Feedback on different front spring rates
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: woodinville washington
Feedback on different front spring rates
I have a 75 that I am in the process of nuturing back to health. I believe the stock spring rates are 300LB. As the car is 35 years old they naturally seem soft or worn out.
I would like to hear some feedback from users who have swapped their springs out. I am looking at a springs with rates of 460 and 550 LBS. I will also be swapping out to Bilstein shocks, and their are a couple of differing models their as well.
Just looking for feedback and advice on the spring rates and if you can offer any feedback on the shocks that would also be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks in advance for any and all replies.
I would like to hear some feedback from users who have swapped their springs out. I am looking at a springs with rates of 460 and 550 LBS. I will also be swapping out to Bilstein shocks, and their are a couple of differing models their as well.
Just looking for feedback and advice on the spring rates and if you can offer any feedback on the shocks that would also be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks in advance for any and all replies.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Thanks for asking. I, unfortunately do not have the info that you seek, but need the same.I am about to replace the shocks on my 79 and thinking about doing the springs while I'm at it. I was hoping to improve the handling as much as possible with just the spring and shock change. I have studied it quite a bit here and wound up going with the Bilstein Sports.
Last edited by Rick's; Jul 7, 2010 at 07:25 PM. Reason: Added shock info.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '03,'11
I have the 550s and they are absolutely brutal on these crappy patched up roads in New England.
The car rolls like a pig with the stock springs though. Look like a fool on the roadcourse.
acutally i think this pict is with the 550's
The car rolls like a pig with the stock springs though. Look like a fool on the roadcourse.
acutally i think this pict is with the 550's
Last edited by turtlevette; Jul 7, 2010 at 09:33 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,864
Likes: 960
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
I ran the 460# springs briefly (tried the soft spring, big bar philosophy), but I got tired of almost rubbing the chrome off the front bumper every time I stomped on the brakes. Too softly sprung for my taste.
I next tried the 550# springs. Not bad. Firm, but acceptable given that the roads around town weren't too beat up. However, they were on the ragged edge of being too soft when running on smooth tracks with sticky tires.
I've since converted to a C4 suspension, but I'm currently running the same wheel rate as the 550# springs. I think there's a good chance that I'll be bumping up the spring rate a bit more in the future.
I next tried the 550# springs. Not bad. Firm, but acceptable given that the roads around town weren't too beat up. However, they were on the ragged edge of being too soft when running on smooth tracks with sticky tires.
I've since converted to a C4 suspension, but I'm currently running the same wheel rate as the 550# springs. I think there's a good chance that I'll be bumping up the spring rate a bit more in the future.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: woodinville washington
So I have two people with naturally different opinions. The car will not be run at a track, but after the front end is done I am then going onto a full rearend build. Within the next year I am looking at a 350-400 HP motor. So though it will not be a track car I would like the performance for occasional fun on the roads.
Thanks for the input so far, would encourage all to vent their opinions on the spring rates and Bilstein sport shocks. The more opinions the better for me to make a more educated decision as I want to do this only once....Thanks everyone!!
Thanks for the input so far, would encourage all to vent their opinions on the spring rates and Bilstein sport shocks. The more opinions the better for me to make a more educated decision as I want to do this only once....Thanks everyone!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
Looks like your Vette is a 75-77 model, the FE-7 Gymkahna package had 550 in/lb springs when that option box was checked on the order form when your Vette was new. That is what I would install if I were you.
Shocks have a greater influence on ride quality, Bilstein HD shocks will ride way better than Bilstein Sport shocks on any give spring rate.
Shocks have a greater influence on ride quality, Bilstein HD shocks will ride way better than Bilstein Sport shocks on any give spring rate.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 341
Likes: 29
From: vancouver washington
My car came with the FE7 package. Great for flying around corners but real rough cruising around town in a civil manner. In April of this year I did a complete suspension overhaul front and rear. Put on VBP 460lb gt front sping and 330lb glass rear spring. Already had new kyb gas adjust shocks. Didnt get to drive the car much because of bad spring weather and now a trany failure but first impresion is much smoother cruise ride. Not sure I like the rear glass spring. What I read is go with a better shock suited for the fast reacting fiberglass spring. Sorry I cant be more help, I just havent driven the car enough to make a good judgement on the swap.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
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From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Since you're apparently not after outright performance IMHO the FE7 springs should be the stiffest ones to consider, and even those could prove too much if comfort is a big priority. Whatever you decide, remember to pair the bar(s) and springs properly, front to rear. Agree you should choose the Bilstein HD's over Sports.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: woodinville washington
Well after considerations I made my purchase from VB&P. I purchased the Front Rebuild Kit W/Poly Bushings. For springs I went with the 460LB GT Spring. For shocks I went with the Bilstein Sport Shock. I have a couple further questions for you all if you don't mind as well.
1) Should I also look into a 1 1/4" front sway bar kit?
2) VB&P also offers there upgraded steering box which seems to me the exact same thing that Borgeson offers only theres is about 1k. Is their any difference between the two units besides price?
3) After what I have purchased for the front end is there anything further you all would recommend?
And again thanks for any and all responses.
1) Should I also look into a 1 1/4" front sway bar kit?
2) VB&P also offers there upgraded steering box which seems to me the exact same thing that Borgeson offers only theres is about 1k. Is their any difference between the two units besides price?
3) After what I have purchased for the front end is there anything further you all would recommend?
And again thanks for any and all responses.
Last edited by JB46; Jul 9, 2010 at 11:27 AM.
