If I purchase this for my 81, what else will I need.

http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...&SubGroup=1957

I really want to do a full re-build this winter, and this is looking like an awesome choice. I know I need trailing arms, because mine a shot, and these look great. I'm looking to upgrade to some bigger wheels. (17 or 18"? Also, much wider)

What else do I need for a full rear-end rebuild?

Also, how does this compare to VBP's Performance Plus system?

http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=475

I know VBP's kit has front suspension components, but I can get by with just rear for now.

All input welcome!

 

I suppose I should be a little more specific.

I have the original suspension all around on my 81, minus a 'glass spring of unknown origin in the back, and the whole thing is just a wreck. It's seen too many winters, so all of the bushings are rotted out. The trialing arms are beginning to pull apart where the 2 peices of C channel meet, and are also quite rusty. The shocks are rather squeaky and in general too soft for my liking. Parking brake does not work (cable is rusted through and cut, so it may actually work, I just don't want it to get stuck, so I leave it alone)

Front suspension is also all original, minus new ball joints, idler arm, and tie rod end links I did in the spring. That all seems to be in somewhat decent condition for now. What really concerns me is the back end.

I want this car to handle like it's on rails. At the same time, $$ isn't flowing out of my wallet, so I'm on somewhat of a budget.

Down the road I'd like to put on maybe Z06 wheels or some deep dish 5 spoke, but that can be determined later.

What I need to know, is what is the best total rebuild kit out there. I know I need trailing arms, and while I'm in it that far, I figure I'll just do the whole damned suspension in the rear. I know coilovers are superior to separate shock/spring setups. However, I don't know what else I need to take out what I have, and make it drivable again, saying that I do go with the VanSteel package.

Finally, if I have offset trailing arms (which I really don't know that much about), are there some sort of spacers that allow me to run my stock wheel/tire combo unti I get my other wheels later down the line?

 

Your hub location don't change with offset arms, They jist allow more backspace on the rim. That said I got a nice set of stock TA's for $200 in the parts for sale section. If you are on a budget these might be a better option. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1857115

 

So I can run my stock wheels on offset t/a's with no problem until I get my bigger wheels?

 

Yes.

 

Here is my big question are the Coilovers that much of an advantage over one of the kits that does front and rear transverse glass springs. As being new to the inner workings of a Vette (well the older ones at least) I never really thought of the transverse springs. I'm sure you guys know what I'm talking about but I'll put a link anyways.



Like this....http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=475


Or this......http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...p=1911&ID=2319


Then all you do is add these......http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...p=1801&ID=1837

I'm thinking this will cover pretty much everything.

 

Oh and maybe add one of these http://www.vbandp.com/detail.aspx?ID=856

Or the "rack attack". The verdict is still out.

 

Anybody? Is there a real advantage of the coil-overs to the dual mono leaf set up? I wanna know. Thanks.

 

From what website descriptions say, it has something to do with faster spring rates. Everything I've heard about on this forum says that they're better, too.

 

I know they are better than say a four spring coil system like on my G-body and definatley better than a coil front and a leaf rear set up. I plan on doing a coil over set up on my Blazer with a set of Global West arms up front and a Triangulated 4-link in the rear. But like I said in earlier post I'm still figuring out the details about the inner workings of Vettes especially the C3. Also I thought they were doing pretty good with the tranverse springs on the C4/5/6.

Really like i said I'm just trying to learn.

So I guess the main question is more of how much better are the coilovers as compared to the transverse springs?

 

i don't think the wheel or chassis knows what kind spring is installed. i think the biggest advantage that coil-overs have is the ability and range of adjustment.

 

For wath I know the main advantage is the direct control of the spring operated by the shock in a coliover system.

Normally the kinematic system is closed via some rubber bushings..... and this is not so good for the dumpening of the spring oscillations.

A coliover will act as a single unit.

Moreover the dumpening of a fibergless leaf spring is a lot more critical.... because of the very quicker responce in rebound if compared to a steel spring.

 

I'm not sure just yet but I think for the lil lady the transverse set up with the rack will be the right set up. Still looking for a C3 project car. I think the guy with the '82 got cold feet. So I'm looking for a '78-'79 L82 project car. Only real concern is for it to have little to no rust so something from the south.

 

the advantage of a coilover spring is not only the adjustability, but the fact that your handling will improve drastically. A leaf spring doesnt have a consistent spring rate like a coilover does.
When you load a leaf spring, the more load it takes, the harder it pushes back.

 

It all depends what your plans are for the car.
If its a track car then I'd consider the coil-overs.
If its a street car then get the VBP perf plus kit and offset TA's and call it a day.
I have the perf plus kit and it handles great. Has everything you need and is made to handle the stress of an auto-x event so I know it can handle the street.
Unless its a track car you won't notice or benefit from the difference.
The main advantage of a coil over kit is your ability to adjust each individual wheel with spring rate and shock adjustablility.
You can do that with the perf plus kit but its not as good.
Either way the offset TA's are a must. Run your stock rims/tires until you can afford bigger ones then just bolt them on.
Since your doing TA's and they will be rebuilt upgrade the wheel studs to 1/2" now and you'll thank yourself later. Trust me.