the front suspension will carry is in place?
Fourth: the rear ride heigh seems a bit low which could affect the front ride height.
Fifth: It looks like a very nice car to get in this situation!!! Mid-restoration cars can often be problems.
Regards,
Alan
Just for reference:
The spring is mounted with the closer coils up.
.
The length of the bolt from the trailing arm to the end of the spring affects ride height
Welcome, from one ‘71 small block vert lover to another! Car look beautiful! I too bought mine as a non running project someone else had started in on. Sound advice has been given above (some of those who responded know their stuff better than anybody else you could ask). Good luck with it as you go. Make sure to keep us updated!
Thanks for the welcoming messages. Good to be here and immediately the constructive comments are encouraging; seems like I've landed in a good spot.
I've been in the C3 arena just a few years ago....oh, probably around 40 years ago to be exact! My 1st Corvette was a '79 L-48/4-speed that seemed to have lost the Corvette-way as it was more of a luxury 2-door coupe than a true Corvette. So, I sold it and bought a '71 LT-1 from an NCRS member in Chicago named Scott. I mention that only because when I got the car back to Long Island and drove it for the 1st time, the plume of blue smoke when I lifted in gear told me I got taken. Nice.... I did a full rebuild on the engine as rings and guides were shot and while I was in there, I put the '70 high compression pistons in the motor. I owned the car for a month before my wife's friend called to see if I was interested in buying his '63 Fuelie convertible that needed completion after a body-off restoration. How can you say no?
So, being back in this '71 is a revist to a place I once had wanted to land and never really go the chance.
Thanks, Alan! I appreciate your insights. Answers in red below....
Bob
Originally Posted by Alan 71
Hello,
I'd think there are several issues to check on...
First: determine what front spring was installed? Front what I can tell, they appear to be the OE springs, Alan. Likely were beadblasted but certainly not replacment.
Second: how was it installed? It could be upside down and/or not seated properly in the frame and the lower control arm. The springs are not inverted as the closer coils are at the top and the bottom is seated in the lower A-arm correctly.
Third: how much of the total weight that the front suspension will carry is in place? The engine is set in place on the mounts and they supported the back of it with a strap under the oil pan and the frame rails. So, no trans, clutch/cover, flywheel, a/c compressor, radiator.
Fourth: the rear ride heigh seems a bit low which could affect the front ride height. The front end was put together so it could be transported. I really need to take it apart as a lot of refinishing needs to be done. Great news is that it is a very solid frame and birdcage. No rust anywhere and the car spent most of its life in Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Fifth: It looks like a very nice car to get in this situation!!! Mid-restoration cars can often be problems. It is a very good car and my aim, like yours, is a correct restoration. The owner had bought some $15,000 in parts that accompanied the car. It took me a week to assess and inventory what was there, and what I needed.
Regards,
Alan
Just for reference.
The closer coils go up.
The length of the bolt fro the trailing arm to the end of the spring controls ride height.
What would you say you gained on that 71’ LT-1 with the piston swap? I know the ‘71 dropped 40 ponies from the ‘70. Was it a seat of the pants difference, or had you driven it enough prior to the plume to be able to say? I ask as it’s something I may want to do to mine one day. I’m staying low budget with this one, so if just pistons could net such an increase I’d say it would be worth it.
New to The Group....
