no intentions of :mad anybody off here but i just can't help jumping in. brutus, if you haven't gone to a 17 or 18" wheel yet why are you even considering coil-overs at this time? the single biggest handling improvement you can make is tires, or more specifically larger wheels capable of using modern tire technology.
the c-2/c-3 corvette front suspension already is a coil-over design. it's just not adjustable. i have adjustable konis on mine so my suspension is semi-adjustable, only dampening, not ride height or spring rate. the VB front spring kit is definately on the wish list. the car handles very well but i think the main reason is because i have late model 17"s with big, sticky firehawks on it.
if a transverse leaf wasn't capable of world class performance as well as excellent ride quality, i hardly think it would have made it onto the z06. unless this is strictly a track car where infinite adjustablility and driving at 10/10ths was required, i just don't see the worth-to-b.s. ratio being favorable. how much is the "oooh and aaah" factor worth in this equasion?
i'm really not trying to step on anybodies toes here but going coil over without up-grading to a better wheel/tire combo is kind of like jumping out of the plane before the shute is strapped on.

 

groovyjay, noticed in the pic of the rear that a c-4 upper strut assembly has been fitted to the c-3 differential. how has this benifitted the car?

 

Did you order from ACP?

Marck

 

The reasons for this thread is that my options for the front suspension upgrade are either the VB glass spring or coilovers and the reason for considering these options before going to larger wheels is that I fly out to the US next week and I want to finalise my shopping list now and not waste my time trying to nut it out once I'm over there. Coilovers were considered because of the fact that they would be cheaper for me considering the $$ exchange rate plus the fact that trying to shove a complete front end into my luggage would present just a slight logistical problem that is unless I decided to not bring any of my clothes back with me.
Wheels I can get any time and will do (as previously mentioned above) when I decide upon the final wheel and tyre combination I can have fitted once I flare the rear guards.
It's a pity you see any attempt to better our dated suspension technology as either a "worth-to- BS ratio" or an "oooh and aaah factor" instead of a desire to benefit our own level of safety and enjoyment whlie driving these cars in any and every fashion we so choose whether it be road or track.
At no stage during this discussion have I slighted the transverse fibreglass spring or it's design in either the ZO6 or as an upgrade to our current suspension. I was and still am, after sensible comments and or comparisons regarding the cost versus application of either system so you can keep your dull analogies to yourself as I'd rather hear from the likes of those who have already offered their sane and sensible thoughts on this subject and not from someone who hasn't taken the time to read what has already been written.
If you have something positive to offer regarding your own adjustable Konis or even VB's transverse spring conversion I'm sure those who have already offered an opinion on this thread as well as the many who have followed it from the sidelines would be very pleased to hear about it from you. If in future you don't intend to :mad anyone then I would suggest you adopt a more mellow tone to your replies. It would be appreciated by all. Thank you for your comments just the same.

 

Groovyjay, thanks for the pic's. I really liked the exhaust shot.

I am curious as to the C-4 style upper rear control arm ( 6 link?) Picture. Would this be a better approach than the way Norval and others have used the 13 1/2" upper strut. As my mount is going to be from a crossmember it would make no difference in the mounting. Would the longer C-4 style upper strut work better? JIM :confused:

 

Reading about your coil over spring concept is an interesting idea. My main concern would be the added force placed on the shock mounts may cause some problems, not unlike adding air shocks or "load leveler" shocks to adjust for ride height. I can remember plenty of broken shock towers and the like in my high school years from doing such things? I suppose if the shock mounts and towers were beefed up to handle it shouldn't be a problem?

 

brutus, terribly sorry. i had no intentions of having a 'tone'. i tried to preference that at the beginning of my post. it is not my intention to alienate anyone, just to bring up points that may or may not have been considered. i thought that maybe i was bringing up valid points after having read all the above posts. now that you have explained this point, i understand the logic behind purchasing suspension components while your here but i still think my first question is valid. my reference to the worth-to-b.s. and 'oooh and aaaah' factor is only because i'm on about as tight a budget as it gets so when i shop, i look for maximum benifit per dollar spent. it's the only way i have a hope of running with the c-4/c-5 guys. last post, i will now keep my opinion to myself.

 

Yes, that is the ACP set up and the kit is around 1600$ now. The C4 6-link looks like a nice alternative for the one that Norval has, I'm not a pro in these things (and it shows most of the time :lol: ) so I let the real wizards answer to this one. Maybe Frank (454Big) could ask the guys at ACP about the set up.
Anyways, just got a 9000$ offer on brake kit, so I might have to re-consider on the coil overs and go for the brakes first. I haven't even tried how the mono spring set up works or my new 20" wheels... :cheers:

 

Clutchdust...I think we're all in the same boat as regards being on a budget with our treasured Vettes and I agree with your points, but as I explained, my priorities unfortunately have to be shuffled around due to my particular situation. Given the perfect scenario I would have gone the easier route and purcahsed my choice of parts in the correct order of importance while, as you rightly stated, looking for maximum benefit per dollar spent. Anyhow good luck chasing those C4s & C5s.
If you choose to offer no further opinion then that is your perogative, not anyone else's request.

 

brutus, my apologies for jumping in half way in a story. i agree with what your saying. there have been time for me too where a certain opportunity has presented itself when i had other things that needed more immediate attention.
while your here in the states, if you find yourself in las vegas, let me know and i'll buy a round, we'll swill alcohol and talk smack about who's vette will be faster when we're finally done! :cheers:

 

Did someone mention beer! You've won me. :D Thanks for the invite Gary, but unfortunately my only stop over this time will be in Florida. I appreciate the offer tho..........just the thought of some beer and a good Vette chat session is nearly enough to make me extend my visit. :rolleyes: Maybe next time. Thanks again. :cheers: