I'm looking to install a new spring in my small block 69, and would like to know the difference between these two.

How do they compare in terms of ride, handling, installation issues, etc ?

 

I can't speak about the VBP but I've had a TRW on my 71 SB for around 15 years and it's still in good condition.

I'd describe the ride quality as moderate to soft.

HTH

 

What spring # are you looking at? That will make a big difference on the ride quality and handling.

 

I'm looking for good street performance, and may want to do a little autocross. I was thinking of the 360lb VBP, or the 355lb TRW ?

 

VBP unless you want a 4X4 vette

 

The VBP is a good choice and seems to be problem free.

The TRW, mfg'd now by Muskegon Brake or a partner of, has several issues recorded of too much arch in it, and you wont be able to get a normal ride height unless you max out with 10 inch bolts, which may end up digging into your rear tire inner sidewall if you have 4.0 inch backspacing on 15x8.0 inch wheels. Do a search on that for plenty of informative posts.

You might want to also consider the Hypercoil composite. It is very similar to the TRW style design, which is closer to the OEM type and looks very robust (which I like). I havent heard of anyone complaining about this spring, although it seems newer to the market. It may have a more normal arch, so possibly no ride height issues. Van Steel is selling them.

These are the only ones I'm aware of.
Have fun.
Brent.

 

vbp

 

I just spoke with a rep at Vansteel today, and he was extremely helpful, and that goes a long way in my book.

I bought offset TA's from them, great quality! I plan to get a 360# spring from them as well once my core charge for the TA's credited.

Give them a call before you decide.

 

i just removed my broken trw spring and replaced it with a vb&p 360 lb spring on my 71 bb. the trw was on the car when i bought it and looked fine but after the engine and trans rebuild it split when i was lowering the car off the jack stands. the trw spring is alot wider than the vb&p spring at the tires. also, the trw spring was hitting my tires with the 10" lowering bolts that i had to use to get a decent ride height. now i am using the
8" bolts with plenty of spring to tire clearance. vb&p spring was 270 bucks with new 8" bolts and poly lower cushions. can not say about ride quality since i haven't driven much in either. i vote for the vb&p for clearance reasons and ride height. install was a 20 minute easy process (longer for you because i did not have to replace the 8" bolts).

 

you will need some bilstien shocks or equal to handle the rear composite springs.

 

Ride quality is dependent on what you like. If you want a softer ride, obviously you go with a lower spring rate.

Hyperco, TRW and VBP all make good springs. Each have a different theory on how to build a spring. Hyperco uses a high arch spring with low spring rates. My Hyperco EZ Ride spring is 200#'s which is equivilant to a stock 9 leaf. The next spring rate up is a 330# spring.

TRW uses the same approach as Hyperco since they both use GM molds for their springs. TRW just doesn't go as low as the Hyperco in spring rate. I think the lowest rate is 315#'s. Not sure, don't sell them.

VBP uses a low arch spring with a higher spring rate but you have to use the 8" spring bolts no matter what. Not that it's a bad thing.

With different spring rates also comes different shocks. KYB GR2's or Bilsteins work best. When you choose your spring rate, the company you buy them from should be able to tell you what shock will work best with that spring. The 2 different shocks have different rebound rates and the nose pressure rates and they should be matched to the spring.

Couple other things to watch for with a fiberglass spring. Keep heat off the spring. Exhaust heat can cause premature failure. Normally header wrap around the spring and/or around the exhaust will help the heat issue out.

Another thing is do not use any acidic(spelling?) based cleaners to clean the spring. This will and can cause the spring to split. Just use a wet rag if you have to keep it looking clean.

Hope this helps.

Dan

 

i just put header wrap around my pipes and used a reflective self adhesive foil to wrap around my new vb&p springs.

 

Dan,

Looking for a soft ride in my 89.
Thinking VanSteel FE1 rate/228#.

Can you recommend shocks to match?

Thx,
Jack

 

VBP 360 composite-on the car since 1986-zero issues. GM spring bolts-normal height. No special reflective material on spring or pipes-exhaust 1-2 inches from factory shield. Bilstein Sports. Never had an issue with anything.

 

I have my front coil over set up from van steel getting ready to buy the rear coil over set up, building a clone to Danny Popps car .

 

i just got the 550 front springs and 360 rear spring from VBP and I'm going to use the QA-1 shocks. it is all going in first of next week.

 

I have a 360 VBP spring on my 73. I have side pipes so no worry about the exhaust heat damaging it. I also have the firm bilstein shocks. Will do the 550 VBP front springs when I rebuild the front suspension.

VBP springs have a good cut on the end so they don't over hang to much and do not rub on my aftermarket 17" tires/wheels. That was a concern but after installing no issues.

 

QA1 offers a ride oriented shock for C4's. We have been using them with good results.