DISCREPANCY ON STANDARD FRONT STABILIZER BAR SIZE
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DISCREPANCY ON STANDARD FRONT STABILIZER BAR SIZE
I was just thumbing through Richard Prince’s 68-82 Restoration Guide and was surprised to see the standard front stabilizer bar for all 78-82s listed as .875” (page 220). 1.112” was listed for the FE7 equipped cars. I thought I recalled the factory specs for my ’81 stating that both the standard and FE7 front bars were 1.112, and that the FE7 included a rear bar.
I’ve based a lot of suspension mods on my car having the larger sized bar. I don’t do my own mechanical work, don’t have access to a lift, and can’t put my hands on factory specs. Can someone please confirm?
I’ve based a lot of suspension mods on my car having the larger sized bar. I don’t do my own mechanical work, don’t have access to a lift, and can’t put my hands on factory specs. Can someone please confirm?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Wichita KS
Re: DISCREPANCY ON STANDARD FRONT STABILIZER BAR SIZE (Runner81)
Runner81,
I don't know if my 1980 came with the FE7 suspension. However, the car appears original with#s matching throughout. The front is 1 1/8 inch diameter and the rear bar is 7/16 inch diameter.
If you have not already done so, you might get the opinions of several of the suspension specialists to make sure what you're building is appropriate for how you're going to use the car.
I don't know if my 1980 came with the FE7 suspension. However, the car appears original with#s matching throughout. The front is 1 1/8 inch diameter and the rear bar is 7/16 inch diameter.
If you have not already done so, you might get the opinions of several of the suspension specialists to make sure what you're building is appropriate for how you're going to use the car.
Abby Normal
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Press "2" for English
Re: DISCREPANCY ON STANDARD FRONT STABILIZER BAR SIZE (Runner81)
i think that may be wrong. my '81 was a base coupe (non FE7) and it came with a 1-1/8" bar. i had no rear bar. i am 98% positive the front bar was never changed since i have known this car since 1984.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Austin TX
Re: DISCREPANCY ON STANDARD FRONT STABILIZER BAR SIZE (Runner81)
Good advice from Mapman. Check with Guldstrand and Vette Brakes before mixing OE with upgrades. The C3 suspension can be VERY unforgiving if set up wrong.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 18,126
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From: WI
Re: DISCREPANCY ON STANDARD FRONT STABILIZER BAR SIZE (Runner81)
runner,
Wouldn`t it be easier to just measure the front bar on your car?? And if you or ANYONE ELSE doesn`t have a rear bar and wants one I have a NOS GM 7/16 bar. ...redvetracr
Wouldn`t it be easier to just measure the front bar on your car?? And if you or ANYONE ELSE doesn`t have a rear bar and wants one I have a NOS GM 7/16 bar. ...redvetracr
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Re: DISCREPANCY ON STANDARD FRONT STABILIZER BAR SIZE (mapman)
Most of the work is already done, as per the advice of Corvette suspension experts (including DS, GD and other CFers). My quandary is that I based it all on the front bar being 1.112.
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Re: DISCREPANCY ON STANDARD FRONT STABILIZER BAR SIZE (redvetracr)
Redvet:
As per my initial post, I don’t do my own mechanical work, don’t have access to a lift, and can’t put my hands on factory specs. So it’s not possible for me to measure at this point. I already have a 7/16 rear bar, and "hopefully" a 1.112 front...
Anyone have the AIM specs for the standard '81 bar?
As per my initial post, I don’t do my own mechanical work, don’t have access to a lift, and can’t put my hands on factory specs. So it’s not possible for me to measure at this point. I already have a 7/16 rear bar, and "hopefully" a 1.112 front...
Anyone have the AIM specs for the standard '81 bar?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 467
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From: Dayton Ohio
Re: DISCREPANCY ON STANDARD FRONT STABILIZER BAR SIZE (redvetracr)
redvetracr,
I was thinking about buying a rear bar for my 69 which did not come with a rear bar. If the rear bar you have is of no use to you i would love to have it for at least the cost of shipping.
Thank You
I was thinking about buying a rear bar for my 69 which did not come with a rear bar. If the rear bar you have is of no use to you i would love to have it for at least the cost of shipping.
Thank You
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Re: DISCREPANCY ON STANDARD FRONT STABILIZER BAR SIZE (redvetracr)
I just received a l-o-n-g fax of the 1981 MVMA Specification Form (MVMA-C-81) issued by Chevrolet in 1980 for the '81 Corvette. Bottom line: The 1.112" front bar was the only bar offered - both with the standard suspension and the FE7. The FE7 cars added a .44" (7/16") bar.
I'm not sure what Mr. Prince was smoking while compiling his research. For the time being, I'll assume my bar is the bigger one until my shop gets my car on the lift to trim the coils and adjust the spring bolts. Thanks to all for the feedback.
I'm not sure what Mr. Prince was smoking while compiling his research. For the time being, I'll assume my bar is the bigger one until my shop gets my car on the lift to trim the coils and adjust the spring bolts. Thanks to all for the feedback.