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Old Jul 9, 2006 | 03:44 AM
  #1  
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Default Suspension Upgrades

i have a 78 coupe. suspension is old, probably original. i love diving into corners and running out even faster. problem is the stock suspension is worn, rubber is rotting or might as well not be there in some spots. the springs are sagging, and the shocks are in need of some TLC. i'm also looking into getting into some amature road course racing. is the 1963-79 Max Performance Suspension Package overkill?? and is there any difference between it and the one offered by VBandP besides VBP being $50 more??


thanks guys,
chase
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Old Jul 9, 2006 | 04:02 AM
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here's the links to the pages.

http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1795

http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=474
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Old Jul 9, 2006 | 04:16 AM
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Default Go for it man...

It may be overkill, but I'm sure if I went with the other kit I'd be asking myself what if...
Latr,
Jon


EOD!!! Nice career choice, way to go bro!!! And you own a Vette...Awesome! Its 2AM here- no wonder you’re awake at this time…you’re in Japan...




Last edited by bmxer23m; Jul 9, 2006 at 04:24 AM.
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Old Jul 9, 2006 | 10:20 AM
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Looks like your going for the same set up I'm going to get. I'm going to go with VBandP. From reading here they have the best customer support, and I'll pay a little extra for that. The one at Ecklers is most likely made by VBandP anyways, a lot of these vendors swap around from one to another. I do not think it is over kill with this kit. I like the fact that you can adjust everything to the way you like it. Just do a search on it if you want to read some more info on it. Should not be to hard (even for a Marine , I'm Army!!! )
SSG Kirk
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Old Jul 9, 2006 | 02:49 PM
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the VB kit is excellent but it not include basic essentials such as tie rod ends, ball joints, idler arm, rag joint, etc.
You should also rebuild or replace your steering box, replace trailing arm bushings and differential locator bushing.

Do these basics first or you will not get the full benefit of the VB kit.

After the VB kit, get yourself some 17" wheels and decent tires and have some fun
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Old Jul 9, 2006 | 11:19 PM
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thanks for the imput all, and all the great pics provided by bmxer. almost made me cream. can't wait for my turn.

chase
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Old Jul 10, 2006 | 12:07 AM
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Originally Posted by flynhi
the VB kit is excellent but it not include basic essentials such as tie rod ends, ball joints, idler arm, rag joint, etc.
You should also rebuild or replace your steering box, replace trailing arm bushings and differential locator bushing.

Do these basics first or you will not get the full benefit of the VB kit.

After the VB kit, get yourself some 17" wheels and decent tires and have some fun
Actually, if you read the description (and look at the picture) you'll see that pretty much everything you listed is in the VB&P kit.
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Old Jul 10, 2006 | 02:37 AM
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Old Jul 10, 2006 | 11:53 AM
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I bought this kit for my '73, anyone install this themselves? If so, how difficult, any welding required, and how long did it take? If not, about how much will it cost to have it installed?

Right now I plan on doing this myself and will have to rent some of the tools.
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Old Jul 10, 2006 | 12:35 PM
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Originally Posted by bslocum1
I bought this kit for my '73, anyone install this themselves? If so, how difficult, any welding required, and how long did it take? If not, about how much will it cost to have it installed?

Right now I plan on doing this myself and will have to rent some of the tools.
This was a complete bolt on kit, except for the 4 holes I had to drill in the DIFF cross member. It was not difficult at all, and no welding required. I can't remember how long it took me, not long, but keep in mind I had a bare frame at the time. I would say this is a "do-it-your-self." If you go to VBandP's website, they have Instructions on most of they're products; including this one... Oh yea, a shop could charge about $50 an hour, not worth it! Take a weekend and do it, invite some buddies over for a beer, if your Vette is still together it will take a little longer to install...
Latr,

Jon
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Old Jul 10, 2006 | 01:41 PM
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Originally Posted by bslocum1
I bought this kit for my '73, anyone install this themselves? If so, how difficult, any welding required, and how long did it take? If not, about how much will it cost to have it installed?

Right now I plan on doing this myself and will have to rent some of the tools.
it would cost a lot to have done and they wouldn't be as meticulous as if u did it. it's not hard just time consuming depending on how clean of a job u wanna do. the rear took me about 3 to 4 wks and the frt took 2 1/2 months but i did the frame and eng compartment and all parts and nuts & bolts. no welding required. go for it

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Old Jul 10, 2006 | 02:12 PM
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Default That's nice!!!

Originally Posted by rosslato
it would cost a lot to have done and they wouldn't be as meticulous as if u did it. it's not hard just time consuming depending on how clean of a job u wanna do. the rear took me about 3 to 4 wks and the frt took 2 1/2 months but i did the frame and eng compartment and all parts and nuts & bolts. no welding required. go for it


Ross your Vette is too cool, I wish I was as far along as you are, the pic of your Vette on the jack stands is awesome- so clean!!! A work of art...
Jon
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Old Jul 10, 2006 | 02:31 PM
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Originally Posted by crazymanguy
i have a 78 coupe. suspension is old, probably original. i love diving into corners and running out even faster. problem is the stock suspension is worn, rubber is rotting or might as well not be there in some spots. the springs are sagging, and the shocks are in need of some TLC. i'm also looking into getting into some amature road course racing. is the 1963-79 Max Performance Suspension Package overkill?? and is there any difference between it and the one offered by VBandP besides VBP being $50 more??


thanks guys,
chase
Don't forget the 10% discount coupon from VBP. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1094255
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Old Jul 10, 2006 | 02:59 PM
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Originally Posted by bmxer23m
Ross your Vette is too cool, I wish I was as far along as you are, the pic of your Vette on the jack stands is awesome- so clean!!! A work of art...
Jon
thanx Jon. can't wait to see yer masterpiece done
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Old Jul 10, 2006 | 03:28 PM
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Originally Posted by rosslato
it would cost a lot to have done and they wouldn't be as meticulous as if u did it. it's not hard just time consuming depending on how clean of a job u wanna do. the rear took me about 3 to 4 wks and the frt took 2 1/2 months but i did the frame and eng compartment and all parts and nuts & bolts. no welding required. go for it


Ross your Vette looks awesome, nice peek underneath too! A work of art...
Jon
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Old Jul 10, 2006 | 04:52 PM
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Default Vbp Performance Plus Suspension Kit

Hi Guys,

I read the posts and I just wanted to tell you to forget the coupon code for the 10%, it is on Sale at 15% off (Sale Price is $2,082.46)!!



Ou Performance Plus Kit, Part No. 42000, contains all your need for a complete suspension rebuild in the front and rear except the trailing arms and bearing assemblies. The kit includes our Rear Dual Mount Spring System, our Front Monospring System (both with adjustable rate and ride height), our upper and lower control arms, Bilstein "Sport" shocks all the way around, front and rear sway bars, idler arm, ball joints, bushings, tie rods, toe rods (our super front end rebuild kit basically), trailing arm bushings, t-arm shim kit, (all bushings are our poly, still hand poured and impregnated with graphite), differential mount bushing kit, rear crossmember reinforcing kit, our Smart Strut Assembly (redesigned bracket and adjustable rods) and all the necessary hardware. All are pre-assembled ready to bolt one with the exception of the rear dual mount. You need to drill a couple of holes for the mounting brackets in the rear crossmember, really easy.

If you have any questions, call me toll free at 1-800-237-9991 or email me at pattie@vbandp.com. I would like to discuss the project. If you are planning on putting larger wheels and tires, you may want a shorter spring, etc. I hope to hear from some of you.

Best Regards,
Pattie
VBP
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Old Jul 10, 2006 | 06:12 PM
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got that kit on my car as well and i would have to say that if i had to do it again i know that i would get the same thing again got mine from VB&P and will also say that they are great to deal with and very helpfull.

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Old Jul 10, 2006 | 06:33 PM
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Rosslato - that is some awesome work you did! Where/how did you get the halfshafts like that? I know I want to take my time, inspect the halfshafts, differential, etc, and get new u-joints for them and clean things up, but that is truly a lesson in artwork. How much of an improvement is the ride or how much better does it handle?
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Old Jul 10, 2006 | 07:21 PM
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I'd definitely go with the VBP system. Best there is, in my opinion.
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Old Jul 10, 2006 | 10:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Kalway
I'd definitely go with the VBP system. Best there is, in my opinion.
I just bought their poly rebuild front end kit and the quality is second to none. They are friendly, knowlegeable, and a real pleasure to do business, I am a customer of their's for life.
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