C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

VBP 360lb spring conversion inquiry

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 28, 2012 | 10:51 PM
  #1  
johnt365's Avatar
johnt365
Thread Starter
Drifting
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
Default VBP 360lb spring conversion inquiry

Just finished changing a worn out 9 leaf on my 74 small block to a 360 lb composite from VBandP. The spring actually said 365lb on it and the install was pretty straight forward. I have Koni Classic shocks set on 5. The car does not bounce around so much anymore but it is by no means harsh.

Now here is my question. What should I be expecting? I have heard guys say it was the best upgrade they made to their cars. I know I have a short memory and perhaps I am not as sensitive to changes as others.

How about this, if I am at a stop with foot on brake and give it some gas, the rear end of the car really squats down. What does that mean, is it normal, good/bad?
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2012 | 12:24 AM
  #2  
Gale Banks 80''s Avatar
Gale Banks 80'
Safety Car
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,717
Likes: 551
From: Seattle Washington
Default

The Car Squating is a C3 suspension issue it probably did it before. John Greenwood devleoped a 4 link style suspension to help this. Just look under any C4 Corvette to see what it looks like.
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2012 | 07:38 AM
  #3  
7T1vette's Avatar
7T1vette
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Default

You have an engine that has been modded and makes pretty good torque....or, the differential case bushing is worn out....or, both.

Either way, loading up your driveshaft is causing some torque-roll of the rear suspension. Not really a problem, if that suspension is adequate for the engine power.
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2012 | 08:26 AM
  #4  
sstopczy's Avatar
sstopczy
Racer
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 338
Likes: 9
From: South Bend IN
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

Originally Posted by 7T1vette
You have an engine that has been modded and makes pretty good torque....or, the differential case bushing is worn out....or, both.

Either way, loading up your driveshaft is causing some torque-roll of the rear suspension. Not really a problem, if that suspension is adequate for the engine power.
I would agree, and I bet it is the differential bushing that is worn out. I changed mine a it helped with the squat.
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2012 | 12:30 PM
  #5  
johnt365's Avatar
johnt365
Thread Starter
Drifting
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
Default

Just got back from a 30 mile drive. I feel the difference now. With the worn out steel spring a dip on the highway would cause the car to start "bounce" 3 or 4 times until it could recover. Now there is one bounce if any. Its not spongy at all but not harsh either. Glad I choose the 360#

A bit more about the install for those thinking of this. These springs have very little arch so I didn't have to jack the spring up, I had to jack the wheel up a little and the bolt dropped right into place.

I think next I will go for the 550 # front springs and a front end rebuild kit.

Thank you to all for sharing their experiences here.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To VBP 360lb spring conversion inquiry





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:10 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE