Smart Struts? . . or not!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
Smart Struts? . . or not!
Hey guys, placing an order in the next day or so and looking for opinions.
As stated on a previous thread . . .
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...ng-advice.html
. . . I am setting up my '75 for the occasional autocross and I am down to heim end strut rods. My question is, what if any benefit will going with the Smart Strut with heim ends set-up versus just the heim end struts give me.
Thank you as always for your input.
As stated on a previous thread . . .
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...ng-advice.html
. . . I am setting up my '75 for the occasional autocross and I am down to heim end strut rods. My question is, what if any benefit will going with the Smart Strut with heim ends set-up versus just the heim end struts give me.
Thank you as always for your input.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Heims are the way to go for AX/RR tracking, but while you're at it IMCO you should also eliminate the eccentrics, as they just don't stay put very well under heavy cornering loads.
FWIW, the default camber gain setting should be to locate the inner links 1/2" below stock height relative to the diff, which is pretty much at the top of the SS bracket's slot. The lower are these links, the less [negative] camber gain you'll have, but the only place where you want to eliminate/minimize gain is at the drag strip.
As an alternative, you could just get a strut kit w/camber lock plates (which eliminate the eccentrics) and fab up a simple 1/2" (or other thickness as you see fit) spacer to put above your stock bracket.
FWIW, the default camber gain setting should be to locate the inner links 1/2" below stock height relative to the diff, which is pretty much at the top of the SS bracket's slot. The lower are these links, the less [negative] camber gain you'll have, but the only place where you want to eliminate/minimize gain is at the drag strip.
As an alternative, you could just get a strut kit w/camber lock plates (which eliminate the eccentrics) and fab up a simple 1/2" (or other thickness as you see fit) spacer to put above your stock bracket.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
Heims are the way to go for AX/RR tracking, but while you're at it IMCO you should also eliminate the eccentrics, as they just don't stay put very well under heavy cornering loads.
FWIW, the default camber gain setting should be to locate the inner links 1/2" below stock height relative to the diff, which is pretty much at the top of the SS bracket's slot. The lower are these links, the less [negative] camber gain you'll have, but the only place where you want to eliminate/minimize gain is at the drag strip.
As an alternative, you could just get a strut kit w/camber lock plates (which eliminate the eccentrics) and fab up a simple 1/2" (or other thickness as you see fit) spacer to put above your stock bracket.
FWIW, the default camber gain setting should be to locate the inner links 1/2" below stock height relative to the diff, which is pretty much at the top of the SS bracket's slot. The lower are these links, the less [negative] camber gain you'll have, but the only place where you want to eliminate/minimize gain is at the drag strip.
As an alternative, you could just get a strut kit w/camber lock plates (which eliminate the eccentrics) and fab up a simple 1/2" (or other thickness as you see fit) spacer to put above your stock bracket.
As far as eliminating the eccentrics, it looks like the VBP racing strut rods com with a square plate which, I assume, does just that. Is this correct?
I tried to contact VBP directly but they're on east coast time and gone for the day.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
FYI, the 1/2" adjustment which I advise as a default setting was originally recommended by John Greenwood (see link below for this and much more). Unless actual testing proves a different setting better for a given situation, or unless you're at the drag strip where minimizing camber gain is definitely the correct call, IMCO 1/2" lower than stock (relative to the diff) is where the inner links should be located and left alone. To do so with the SS bracket, you'll need to either find or fab up additional lock plates which accomplish this. If having your own fabbed up isn't something you wish to tackle, let me know and I'll see if I can find a source.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/vip.pdf
edit - You might check to see if VBP is still manufacturing all SS brackets with the adjustment slots offset, front to back, or if they have one available with the slots lined up. The latter would serve better with the heims and locks.
Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; Jan 11, 2013 at 04:24 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Stock bracket welded solid here too.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,802
Likes: 241
From: Niles, MI
FYI, the 1/2" adjustment which I advise as a default setting was originally recommended by John Greenwood (see link below for this and much more). Unless actual testing proves a different setting better for a given situation, or unless you're at the drag strip where minimizing camber gain is definitely the correct call, IMCO 1/2" lower than stock (relative to the diff) is where the inner links should be located and left alone. To do so with the SS bracket, you'll need to either find or fab up additional lock plates which accomplish this. If having your own fabbed up isn't something you wish to tackle, let me know and I'll see if I can find a source.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/vip.pdf
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/vip.pdf
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
FYI there is a more clearly scanned version of the VIP article at VetteMod.com. You'll need to register to download it though. There is also a copy of "Corvette Handling - A Performance Workbook" by Herb Adams. Both are excellent reading if you have a serious interest in Vette suspension.
The one I've been referencing isn't all that great.FWIW, while anything Herb Adams has to say on the subject of chassis engineering is worthy of note to anyone who wishes to become a student of the subject, his favoritism towards the big bars, soft springs (BBSS) school of thought by no means invalidates other setup philosophies.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,802
Likes: 241
From: Niles, MI
Thanks, I'll have to check that scan out. The one I've been referencing isn't all that great.
FWIW, while anything Herb Adams has to say on the subject of chassis engineering is worthy of note to anyone who wishes to become a student of the subject, his favoritism towards the big bars, soft springs (BBSS) school of thought by no means invalidates other setup philosophies.
The one I've been referencing isn't all that great.FWIW, while anything Herb Adams has to say on the subject of chassis engineering is worthy of note to anyone who wishes to become a student of the subject, his favoritism towards the big bars, soft springs (BBSS) school of thought by no means invalidates other setup philosophies.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
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Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; Jan 16, 2013 at 08:20 PM.