1974 FE7 option
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 330
Likes: 3
From: Wellington, New Zealand
1974 FE7 option
I was working on the rear suspension of my 1974 L48 4 spd coupe yesterday and noticed that I have a 7 leaf rear spring, does this mean I have the FE7 option? The car is fairly low optioned, basic interior, wind windows etc. This would be a nice surprise! Apart from the build sheet is there any other way I can tell if it is a FE7 option car?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 330
Likes: 3
From: Wellington, New Zealand
There is no sway bar fitted and I doubt that one has been removed. I was under the impression that normal suspension had a 9 leaf spring and the FE7 option had a 7 leaf spring.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 330
Likes: 3
From: Wellington, New Zealand
My front sway bar is under 1 inch, can't remember what fraction though (that's the problem with living in a metric system country)! I don't know how my car got a 7 leaf rear spring? The bolts on the rear suspension are so seized I doubt that it has been played with before, I'm having a hell of a time trying to remove the strut rods and shock mounts. I have already broken a good quality 3/4 ring end spanner on the camber adjusting nuts!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
And you're correct...FE7 had the 7 leaf spring while base was the 9 leaf. Front springs are the GM# 340591...same as those used in the earlier Z07 option (1973-75). Broadcast code tag is AA. The other upgards are the shocks. Rear shocks if original would carry the GM# 4984578 and fronts carry the GM# 4984577. Front sway bar was same as that for F41, Z07, ZR1 and ZR2.
So FE7 in 1974 was equipped with rear spring, front coil springs and shocks. Front bar is a 9/16" diameter rod in contrast to the front bar introduced in 75 measuring in at 1 1/8" Let us know what you find.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 330
Likes: 3
From: Wellington, New Zealand
Nice option for an L48 four-speed car. In 1974, Corvette had yet to include either the rear sway bar or the big front bar. That came in 75...so you could very well have the real deal for 74.
And you're correct...FE7 had the 7 leaf spring while base was the 9 leaf. Front springs are the GM# 340591...same as those used in the earlier Z07 option (1973-75). Broadcast code tag is AA. The other upgards are the shocks. Rear shocks if original would carry the GM# 4984578 and fronts carry the GM# 4984577. Front sway bar was same as that for F41, Z07, ZR1 and ZR2.
So FE7 in 1974 was equipped with rear spring, front coil springs and shocks. Front bar is a 9/16" diameter rod in contrast to the front bar introduced in 75 measuring in at 1 1/8" Let us know what you find.
And you're correct...FE7 had the 7 leaf spring while base was the 9 leaf. Front springs are the GM# 340591...same as those used in the earlier Z07 option (1973-75). Broadcast code tag is AA. The other upgards are the shocks. Rear shocks if original would carry the GM# 4984578 and fronts carry the GM# 4984577. Front sway bar was same as that for F41, Z07, ZR1 and ZR2.
So FE7 in 1974 was equipped with rear spring, front coil springs and shocks. Front bar is a 9/16" diameter rod in contrast to the front bar introduced in 75 measuring in at 1 1/8" Let us know what you find.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 330
Likes: 3
From: Wellington, New Zealand
I looked up my tank sticker but it is in such poor condition that I am unable to see most of the option codes. I did manage to remove part of a sticker that was wrapped around one of the front springs and it appears to have a CW on it and a number that is something like xxxx29. Does anybody know that codes for front springs?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
I looked up my tank sticker but it is in such poor condition that I am unable to see most of the option codes. I did manage to remove part of a sticker that was wrapped around one of the front springs and it appears to have a CW on it and a number that is something like xxxx29. Does anybody know that codes for front springs?
