Rear leaf spring
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 197
Likes: 27
From: New Jersey
I'm still on the fence about it. A little better ride would be nice and maybe eliminate some of the noises back there. I have to go look at the shocks i put in and see what i installed.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 44
From: East TN
I have VBP's rear dual mount spring that was part of the Performance Plus suspension kit I bought. You can adjust the firmness of the spring. I have it set to the softest setting, all the way in, move the bolts out for a more firm setting. I run Bilstein Sport shocks also.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
I have a VBP 360? rear plastic spring, with their Bilstine shocks and there is NO comparison with the stock junk.....your ride is far superior....
too boot you knock 500 lbs of lead off your ***......
too boot you knock 500 lbs of lead off your ***......
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 279
From: New York
This may help:
http://www.duntovmotors.com/tech-rear-leaf-springs.php
I spoke to Dick Guldstrand about this. Dick Guldstrand, who has raced more than I ever have was of the opinion that for his application the interleaf friction was desirable and steel was superior. He did have cars with both. I have only run steel springs (stock, F-41 and Daytona) so I can’t comment on a fiberglass spring.
http://www.duntovmotors.com/tech-rear-leaf-springs.php
I spoke to Dick Guldstrand about this. Dick Guldstrand, who has raced more than I ever have was of the opinion that for his application the interleaf friction was desirable and steel was superior. He did have cars with both. I have only run steel springs (stock, F-41 and Daytona) so I can’t comment on a fiberglass spring.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 379
From: Woodinville WA
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 871
Likes: 73
From: Memphis Tennessee
Hyperco 330 pound springs, longer bolts, and this is how it looked when I first got it down.
Fiberglass spring is thinner than the stock steel, so it comes with a spacer to allow you to attach it with the stock bolts. I was told by Eckler's that the spacer went in between the spring and the rear end cover. I think they were wrong.
Fiberglass spring is thinner than the stock steel, so it comes with a spacer to allow you to attach it with the stock bolts. I was told by Eckler's that the spacer went in between the spring and the rear end cover. I think they were wrong.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Considering some of the spring rates and rear bar sizes I see here on the CF, IMCO this seems an appropriate place to mention for those who may have missed the fundamental fact that increasing rear anti-roll stiffness (whether by adding bar and/or a firmer spring) will necessarily shift balance towards, if not into, oversteer. So, do bear in mind that many a car with too much rear stiffness will seem to handle great right up until it bites you in the backside. My $.02
Per a prior conversation with Dick's shop on the topic, he had experimented with several 'glass springs before deciding none satisfied him, which is why he doesn't even offer them for the C3. Steel F41 rear spring here, with narrowed main leaf from Guldstrand (and no rear bar).
This may help:
http://www.duntovmotors.com/tech-rear-leaf-springs.php
I spoke to Dick Guldstrand about this. Dick Guldstrand, who has raced more than I ever have was of the opinion that for his application the interleaf friction was desirable and steel was superior. He did have cars with both. I have only run steel springs (stock, F-41 and Daytona) so I can’t comment on a fiberglass spring.
http://www.duntovmotors.com/tech-rear-leaf-springs.php
I spoke to Dick Guldstrand about this. Dick Guldstrand, who has raced more than I ever have was of the opinion that for his application the interleaf friction was desirable and steel was superior. He did have cars with both. I have only run steel springs (stock, F-41 and Daytona) so I can’t comment on a fiberglass spring.
Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; Jan 24, 2013 at 10:36 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 9
Everyone has their own opinion.
Here's mine.
The high rate composite springs are not a good idea. The spring rate is often 50% or more higher than stock. The arch on the spring is very much less than stock. So much less that, when adjusted to a nice ride height, the high rate (300 lb/in or more) composite spring does not even push the suspension to it's full downward travel. The wheels rattle loosely for an inch or so before the spring begins to engage the suspension. These stiff springs require very stiff shocks to control them. Many fellows like the Bilstein Sports for this type of application.
The Hyperco EZ Ride is a composite spring with a 180 to 200 lb/in rate. Almost identical to the standard "9 leaf" spring. It has enough arch so that the spring is actually doing something throughout the entire suspension travel, and can be controlled with a street type shock absorber (Monroe, Delco, etc. You can use the Bilstein HD's as well.). My vote is for the Hyperco EZ Ride.
Here's mine.
The high rate composite springs are not a good idea. The spring rate is often 50% or more higher than stock. The arch on the spring is very much less than stock. So much less that, when adjusted to a nice ride height, the high rate (300 lb/in or more) composite spring does not even push the suspension to it's full downward travel. The wheels rattle loosely for an inch or so before the spring begins to engage the suspension. These stiff springs require very stiff shocks to control them. Many fellows like the Bilstein Sports for this type of application.
The Hyperco EZ Ride is a composite spring with a 180 to 200 lb/in rate. Almost identical to the standard "9 leaf" spring. It has enough arch so that the spring is actually doing something throughout the entire suspension travel, and can be controlled with a street type shock absorber (Monroe, Delco, etc. You can use the Bilstein HD's as well.). My vote is for the Hyperco EZ Ride.
Last edited by gcusmano74; Jan 25, 2013 at 11:38 PM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 44
From: East TN
The new composite springs suspension I installed handles way better than the stock suspension did. It takes turns like its on rails now. Stock suspension doesn't even come close to this one. The sacrifice is that the ride is more harsh. I've driven with both, so this is just my opinion.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,361
Likes: 1,592
From: Western NY
I installed a VB&P 330 lb/in spring, along with Monroe Gas-Matic shocks on a '79 that my wife used to own. I did this around '94-'95. The change in ride quality was dramatic. It actually rode like a car, not a buckboard, and I had no issues whatsoever with ride height.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Lewisburg WV
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,495
Likes: 134
From: Blanco County, TX