Suspension upgrade time!
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
Suspension upgrade time!
Ok, so I've decided to upgrade my suspension on my 73. I've done a little
research and am stuck between the sharkbite "Instigator" kit or the VBP Performance Plus kit. Im kinda leaning towards the coilovers for the looks, but I cant find any reviews on how well they work besides the adds. Ive also read that the VBP set is difficult to set up. Anyone have these kits installed? Pics would be great.
research and am stuck between the sharkbite "Instigator" kit or the VBP Performance Plus kit. Im kinda leaning towards the coilovers for the looks, but I cant find any reviews on how well they work besides the adds. Ive also read that the VBP set is difficult to set up. Anyone have these kits installed? Pics would be great.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I can't comment on the Shark bite kit as I have not heard to much about it. I have the complete VB system on mine and I really like the adjustability of it. You can alter the ride height and spring rate very quickly and easily. As for the setup, it is a pretty easy install.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Leominster MA
I just ordered and got in the mail my tubular a-arm/coil over system from van steel. I have to admit they are great people to talk to and helpful. My entire front suspension and steering linkage have been removed and ready to go. As far as the rear so far all i did was the fiber spring, shocks, adjustable rods. (someday ill do the trailing arms).
I also bought a brake kit from van steel also. Slotted/dimpled rotors, new delco calipers and hawk pads.
Give them a look at, they make some cool stuff.
I also bought a brake kit from van steel also. Slotted/dimpled rotors, new delco calipers and hawk pads.
Give them a look at, they make some cool stuff.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Leominster MA
I have one, unfortunately I have not put it in yet, maybe next week, but you can see one here :
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...installed.html
Seems pretty straight forward to install, looks almost easier than a stock system would be (I HOPE).
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...installed.html
Seems pretty straight forward to install, looks almost easier than a stock system would be (I HOPE).
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
The front kit is a bolt-on kit. The rear kit is pretty much bolt-on with the exception of the upper rear shock mount. We supply a reinforcement bracket that we recommend welding in. You also need to drill the hole in the upper rear mount to accept a 1/2" bolt. I don't have any pics as my computer crashed awhile ago and I lost a ton of pics.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 3
From: Tampa / Ft. Myers FL
Dan,
Go ahead and post the ones of mine when you get it put back together.
KOB345, I'm getting the offset trailing arms and coilovers on all four corners; all done by the guys at Van Steel, so it was easy
. they are powdercoating my frame (my oven is not big enough), rebuilding the rear end and Offset T/As, normally I would do it all myself but they have the expertise to adjust runout, and of course the great warranty. Good to be living near those guys, but it causes me to spend more $$$...
Go ahead and post the ones of mine when you get it put back together.
KOB345, I'm getting the offset trailing arms and coilovers on all four corners; all done by the guys at Van Steel, so it was easy
. they are powdercoating my frame (my oven is not big enough), rebuilding the rear end and Offset T/As, normally I would do it all myself but they have the expertise to adjust runout, and of course the great warranty. Good to be living near those guys, but it causes me to spend more $$$...
Last edited by MyRed69; Apr 30, 2010 at 02:34 PM.
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Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
Dan,
Go ahead and post the ones of mine when you get it put back together.
KOB345, I'm getting the offset trailing arms and coilovers on all four corners; all done by the guys at Van Steel, so it was easy . they are powdercoating my frame (my oven is not big enough), rebuilding the rear end and Offset T/As, normally I would do it all myself but they have the expertise to adjust runout, and of course the great warranty. Good to be living near those guys, but it causes me to spend more $$$...
Go ahead and post the ones of mine when you get it put back together.
KOB345, I'm getting the offset trailing arms and coilovers on all four corners; all done by the guys at Van Steel, so it was easy
. they are powdercoating my frame (my oven is not big enough), rebuilding the rear end and Offset T/As, normally I would do it all myself but they have the expertise to adjust runout, and of course the great warranty. Good to be living near those guys, but it causes me to spend more $$$...
Come by next Friday if you can. I should have the frame back from powder. We can do 6 frames at a time.
Yours and another one are going in early next week.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 825
Likes: 0
From: Hanging out back with the dark horses. Wa.
I in stalled the VBP performance plus system and it was not to hard. shaved off alot of weight and is fully adjustable. came complete with a frontend rebuild kit. have not driven the car yet but should have it smoking tires here real soon. well worth the money....
