VBP 420# Spring
Racer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From: NW sub of chicago IL
that's not the best route to go for ride height. You will basically be putting more weight on the same size bolt which in turn will lift the car more and give you a taller ride height, but your half shaft will be at angles and put more strain on that part of your drive train.
All springs are made with the intention that the half shafts will be as straight as possible at rest by adjusting the length of your bolts. It really doesn't matter the weight of the spring since you could achieve the same result with longer bolts. The best way to increase ride height and keep your half shafts level is bigger tires.
All springs are made with the intention that the half shafts will be as straight as possible at rest by adjusting the length of your bolts. It really doesn't matter the weight of the spring since you could achieve the same result with longer bolts. The best way to increase ride height and keep your half shafts level is bigger tires.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I have the 420# with my stock length bolts. I have 1/2 -3/4 inch of thread below the nuts. IMO the spring is stiffer not taller. I wish that they offered a 500# because I got my rear tires rubbing the fenders in extreme turns and ended up cranking some more body lift into the nuts
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 695
Likes: 5
From: tx
I too have the 420# spring. This thing is stiff and bouncy on the street. I had 8" bolts in and adjusted down to the end of the threads in order to get my halfshafts horizontal. I have very little tire rub after lowering. Get ready for a stiff ride on the street.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,905
Likes: 962
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
I had the 420# spring on my car. Took two tries, though. The first one I received had excess arch for a spring that stiff (theoretically if a spring is made with the correct free height or arch the car should sit at the same height after installation). I called the manufacturer and complained. To their credit they exchanged it for another 420# spring that had less arch.
Ran it for a lot of years and liked the ride and handling.
Ran it for a lot of years and liked the ride and handling.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Unless the ONLY use your car has is running on a road course, why would you even consider installing a spring that has over twice the load rating that came with the car. For normal street driving, it would be like riding in a buckboard...with no springs--harsh as he!!, I would think.
I guess it all depends on what you want for your car.
I guess it all depends on what you want for your car.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Unless the ONLY use your car has is running on a road course, why would you even consider installing a spring that has over twice the load rating that came with the car. For normal street driving, it would be like riding in a buckboard...with no springs--harsh as he!!, I would think.
I guess it all depends on what you want for your car.
I guess it all depends on what you want for your car.
I went from a 500+ steel to a wimpy 420# because I'm not running slicks anymore. My tires were right into the fender flares. I had to redo them and paint them.
I have to have 500 rear and 600 front just to drive around town
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,905
Likes: 962
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
Unless the ONLY use your car has is running on a road course, why would you even consider installing a spring that has over twice the load rating that came with the car. For normal street driving, it would be like riding in a buckboard...with no springs--harsh as he!!, I would think.
I guess it all depends on what you want for your car.
I guess it all depends on what you want for your car.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The redesign of the C4 Corvette saw the use of computer modeling on frames & suspension components. Prior spring/shock designs were based on very stiff/firm springs in order to get good handling for racing and/or road course conditions.
But the computer models showed that softer springs (than would normally be used) and gas-type shock absorbers would provide even better handling capabilities PLUS offer a smoother and less harsh ride. I'm no expert on road racing or the suspensions used for that purpose, but a 420# rear spring just seems like "old school" strategy.
I'd be interested to hear some more experienced discussion on the topic.
But the computer models showed that softer springs (than would normally be used) and gas-type shock absorbers would provide even better handling capabilities PLUS offer a smoother and less harsh ride. I'm no expert on road racing or the suspensions used for that purpose, but a 420# rear spring just seems like "old school" strategy.
I'd be interested to hear some more experienced discussion on the topic.
Last edited by 7T1vette; May 9, 2013 at 10:51 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,626
Likes: 140
From: Kanuckistan
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I had the 420# spring on my car. Took two tries, though. The first one I received had excess arch for a spring that stiff (theoretically if a spring is made with the correct free height or arch the car should sit at the same height after installation). I called the manufacturer and complained. To their credit they exchanged it for another 420# spring that had less arch.
Ran it for a lot of years and liked the ride and handling.
Ran it for a lot of years and liked the ride and handling.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 479
From: Appleton Wisconsin
I looked and I actually have 330# VBP springs I don't think going up to 360# is going to make that big of difference. I have Bilstein sports but now that I have 18" rims and wider tires they rub on the upper frame when I go over a big bump. I just ordered some QA1 single adjustable shocks I'll see how that works. I go to Road America once a year so I'm hoping I can turn them all the way up for that.