Question for the suspension gurus
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 285
Likes: 1
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Question for the suspension gurus
What front/rear bars would work best with my '74 454/ stock steel rear spring (std susp)? The PO apparently was playing around with bars, since the car currently has a smaller than OE front bar for the BB, and a pencil-thin rear bar.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 2
From: Moro IL
Re: Question for the suspension gurus (a454corvette)
I love my setup with a 1 1/4" front bar and 3/4" rear bar, I do have adjustable end links on the rear, the rest of my suspension is in the sig, but I think you'll like that bar setup.
:cheers:
Pat Kunz
:cheers:
Pat Kunz
Abby Normal
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,395
Likes: 92
From: Press "2" for English
Re: Question for the suspension gurus (a454corvette)
your question is really going to depend so much on what you are doing with it. it is my opinion that most c-3s don't need a rear bar at all. i put one on mine but now wish i had spent that money on smart struts instead. with a BBC, i think you would want the back to be as forgiving as possible so i would recommend a decent set of shocks and probably smart struts (although i cannot personally vouch for SS worth). i would want to have at least good BBC front springs or even some heavier ones and for the bar, at least a 1". a 1-1/8" or 1-1/4" would be better. if your not doing any track events or 'spirited' highway driving, leave the rear bar off. if you insist on a rear bar, try a smaller one with adjustability.
the thing i've noticed, and i use my car as my only reference, is that when you tighten up the front and the back a whole bunch you turn that big section of frame between the front crossmember and rear crossmember into the softest part of the suspension. i can only imagine with a big block how much flex you could get with torque and weight transfer.
the thing i've noticed, and i use my car as my only reference, is that when you tighten up the front and the back a whole bunch you turn that big section of frame between the front crossmember and rear crossmember into the softest part of the suspension. i can only imagine with a big block how much flex you could get with torque and weight transfer.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,892
Likes: 13
From: Pettis Performance 565 with two stages of Nitrous Supply nitrous 1.082, 4.61 at 155, 7.17 at 192
Re: Question for the suspension gurus (clutchdust)
I have a 1 1/8 in the front and none in the rear. I have poly bushings all around with Bilstien shocks and 550 # front springs with a 360 rear fiberglass spring. For and old car it handles pretty well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
Re: Question for the suspension gurus (a454corvette)
I've been experimenting with my 71's suspension for 15 years and I'm gradually migrating back to Zora's OE setup. I suggest that you start there and modify from there if you are into autocross or racing.
For street use, I now think that Zora's springs and bars with poly bushings, smart struts and a good set of tires is all you will need.
In any case, make sure your base components (tire rod ends, idler arm, steering shaft coupler, steering box, etc) are replaced and/or up to par.
For street use, I now think that Zora's springs and bars with poly bushings, smart struts and a good set of tires is all you will need.
In any case, make sure your base components (tire rod ends, idler arm, steering shaft coupler, steering box, etc) are replaced and/or up to par.
