Composite spring, shocks and cold
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg Manitoba
Composite spring, shocks and cold
I have a 1975 that I am working on and about to buy a composite spring. I was told that Bilstein shocks are to sturdy and do not obsorb anuff for the composite spring. I was also told that I should only use the TRW composite spring, because of the cold winters and others might break sitting in cold garage. I also was wondering the what weight amount is good for composite spring for my 1975 
Thanks for any feed back, Zapparex
Thanks for any feed back, Zapparex
Last edited by zapparex; Jul 30, 2015 at 12:05 PM. Reason: add more thoughts
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 102
From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
I have a 1975 that I am working on and about to buy a composite spring. I was told that Bilstein shocks are to sturdy and do not obsorb anuff for the composite spring. I was also told that I should only use the TRW composite spring, because of the cold winters and others might break sitting in cold garage. I also was wondering the what weight amount is good for composite spring for my 1975 Thanks for any feed back, Zapparex
Thanks for any feed back, Zapparex
: on both. 
I installed VBP 330# and Bilstein Sports on the 73 and cut a coil off a new set of OEM front springs. This suspension is awesome and this car has sat in a frozen garage many nights the past 4 winters or so since it has been installed. The thing to worry about is exhaust heat. If your pipes are close use some header wrap on them where they are close to the spring.TRW spings in my experience jacked the ride height up to where you needed 10" bolts to get it lowered to a satisfying height.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,096
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
I haven't tried the Bilsteins on my '69 so I can't really comment on that- bear in mind that there are 2 versions made of those. You may want to educate yourself on the difference.
However, the advice to get the TRW spring is pure BS. Do a forum search to see how many folks have had horrible ride height issues with those. I recommend calling VB&P for some info on their products.
However, the advice to get the TRW spring is pure BS. Do a forum search to see how many folks have had horrible ride height issues with those. I recommend calling VB&P for some info on their products.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 108
From: Canada
I've had a VB&P fglass spring and Bilsteins on for 6 or 7 years with no issues sitting over some very cold winters in our non heated garage. Like the others I would stay away from the TRW ones.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 598
I have a 1975 that I am working on and about to buy a composite spring. I was told that Bilstein shocks are to sturdy and do not obsorb anuff for the composite spring. I was also told that I should only use the TRW composite spring, because of the cold winters and others might break sitting in cold garage. I also was wondering the what weight amount is good for composite spring for my 1975 Thanks for any feed back, Zapparex
Thanks for any feed back, ZapparexSherwood Park Alberta Canada.
Great ride height without any mod's.I do have heat protection for the rear spring also.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 56
From: anchorage ak
I have the vbp 320 and bilstiens sports and love the ride, who every you information came from needs to ride in my vette. It's all perception or in some cases what some ones hears. All teasing aside the vbp composite shock improves ride quality alot. The bilstiens sports made it feel like a sports car and as ComPared to the Monroe sensetracs (good shock, don't get me wrong) which made it feel like a 60's wagon, night and day difference and I drive my car all the way down to -13f(coldest so far) or colder when the roads are dry.
Last edited by bluedawg; Jul 31, 2015 at 12:47 AM. Reason: Shitttiest spelling you ever saw!
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Bilsteins are fine with a composite spring. If you want a smooth ride, go with the Heavy-Duty type; if you want firmer ride and handling, go with the Sports.
TRW composite springs have some ride-height problems. The high spring rate springs tend to have the car ride much higher in back than is normal; it forces you to buy longer bolts to get the rear down to normal position.
Find a better "advisor" on spring/shock issues.
TRW composite springs have some ride-height problems. The high spring rate springs tend to have the car ride much higher in back than is normal; it forces you to buy longer bolts to get the rear down to normal position.
Find a better "advisor" on spring/shock issues.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,453
Likes: 976
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
VBP composite with Bilstein HD's are a great combo for a very nice ride with handling....300-330 Lb spring for base cars, 360-420 lbs spring for gymkhana cars with Bilstein sports (30% stiffer than the HD's) which has a firm but NOT jarring ride. You can go MUCH higher on the spring rates with a composite spring with little to no loss in ride quality but MUCH better handling than the transfers steel spring from the factory...there is a very good reason that GM started to use a composite spring way back in 1980 (base cars) and on all C4/C5/C6/C7 corvettes since them..
I have a VBP 360 (if I ever replace that spring, going with a VBP 420lb Spring) with Bilstein Sports and the car rides SOFTER than my Chrysler 300 (with Bilstein HD's and 245/55/18 ZR tires, my Lexus IS350 F Sport, and my 10 Z06....MUCH SOFTER as a comparator.
I have a VBP 360 (if I ever replace that spring, going with a VBP 420lb Spring) with Bilstein Sports and the car rides SOFTER than my Chrysler 300 (with Bilstein HD's and 245/55/18 ZR tires, my Lexus IS350 F Sport, and my 10 Z06....MUCH SOFTER as a comparator.
Last edited by jb78L-82; Aug 1, 2015 at 06:02 AM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg Manitoba
I was also told that the older made composite spring could handle the cold and the newer ones do not. The winters can get to -30 to -40 hear sometimes, I am trying not have any problems in that area when I am done. Again Thanks for your feed back, Zapparex
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
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From: Ontario
You won't be driving a C3 at -30 C or F. Or shouldn't be....What is the concern?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg Manitoba
I was just saying how low the temperature goes down to and maybe not that cold in garage, it still pretty cold and the garage door still opens for other winter vehicle to get out and in.