For those that didn't see my previous post ( http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=241289 ), I took my car to Guldstrand Motorsports to have suspension components replaced/upgraded. WOW! I absolutely love the way the car steers and handles now! The ride is firm and controlled without being harsh, plus it's flat in the turns. I haven't pushed it really hard yet (ok, I got the tail out a couple times.....driver ineptitude), but so far I'm having a blast!! I also got a picture of me with Dick Guldstrand.

There were a few parts listed from the original post that were not installed. I only needed one u-joint, and the parts weren't available for the spreader bar. I may order the one from VB, and get it welded locally. Dick also recommended that I not install the bump steer kit, because it increases the turning circle by quite a bit. He said that it was for race cars, and I wouldn't be happy with the modification on a street car. I'm extremely satified with their quality of work, and their recommendations for suspension components. The only scary part was when I received the bill for labor......it was twice the estimate :eek: ! They had some real challenges while dismantling the rear suspension, and it took them awhile to work thru the problems. Oh well.....I'm really happy with the handling now, and that's what matters :D

 

Mark,

Glad to hear it's finished and on the road, I knew you'd like it. I worked with them on gathering parts for my rebuild and everything was right on the money and performed the way they said it would. I'm a very satisfied customer. Now if only I could hit the lotto and get that 5-link :cheers:

 

Beautiful car, and glad to hear Guldstrand turned out so well. Care to elaborate on what you had done and the price? I plan on fixing up my 'vette's suspension next year, and haven't decided whether to do VB&P and order a six-link kit or see what Guldstrand has to offer.
Could you liken the car's handling to a C4 now?
-Steve

 

Mark, that is a beautiful car!

 

"Dick also recommended that I not install the bump steer kit, because it increases the turning circle by quite a bit. He said that it was for race cars, and I wouldn't be happy with the modification on a street car"

Amazing (not really) Guldstrand had the chance to sell and install even more and didn`t take it, He is a class act!! I bet someone else would of tried to sell you every part in the catalog, whether you need it or not!! (can you say "monster rear sway bars") ...redvetracr

 

I met Dick some years ago in Germany at a Corvette Meeting, nice guy, send him my regards!!!

 

Mark congrats on your new suspension. Nothing like getting our cars to drive like new (or better) again. :yesnod:

You weren't by any chance in Syracuse NY about a week ago were you?

 

AWESOME! Thanks for the update. Was wondering how it went for you. At least its back on the road and driving better than ever.

Thats an awesome pic of your car in your sig!
-terry

 

The picture in your sig looks fantastic :yesnod: :yesnod: great looking vette

 

Clad to hear it turned out all right. BTW you car looks very :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

 

That is one awesome car!! Glad to hear it all worked out and you're back on the road..... :cool:

 

beautiful car!!! :eek: :cool:

 

Awesome shot of your car Mark. Gulstrand looks like the "mad professor" in that shot. :D

 

Awesome Mark......

BTW- that tire and Rim combo is sweet...can you tell me what your running? size, etc.

 

:cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

 

Hey everyone, thanks for the compliments!! The car is so much fun to drive
now, but I'm not getting nearly enough seat-time!! Work is really starting
to interfere with my fun! :D

C3 Shark Tank: Thanks for the feedback on your Guldstrand setup! It helped
me feel more comfortable about going ahead with the work. You were right on
the money about the ride comfort.

Steve (Pacin California):If you check out my original post, you can see a
parts list. I don't have the prices with me right now, but I can try to
email them to you, if you'd like. In talking to Guldstrand and other forum
members, I know he only uses the best materials for his parts. They might be
a little more expensive, but they are of excellent quality. Other people
have been happy with VB products, but I picked Guldstrand, and I'm very
happy with my choice. I've never driven a C4 hard, so I can't really compare
the handling. We are still talking old tech vs newer tech, so I'd have to
believe that the C4 will outhandle my car (any thoughts from others?)

SmokedTires: I'm really having fun driving now. Nope, I have never been in
Syracuse NY.....

Len (1970 Stingray): :D :lol: It's funny.....he kinda looks that way, now that
you mention it!

ylose: I'm running (like lots of others) American Racing TTII's, 16x8 with
4" backspacing. The tires are Sumitomo HTRZ 255-50/16's.

redvetracr & 454Big: Dick is a great guy.....lots of integrity. He is truly
concerned about getting the right setup for you and your driving style. I
enjoyed talking with him.

BrattyBlonde: Thanks for the compliments! Hope to see your shiny blue '79!!


[Modified by Mark70, 7:03 PM 3/19/2002]

 

Mark, did you ever get those Corbeau seats?

 

The picture in my signature shows the Corbeau A4's installed in the car. I was going to start another thread, as soon as I got some additional questions answered by the vendor. I may just start the thread anyway, since he hasn't answered my email yet.

 

Mark70,
Were you there when ex racer "Doug Hooper" was there?? He is some kind of consultant for DG and an absolute "Riot" a 60 year old man who thinks he is still about 25. ...redvetracr

 

redvetracr
Unfortunately, I didn't get to see Doug. If I have a chance to swing by again, I'll ask about him. Did he race Corvettes in the 60's? I saw an article at the National Corvette Museum that refers to Doug Hooper. http://www.corvettemuseum.com/librar...ine/1960.shtml
I also saw the race results from the 2001 Monterey Historics, and Doug Hooper from Highland Park, CA competed in a 1956 Corvette (DNF). I wonder if he's the same guy?