I just installed a QA1 coil over front end. Suggestions on the rear spring? I really don't want to spend the money for the coil over rear so I was thinking of using the VDP mono - your thoughts?

 

Also meant to ask about shocks, but I guess that really depends on the spring set up.

 

I have mono leaf spring replaced in my 1982 last year when the original was splintering after 27 years. So far it seems to work great.

 

Check out the speed direct coil over rear end if your feeling saucey .
http://speeddirect.com/index.aspx?nodeID=132

Other than that, maybe to completment your QA1s, the VBP dual mount may be the next best thing.

B.

 

I have had a VBP 360 lb single mount spring for 15 years now, it's been fine....at first I had KYB shocks but then changed to the more expensive Bilsteins....and it was worth the money, much better ride quality.....now I also have 460 front springs and same shocks up front too....

highly recommended over any mear steel rear spring......

went and changed it back one day to prove the point....

fuggetaboutit....

 

I can't make any comments about the 400, 420, or 460 rear composite spring since I have never run them. I have a 360 spring in the rear (since 1986) with Bilstein sports ( 30% stiffer than the HD), with poly spring cushions and and competition strut rods with the heim joints. The car rides stiff but still has a decent ride. I also run a 3/4 in OEM style (not the aftermarket end links) rear bar which is much more compatible with the vette IRS.

In the front I have the original 550 spring rates ( new springs 1 in lower), heavy duty Bilsteins ( not the sports), poly upper and lower control arm bushings, the OEM 1 1/8in sway bar with poly end links and mounting bushings, and all new other suspension components.

I also use 255/45/17 ZR's in front and 255/50/17 ZR's in the rear. The car steers and handles fantastic with a decent ride. I very much like my setup with a basically slightly modified L-82 4 spd that originally had the gymkhana suspension. I would lean to a 360 or 400 rear sping with the OEM size sway bar or the 3/4 inch OEM replacement (Mid America) sway bar with poly mounting bushings with the Bilstein sport shocks in the rear at least and the bilstein HD's or sports in the front. Having used various shocks over 25 years, I would stay away from the other shocks especially in the rear with the composite spring. Using a slightly softer spring in the rear with a rear sway bar will give you the handling you want with a decent ride. Shocks are key! I think you can achieve what you want with the 360 spring but along with others, forget the steel spring which is MUCH heavier than composite, rides really rough, and will sag over time!