Optional - FE7 Suspension
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Optional - FE7 Suspension
Yes Sir; Can anyone tell me all the changes required to change a standard suspension, into the Gymkhana FE7 optional suspension. I see only about 5,457 out of only 25,407 cars built in 1982, came with the Gymkhana FE7 suspension. Thanks, & have a great day. Gene
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,316
Likes: 4,421
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi DG,
Although I can't help with part numbers, I'd think FE7 consisted of changes in the specs for front and rear springs, front and rear shock absorbers, front sway bar, and the addition of a rear sway bar.
Regards,
Alan
Although I can't help with part numbers, I'd think FE7 consisted of changes in the specs for front and rear springs, front and rear shock absorbers, front sway bar, and the addition of a rear sway bar.
Regards,
Alan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
1. Special front springs and shocks
2. Special rear (7 leaf) spring and matching shocks
3. Special front stabilizer bar (1 3/32") with H/D rubber mounting hardware.
4. Special rear stabillizer bar (7/16') with H/D rubber mounting hardware.
2. Special rear (7 leaf) spring and matching shocks
3. Special front stabilizer bar (1 3/32") with H/D rubber mounting hardware.
4. Special rear stabillizer bar (7/16') with H/D rubber mounting hardware.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,462
Likes: 985
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
Here is what the differences were in 78:
1. Front sway bar 1 1/8 inch front bar versus about a 7/8 inch front bar on the base suspension.
2. Front springs are 550lbs/in versus 460 lb/in for the base suspension
3.7 leaf steel HD monospring that I believe was 330 lb/in versus the 9 leaf steel spring that was 260 lb/in.
4. 7/16 in rear bar versus no rear bar on the base suspension cars.
5. Not sure if the shocks were different but I would think that they have different shocks as well.
6. Most of the gymkhana suspension cars also had the wheel option of 255/60/15 tires with the aluminum wheels versus the 225/70/15 base tires. BUT I believe that the wheels were not part of the FE7 suspension package.
1. Front sway bar 1 1/8 inch front bar versus about a 7/8 inch front bar on the base suspension.
2. Front springs are 550lbs/in versus 460 lb/in for the base suspension
3.7 leaf steel HD monospring that I believe was 330 lb/in versus the 9 leaf steel spring that was 260 lb/in.
4. 7/16 in rear bar versus no rear bar on the base suspension cars.
5. Not sure if the shocks were different but I would think that they have different shocks as well.
6. Most of the gymkhana suspension cars also had the wheel option of 255/60/15 tires with the aluminum wheels versus the 225/70/15 base tires. BUT I believe that the wheels were not part of the FE7 suspension package.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Yes Sir; Thank-you, Alan71 , Duke94 , & jb78L-82. I appreciate all your help. I will try to find out more about the shocks. I wonder if Bilstein H. D. would suffice. After reading about their Sports shocks are for use in lowered cars. ( Which I don't understand. ) Lots of Laughs, I don't understand a lot of things. I guess you get that way after being in business for 41 years. If any of you can tell me where I might beg, borrow, or buy a book with that info., I would be grateful. Have a great day. Gene
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Base is 300fr spring, ~180-200 rear spring. (Can't remember the rear.)
The 460# spring is an aftermarket creation that was kind of a go-between, it's just a 550# spring with more coils.
I believe you're correct, wheels and suspension are separate.
I can look up the actual specs for the base rear spring when I get home, if people are interested.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,708
Likes: 3,159
From: Shamong, NJ
As others have said, the FE7 added a rear sway bar, a larger front bar, slightly different valved shocks and heavier front springs. Though the biggest difference between the standard and Gymkhana suspension in 82 was the use of a steel 7 leaf spring in place of the standard plastic monoleaf rear spring. FE7 could be ordered with the standard P225/70 tires, or the optional P255/60s. The majority of FE7 cars also got aluminum wheels, because the majority of 78-82 Corvettes left the factory with aluminum wheels.
Last edited by gbvette62; Jul 7, 2010 at 12:59 AM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Yes Sir, Mr. Shark Racer, Thank-you for the added info. & yes please look up more info. if you get the time. I'm trying to find all info. possible, on this Gymkhana FE7 suspension set-up, for the 1982. ( I added an aftermarket rear sway bar, had to remove, because it was steering me off the roadway. ) I have bought the OEM GM rear & front sway bars, with new poly bushing added. I have the heavy duty Delco shocks, now, but can buy the H. D. Bilstein to go along with this set-up. Thank-you all, again for your help. Gene
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Yes Sir, Mr. Shark Racer, Thank-you for the added info. & yes please look up more info. if you get the time. I'm trying to find all info. possible, on this Gymkhana FE7 suspension set-up, for the 1982. ( I added an aftermarket rear sway bar, had to remove, because it was steering me off the roadway. ) I have bought the OEM GM rear & front sway bars, with new poly bushing added. I have the heavy duty Delco shocks, now, but can buy the H. D. Bilstein to go along with this set-up. Thank-you all, again for your help. Gene
The rest of the info provided by jb78L-82 and me is correct.
