330 or 360 ?
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Ogden Iowa
330 or 360 ?
Should I got with the composite 330, or 360 rear spring? I am getting Bilsteins (sports). I have a 73 sb, auto coupe. Car has the 7 leaf spring, but is less than horizontal, and the rear rides nothing like the front. It also has rear factory sway bar. I don't want the 4x4 look. I like the way the car sits low now. So do I need the 550 front springs to stay low in front if I replace fronts? I don't want to cut the front sand want the front & rear to "feel" the same, and look the same. I have searched prev spring posts, but want info on sb 73-74 mainly, as I hear they are a little heavier (could be misinfo) in the rear.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
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From: New Cumberland PA
There is such a discrepancy with regards to replacement springs. One of the vendors for the rear composite springs has had issuses with the rear of the car being too high even with 8" spring bolts. There is little that can be done to lower the car except for 10" bolts which creates a new issuse, a safety issue. To my knowledge, they have not accepted any responibility for this nor have they made any suggestions or offers to get these defective springs off the cars. If you're not sure who the the vendor is, I suggest you do a forum search as it would be in bad taste to come out and mention them.
330lb or 360lb should not make much of a difference, the choice is going to be up to you. If you been reading posts from the past, some owners have had to cut their 550lbs to get the car at the right height, or the height they wanted.
Your best bet may be get all your new parts from one vendor based on what their recommendation is for your application. If something isn't quite right they can offer support as needed without trying to pass the buck.
330lb or 360lb should not make much of a difference, the choice is going to be up to you. If you been reading posts from the past, some owners have had to cut their 550lbs to get the car at the right height, or the height they wanted.
Your best bet may be get all your new parts from one vendor based on what their recommendation is for your application. If something isn't quite right they can offer support as needed without trying to pass the buck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
Im running a 73 sb also with the 360 rear spring bilstien shocks 450 fronts with 1 1/2 coils removed and 10 inch bolts inth rear,buti have 17 inch rims also,it rides very stiff,but i like it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,000
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From: Boulder Creek California
I'll also let you find the lesser company through a forum search but I think the manufacturer of the quality product deserves to be mentioned. I have had nothing but great interactions with VBP as have many other members. I've interacted with Van Steel even more and they have made me a very satisfied customer. They sell VBP springs.
I have not used a composite spring so I'll let others suggest a spring rate for you. Unfortunately you may have to cut the front spring, there's no way to know ahead of time. A 460 is just a long 550 spring so your best bet is probably starting with the 550 springs. In my experience 550 springs (minus one coil) do not hurt the ride at all, your butt is mostly resting on the rear spring.
Good luck,
Chris
I have not used a composite spring so I'll let others suggest a spring rate for you. Unfortunately you may have to cut the front spring, there's no way to know ahead of time. A 460 is just a long 550 spring so your best bet is probably starting with the 550 springs. In my experience 550 springs (minus one coil) do not hurt the ride at all, your butt is mostly resting on the rear spring.
Good luck,
Chris
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Ogden Iowa
well, I ordered the 330/ Bilsteins. Also I am going with rubber intead of poly bushings. My prev vehicle was a lifted jeep, now I want some comfort. The jeep had a full Currie suspension, with poly bushings. just no fun in town. Just want to get the right one the first time. I see a lot of people getting one or the other. Then later getting the other one. Seems people have trouble finding that happy medium.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 917
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From: Vernon British Columbia
St. Jude Donor '05
First C3 General Poster!
Normally you buy a corvette because you want to drive the thing har. You buy a comfort car like a Cadillac if you want cushy rides and leather plushness.
Just a note about the magic 1.6 ratio front to rear, you should try to maintain this for handling, and if anything have the front on the lower end, ie 330lbs, Id rather have a bit of understeer than oversteer.
Just a note about the magic 1.6 ratio front to rear, you should try to maintain this for handling, and if anything have the front on the lower end, ie 330lbs, Id rather have a bit of understeer than oversteer.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,802
Likes: 241
From: Niles, MI
I wouldn't go any heavier than a 330 spring. Make sure its a VBP spring. I would cut the stock springs to get the height I want in front. That will increase the spring rate and lower the car. . .and also save you the cost of new springs. 
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Ogden Iowa
Originally Posted by 81 Vette
Normally you buy a corvette because you want to drive the thing har. You buy a comfort car like a Cadillac if you want cushy rides and leather plushness.