Front end Suspension
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Westminster
Front end Suspension
I have a 76 Vette that had a 350 engine in it. I have the engine removed and i am replacing it with a 454. The question is that the Front end Suspension has never been replaced and i would like to upgrade it while the engine is out also maybe the steering also. Any suggestions on any kits that are out there that you guys have tried or know works for my application?
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 161
Likes: 1
From: Edison NJ
I have a 76 Vette that had a 350 engine in it. I have the engine removed and i am replacing it with a 454. The question is that the Front end Suspension has never been replaced and i would like to upgrade it while the engine is out also maybe the steering also. Any suggestions on any kits that are out there that you guys have tried or know works for my application?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 16
From: Los Angeles California
Racer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 327
Likes: 17
I have a 76 Vette that had a 350 engine in it. I have the engine removed and i am replacing it with a 454. The question is that the Front end Suspension has never been replaced and i would like to upgrade it while the engine is out also maybe the steering also. Any suggestions on any kits that are out there that you guys have tried or know works for my application?
The springs/shocks could also be worn out(softened) from age. Follow-up whatever you do with a quality alignment.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 33
From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
Unless you are going for something extreme, a good factory rebuild works great and is very reasonable. Fresh front springs would be a good idea. Several supporting vendors (Willcox comes to mind) offer a high quality rebuild kit at a reasonable price. My car is a driver/cruiser/road car and factory replacement parts are working just fine for my purposes. I did add Bilstein HD shocks to my factory Gymkhana suspension for a little more control.
To each his own.
To each his own.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 37
From: Catoosa Okla
I went with new VBP springs, black poly bushings in uppers and lowers, bit the bullet and went with genuine MOOG ball joints. The car had factory power steering, but I scrapped it in favor of a Steeroids setup I bought from a forum member here. Maybe not C7 handling, but a lot better than stock. 
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
I went to a BB427 in my 74 vette. I left the original sb springs in and it worked great. The car was 1 inch lower and it seemed to help the handling because it stuck to the road.
I have to say I used headers and an aluminum intake so the weight difference was most likely less than 200lbs.
Try and find Moog front end parts. I got mine from rockauto and amazon. Both had the best prices but they make money by ex; giving a good price on lower ball joint and charging a crazy price for the upper. So you make a list and buy the parts you need from whoever has the best price.
I have to say I used headers and an aluminum intake so the weight difference was most likely less than 200lbs.
Try and find Moog front end parts. I got mine from rockauto and amazon. Both had the best prices but they make money by ex; giving a good price on lower ball joint and charging a crazy price for the upper. So you make a list and buy the parts you need from whoever has the best price.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Westminster
Been looking online found this at Wilcox any comments on it
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=25209
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=25209
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
How low over the front tires do the guards sit at the moment? If they are close and the springs are standard you would be better off replacing them, I have just been through this exercise and I find the 460lb springs are way better than sacked out original ones. Check but I believe the 460lb springs are okay for a BB equipped car. A set of Bilstein HD shocks would works well with these springs.