bobs76stingray

Can anybody tell me if there are any tech articals showing how to put a C4 suspension in a C3 vette? Thanks

75+78 Corvettes

I know the swap is difficult/expensive/impossible. Almost better off getting an aftermarket tube frame set up for the C4 suspension

MelWff

look at what vette brake products sells for front end.

bobs76stingray

I saw where a guy did it in a 76 vette in Vette magizine.I have to say It was a nice set-up.The artical said the body had to removed and the frame put in a jig to do the swap,it just did'nt get into details.So I was just wonderind how it was done.For myself I will go with the Shark-Bite Front and rear suspension upgrade they offer.It is really slick.

69427

Impossible for some, merely difficult for others.

Lotta work, but very rewarding. OP, what's your fabricating expertise?

The aftermarket frames aren't cheap, but they seem to be quality pieces.

Figure out if you have the talent and time to do this, or if it makes more sense to buy one already completed.

Let us know what you end up doing.

69427

Slick perhaps, but it can't compare to the geometry improvements inherent to the C4 suspension.

7T1vette

I think there are aftermarket suppliers that sell forged aluminum A-arms designed to fit on C3 suspensions. Google around a bit, and I'll bet you can find the info on them. Swapping C4 stuff over to a C3 suspension would be a PITA. You would do better to graft the front end of a C4 onto your existing frame.

mark6669

I put the vette products adjustable front & rear suspension under a 78 20 years ago not that much better handling unless you adjust it so stiff you dont want to drive the car anymore. I currently have a 69 tube chassis with C4 suspension Good ride & handling not cheap but fun to build and drive.
Mark

gcusmano74

One of the biggest advantages the newer cars have over the older models is that the frames on the newer cars are much stiffer. So that any wheel movement is more completely controlled by the suspension. In an old car like a C1, C2 or C3, the frame is pretty much like a Flexible Flyer. So if you put a huge thick stabilizer shaft or some very stiff springs on it, as the car corners, you are twisting the frame almost as much as you are loading the tires.
When I had the body off my C3, I had the (rust free) frame supported at three places. A jackstand under each #3 mount in the rear, and a single jackstand under the engine crossmember in the front. You could see the frame vibrate if you impacted it with something heavy. (A piece of oak, in my case.)
So unless you switch over to a new stiffer frame at the same time, you are putting lipstick on a pig. IMHO.

7t9l82

the c4 frame isn't that rigid either

Joey Genitempo

What about triangulating the frame? Increasing it's strength and rigidity. I am sure a roll cage would help, I have inherited someone elses project, a 77 coupe, in pieces, minus the front suspension. The car is going to be a track car, roll cage, seats, pedals, steering wheel and gauges are the only things that are going to be in the car.

dmaxx3500

look at the factory L88 race cars,in a older ''chevy power''? i saw a section on reinforcing the c3 frame/susp to handle the loads

gcusmano74

Yes. As is said elsewhere in the post, look at the Chevy Power book for some hints. These modifications are generally beyond what anyone would bother with for street use. Check what the racing rules allow for the class you want to compete in.
Have fun. Show us some pics as you go.

GDaina

if you're going to go through that much effort, forget the C4 suspension, move up to C5/C6

oldalaskaman

Its not a difficult as you would think, depending on your skillset, actually most of it is bolt in, with some fabing, here's one version
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...48293060,d.cGE
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...d.php?t=133034

69427

I see that thread took a screeching halt once I started posting.

oldalaskaman

what name do you go buy over there? never mind , figured it out , you do nice work

iokepakai

Look into the Van Steel Coil-Over system for the front and rear.Spreader bar,sway bars,& strut rods.Will probably go this route on my Vette.

PaPaPork

yeah, cause it aint got one....

Joey Genitempo

I saw that, we are looking to be on track by the end of 2014 or early 2015, that may be an option, just cleaning up and reinforcing the frame. Pics to follow soon. Since its just going to be a track toy, it doesn't need to meet any specific regs, or have any mod restrictions.