I'm getting ready to do several upgrades to my '69 convertible. It already has a ZZ4 crate engine and I'm going to be removing the TH400 and installing a Keisler Tremec TKO-500 5-speed kit and I'll also be installing a steeriods rack.

Along with that I have some suspension changes I want to make. Basiclly my goal is to make my '69 feel and drive a lot more like my 2001 C5.

I'm trying to decide between 3 kits offered by Vette Brakes & Products.

1. Performance Plus System
2. Grand Touring Plus System
3. Advanced Street/Slalom

Although I haven't raced my car yet, a few trips down the 1/4 mile track or a lap or 2 on a road/autocross course is not out of the question. But mostly I'm looking for a combination of some good street performance and a reasonably good ride. The cost of the kits will be part of my decision but I think I am willing to spend the extra $ if the Performance Plus Kit is clearly the way to go.

I've been told the Performance Plus Kit will give me the best bang for my buck and add to the resale value of the car (not that I'm looking to sell it...but). I do have a concern with the vulnerability of the front transverse spring that comes with this kit. Is this more kit than I need based on what I want to do with the car? And if one of the front coil spring kits might suite me better? Which one? Is there a lot of difference in the feel of the ride with the transverse spring vs. one of the coil spring kits?

Thanks for any help or comments in advance,
Steve

 

I believe the fiberglass front/rear spring setup is overkill for a street car. I doubt that you'll be disappointed with the performance kit, it is likely more than you need...the adjustability is very nice....if you want to spend the money.

I have Bilstein shocks, 550 lbs front coils and a 9leaf steel spring. I have not driven the car on a racetrack but it corners and handles very well on the road. I'm very happy with this setup.

Looking at your avatar pic - you have 15" rims/tires ? That's the problem right there... these old tires don't grip like modern high perf. tires

 

a fellow vetter has both a 68 vert and 2003 Z06 - he had the '68 restored 3 years ago and dropped an new Lt-1 engine and tranny in as well as having a C4 suspension put on rounding out with 17" rims. He much prefers his 68 over his Z06 for pure driving pleasure - actually uses his Z as a daily driver up here in Toronto. The mech who did the job said that a C4 suspension swap is not too hard and the owner likes it much better than the steeroids he had previously had on the 68.

 

that's because the C4 uses a front steer end take off and not a rear steer center take of, world of difference when it comes to handling.

 

Would you mind explaining that a bit TT? sounds interesting but I didn't come up with any good hits on the search.

Cheers

 

Yeah, I realize the 15" wheels/tires will be the weak link to max out performance and I'm thinking a second set in 17" maybe not to far off too.

Thanks for the opinion, I appreciate it.

Steve