Ack! I'm going crazy doing research!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 589
Likes: 8
From: Palm Bay FL
Ack! I'm going crazy doing research!
I'm trying to figure out If I should go sharkbite rear and front or VBP performance plus suspension. I read everything about each. I have a 1971 and I don't plan on racing, only street driving. I want a nice ride maybe on the soft side. What say everyone?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 321
Likes: 16
From: Ontario
Refurbish stock suspension. Maybe use composite leaf spring in the rear.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 589
Likes: 8
From: Palm Bay FL
I really like Van Steel, but there a little heavy on the pocket. By the time its done it could be over $4000. If I buy just the springs on the vbp plus its only $1800, on the sharkbite will cost around $2500. I'm leaning toward the VBP plus, there is hardly any negative comments on them. On the sharbite, I read the possibility of it breaking, although slim, on the back and front, but dang they look good!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 321
Likes: 16
From: Ontario
I really like Van Steel, but there a little heavy on the pocket. By the time its done it could be over $4000. If I buy just the springs on the vbp plus its only $1800, on the sharkbite will cost around $2500. I'm leaning toward the VBP plus, there is hardly any negative comments on them. On the sharbite, I read the possibility of it breaking, although slim, on the back and front, but dang they look good!
If you're dead set on spending a bunch of money, I think the VBP kit is better than the sharkbite kit for what it's worth.
I bought the VBP full performance plus kit and I'm installing now, but I'll be doing a little more than just cruising the street.
VBP customer service is very bad so be aware.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 589
Likes: 8
From: Palm Bay FL
He didn't say go buy Van Steel full coil over kit. Van Steel can get your stock suspension working great in short order and they sell composite leaf springs too.
If you're dead set on spending a bunch of money, I think the VBP kit is better than the sharkbite kit for what it's worth.
I bought the VBP full performance plus kit and I'm installing now, but I'll be doing a little more than just cruising the street.
VBP customer service is very bad so be aware.
If you're dead set on spending a bunch of money, I think the VBP kit is better than the sharkbite kit for what it's worth.
I bought the VBP full performance plus kit and I'm installing now, but I'll be doing a little more than just cruising the street.
VBP customer service is very bad so be aware.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 3,181
Likes: 732
From: Texas City, TX Texas
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 119
From: Springfield Missouri
this what I did: composite spring, good shocks, everything else stock, front: new springs, good shocks, and everything else stock rubber. rides great. added bigger front sway bar and added rear sway bar.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
I think the Sharkbite is trash.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 1,588
From: los altos hills california
While I tend to agree with your sentiment, I wouldn't go so far as to call it "trash". Want to elaborate?
As far as what I think, it looks kind of silly on display back there but that is just a matter of my opinion. Nobody cares about that. Not to mention having to keep it all clean and shiny. What does the Sharkbite technically provide over and above spring rate and damping? If it is just adjustability, that is a lot of money and effort spent.
Basically the suspension is a passive second order system with a restoring spring force and damping. Why do Sharkbite owners praise it when spring rate and damping are the essential functions and why would Sharkbite be any better? Just saying it feels great is not very illuminating. By what objective measure might it be better? Has it ever been put to the test somewhere with any kind of external stimulus? I have the feeling this has been discussed many times before and it's come to nought, but I'll ask the questions.
As far as what I think, it looks kind of silly on display back there but that is just a matter of my opinion. Nobody cares about that. Not to mention having to keep it all clean and shiny. What does the Sharkbite technically provide over and above spring rate and damping? If it is just adjustability, that is a lot of money and effort spent.
Basically the suspension is a passive second order system with a restoring spring force and damping. Why do Sharkbite owners praise it when spring rate and damping are the essential functions and why would Sharkbite be any better? Just saying it feels great is not very illuminating. By what objective measure might it be better? Has it ever been put to the test somewhere with any kind of external stimulus? I have the feeling this has been discussed many times before and it's come to nought, but I'll ask the questions.