I'm looking to add VB&P's modified upper a-arms to add more caster to the Steeroid's rack and pinion'd GWS, as well as raise the front ride height back up to stock (the r&p hangs lower than the stock setup), so I'm wondering if I should go with new coils, coil-overs, or VB&P's transverse leaf setup?

I have a 345lb fiberglass spring in the back with Bilstein Sports all around, and it really reduced ride harshness a lot compared to the factory steel leaf spring, so I'm wondering if the same is true in the front (should be)?

As we all know though, the Sharks bless their hearts lack appreciable anti-dive geometry, so reasonably stiff spring rates up front are needed to control brake dive.

All comments welcome...

Thanks!

Doug

 

There are a ton of threads on this topic. The search function is your best friend. Here's a link.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/sear...t=on&forum_id=

 

a) Aside from losing some steering radius which requires some minor die grinding to get back, the VB&P Mono Leaf rides rather stiff, even at it's mildest setting, and especially so with lightened cars like mine (3125lbs, Aluminum Wheels, Manifold, Water Pump, Heads, LT Headers, 700R4, Pace Car Seats, Steeroids R&P, Late Model Spare Tire, etc).

b) Coil-Overs can work, but not with the VB&P Upper Arms that allow for more Caster.

So, perhaps I should just take the cheap route and use standard coils of some sort?

Thanks...

Doug

 

Why not? They worked fine in my 80. The upper a-arms have nothing to do with the whole set up. It's the lowers.

 

Correct, my BAD...

So, how much Caster Gain can you get out of them?

I'm trying to increase staright line stability with the Steeroids R&P etc (my Z07 C4 has about 7* of Caster, while the Shark currently maxes out at 2.5*).

Thanks...

Doug

 

Doug,
Here is everything I can tell you about our upper a-arms: (VBP # 42101)

1 - The relocated ball joints let you get up to 5 degrees positive caster.
2 - The offset cross shafts give you a greater range of camber adjustment.
3 – Arms come with and are designed to accept stock ball joints for ease of maintenance.
4 - The polyurethane bushings are impregnated with graphite, not just coated. They should never squeak or wear prematurely. In addition, these bushings have a very hard durometer (90) allowing very little deflection as the car’s energy pulls or pushes them, helping to maintain alignment at all times.
5 - The light weight a-arms are high grade American steel with a high level of carbon which increases strength and reduces corrosion (say rust). Additionally, the arms are MIG-welded to further strengthen them.
6 - The black (other colors available) powder coating looks great and resists chipping.
7 – A-Arms are fully assembled, inspected, include installation instructions and have a limited lifetime warranty.

The coil-overs from VanSteel are top quality - like all of their products and will work just fine with our upper control arms. Also, we just recently lowered the price of the arms to $299.95 and if ordered online with the ‘CF-7490’ discount code, they are only $269.95.

As far as ride height goes, I know our spring system will return your car to its stock height or any other height you may want - very easily. I imagine the coil over springs are available for all different rates and heights. You would have to contact Van Steel directly for details there. I do know that you cannot use coil overs with our lower a-arms as they were designed with a newer spring technology in mind - like the ’84 and up Corvette - and made to work with a light weight composite spring, not any type of coil.

I am not going to even think about getting into the infamous debate over coil vs. coil-over vs. transverse spring systems. That is like comparing apples, oranges and bananas. They are all very good but all different. They all have applications where they function best.

Many people swear by coil-overs for racing, others for composites. It all depends upon your unique application. Personally, I like coil-overs for some race apps AND transverse springs for others. I lean towards the transverse systems because they are for the street and/or can easily be used on the track. Additionally, spring rate and ride height adjustments take only minutes. I have always looked at coil-overs as more of a race only system. If you want to race, I would suggest either system. If you want to drive on the street and/or race, then I would suggest a transverse spring system. I hope this does not light off another long debate. Coil-Over systems from Van Steel are sure to be very good – and so are transverse composite spring systems from VBP.

That’s my take on it…

Sincerely,
Alan G.
Vette Brakes & Products, Inc.
http://www.VBandP.com

 

I almost forgot, here is the link to a magazine article installing a Steeroids System. The pictures are very good and show how low and where the R&P systems go under the car...

http://vetteweb.com/tech/0208vet_racknroll/

Sincerely,
Alan G.
VBP