Coil spring installation gone wrong.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,444
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I was away for the day working on another Vette. I would say that you got it slammed down nicely. that is if alignment and nothing touching down is alright.
I don't know how fast you drive or can drive where you live, but a lot of the problems of higher speed stability of Vettes is lack of rake front to rear. Air under the nose causes lift and cooling problems because of the air build up
I don't know how fast you drive or can drive where you live, but a lot of the problems of higher speed stability of Vettes is lack of rake front to rear. Air under the nose causes lift and cooling problems because of the air build up
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,487
Likes: 83
From: Titusville Florida
Oldguard 7: your's looks about like mine, I like the way the front sits but I think the back needs to come down slightly, that is if it's not going to cause any issues, handling or otherwise.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 86
From: Rotonda FL
http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/t...o/IMG_0808.jpg
Above is a photo taken from a CF search. It shows a stock spring on the left (9 coils) and a 550# on the right (7 coils). Most common replacement springs are 7 coils and approx. 460 lbs (they use thinner wire than the 550#). These 7 coil springs are shorter and much easier to replace (will slide in without being compressed). They will also lower ride height by 1 to 2 inches.
Above is a photo taken from a CF search. It shows a stock spring on the left (9 coils) and a 550# on the right (7 coils). Most common replacement springs are 7 coils and approx. 460 lbs (they use thinner wire than the 550#). These 7 coil springs are shorter and much easier to replace (will slide in without being compressed). They will also lower ride height by 1 to 2 inches.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,444
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
So if the car is level and then that would be a problem? I have a slight rake right now but wanted to get longer bolts for the rear spring to bring the back down slightly but if it's going to cause issues I can live with it.
Oldguard 7: your's looks about like mine, I like the way the front sits but I think the back needs to come down slightly, that is if it's not going to cause any issues, handling or otherwise.
Oldguard 7: your's looks about like mine, I like the way the front sits but I think the back needs to come down slightly, that is if it's not going to cause any issues, handling or otherwise.
As to you lowering the rear............ Only testing to see at what point of rear lowering causes front end lift. Of course the slower you drive the less problems you will have.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,487
Likes: 83
From: Titusville Florida
Rake is only one factor in front end lift. The later years of C-3's also limited the SQ inches of grill air intake and included chin spoilers. By the time C-5 C-6 Vettes came around you hardly have any SQ inches of grill area and the chin spoiler is very near the ground.
As to you lowering the rear............ Only testing to see at what point of rear lowering causes front end lift. Of course the slower you drive the less problems you will have.
As to you lowering the rear............ Only testing to see at what point of rear lowering causes front end lift. Of course the slower you drive the less problems you will have.
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 45
From: Cameron Park CA
I also wonder if you got the springs fully seated in the pockets in the frame. If not, when the springs finally pop home, you will have a rake.
Pete
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 14
From: Norfolk VA
I just saw the pix today. My concern is how much clearance will you have when you drive a twisty road in a spirited manner. To me it looks like you may have fender/tire contact. I hope not.
I also wonder if you got the springs fully seated in the pockets in the frame. If not, when the springs finally pop home, you will have a rake.
Pete
I also wonder if you got the springs fully seated in the pockets in the frame. If not, when the springs finally pop home, you will have a rake.
Pete
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
The front looks great
This the height I prefer with no rake, but I'm not racing at any speed that would cause front lift either.
For the rear I rebuilt the spring so I could use the stock length bolts.
Nothing hits and the suspension doesn't bottom.
This the height I prefer with no rake, but I'm not racing at any speed that would cause front lift either.
For the rear I rebuilt the spring so I could use the stock length bolts.
Nothing hits and the suspension doesn't bottom.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 14
From: Norfolk VA
Front wheels/tires: 17x8.5 P245/45R17
2.75" wheel adapters, forgot the bs was when I installed them. I know that the wheel/tire combo does not stick out past the front fenders nor do I have any rubbing/turning issues prior to the installation of these new springs. I have not put the rest of the front end together (damaged threads on the ball stud on the drivers side outer tie rod end while separating from the steering knuckle)
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,444
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
That is an easy replacement. I did all new everything including springs and a-arm bushings in one day. yes, it was a long day with an air hammer and lots of correct tools