Did the usual searches and read threads...


Was thinking of a thread here where...the best bang for buck in suspension is discussed...

Assuming: Stock C3 suspension. (either steel or fiberglass rear transverse)..

If you were to spend in chunks... like $1k, $2k or $3k...etc.. what would you do to get the best suspension improvements in cornering, handling, ride, etc...

I got to this point by considering steeroids for the new (to me) 82 vette..

thanks !

 

If I had the money I'd go with steeroids and sharkbite.

 

I'm thinking the steeroids too... looks like about $1300 for that...

Anyone have an opinion of say additional suspension work in the $2000 range or less that will provide the best bang for buck handling and ride on a c3?

thanks 75sl48 !

 

I bought VBP's Performance Plus full suspension package. I sent my stock steering box to Gary, which he did a blueprint rebuild, sending me photos and describing the process along the way. He does excellent work and only cost about $300, so most of the money I spent went into the suspension kit, offset trailing arms, and 17" wheel and tire combo. There are a lot of different directions to go, but that's the direction I went in. One day I would like to add in Dragvette's 6 link kit to the rear.

 

Thanks Mike..i was looking at that one too...are you happy w cornering w the suspension and 17"s ?? is the ride height adjustable? not too choppy?

Did you upgrade your brakes too? was thinking of the big daddy...do it all at once..w c5 brakes too..

 

Oh yeah, it handles real nice. The ride is a bit stiff, but it handles great. QA1's might be better if you want to adjust the ride for the street, I have some rough roads out by me. Just turn the end spring bolts in the front or rear to adjust ride height, very easy to do. The spring rates are also adjustable for the front and rear. No wheel hop off the line.

I have VBP stainless steel sleeve o-ring calipers front and rear with Hawk HPS pads, stainless braided caliper lines, and DOT5 brake fluid. No Hydroboost, but plan on upgrading to it one day for about $300. If I upgraded the calipers, I would go with Wilwood, reduce weight.

 

I did the VB&P street and slalom kit which was nice, but I didn't see the full benefit until I upgraded to 18" wheels. I feel in full control of the car on corners and eat up highway ramps.

 

For the under $2k plan, I would put on a single mount rear mono-spring, and then add front coilover shocks from Van Steel. Include a front & rear sway bar and you will greatly enjoy the ride. All of the above gives you ride height adjustment.

On top of this you need to upgrade to 17" wheels or larger (your choice).

 

I went with the VBP Performance Plus package and love it.

 

A few questions.
Really, how will you use the car? Saturday night racing, Sunday cruising, autocross, what?
How often and how far will you drive it?
If you decide all you want is a sweet handling street car, and you want to be able to drive it all Sunday afternoon without it beating you up, then stay away from the high rate springs, stiff shocks and thick sway bars. Also forget the Flowmaster/Magnaflow mufflers, etc.
Did all this to my '74 smallblock convertible:
Freshen up the suspension with rubber bushings as required.
Bolt in some good shocks. A bunch of guys seem to like the Bilstein HD's. Or the Monroe SensaTracks, if the budget is close. Years ago, Delco Gas Cushioned Performers were the best, but I don't care for the new ones.
Get a good four wheel alignment, by someone who is familiar with our ancient beasts.
Install moderately stiff sway bars. (Right now, I am running a 15/16" front and 9/16" rear bar combination. The front bar has poly end links.)
Change out the springs only if the existing ones are sagged/broken.
If you really must, look at the Hyperco EZ Ride composite rear spring. The rate is similar to stock.
Because I can't leave well enough alone, I got a pair of 325# front springs from Coil Spring Specialties. And I installed a pair of the rubber spring isolators from a full size Ford(Heresy!) on top of the springs to improve the NVH.
Sweet. My wife can't believe it's the same car.

 

Hi gcusmano74... great point...on general usage... its a car that i probably use 5k miles per year... saturday night type of thing... some spirited carving in corners..but nothing much there... plan to spray it with nitrous...and install a t56... so... basically mess with some other cars in the 1/4th.... more on the street... than on the track..






thanks for your input on the suspension so far...