Dynra Rockets

Every car will be different so do not cut the springs before you install them and let them settle for a while. Search threads for "550 springs aluminum heads" and you will see where some were just right and others had to cut a coil and others were too low.

Myself I added aluminum heads, intake, water pump, etc and I was still lower than stock ride height by 1/2" with the 550's (460# and 550# are exact same spring with just 1 coil cut from the 460 to make a 550).

Plan on taking the springs out at least twice to get the height were you want it.

R

theandies

I installed Van Steels 360lb composite spring a few years ago and love it. Took all the harshness out of the ride and performs well IMO. I did have a problem with the first one, it began to split on one of the edges. I contacted Dan at Van Steel and he sent a new one no questions asked except that I send the damaged one back. Can't remember if I was still in warranty or not. Anyway, Van Steel was great to work with.

As Dub said, they don't like heat or abuse. I wrapped my exhaust that runs under the spring with header wrap. It keeps the heat off the spring and works well as I checked it with my IR temp gun. The late C3's that came with composite springs from the factory had heat shields so you could make one if you don't want to wrap your exhaust.

DUB

I prefer to wrap the exhaust instead of using a heat shield....simply because I was told from someone who knows WAY MORE THAN ME on this is that the heat shields can allow the heat...when the a car is sittign still to collect on the heat shield and creep out the end of it and then the heat is being directed to a specific spot on the composite spring. When the car is moving...then this is not a problem.

DUB

Primoz

I'm also doing the rear spring replacement. And have the same dilemma. Looks like vb&p is the way to go. Although pricier looks like a better bet.
I have almost new monroe shock on the car. Will I have to change them to work with composite spring?

leadfoot4

Since I did the VB&P composite install on my wife's 'Vette a little over 20 years ago, I don't remember exactly what shocks I used. I got a deal on the shocks and bought them, prior to buying the composite spring. However, the shocks were a Monroe gas shock, and when ordering the spring, the VB&P tech rep said they were OK to use with their spring.

In other words, I suggest you call VB&P, tell them the shocks you have, and see what they say......

OldCarBum

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and comments. Today I pulled the plug and ended up purchasing coil overs from Van Steel for the front and rear. The cost was only slightly higher and the ability to easily adjust rebound and ride height were the deciding factors.

Richard Daugird

Did you do anything to the "pig tail" on the end of the spring? Seems if you don't cut a full coil, the end of the spring won't fit correctly in the "pocket".

jb78L-82

I did not do anything to the end but i did have to move the spring multiple times to get the spring to sit straight in the pocket

leadfoot4

There seems to be differing opinions on this, but when I put the VB&P coils in the front of my wife's '79, along with the composite rear leaf, I had to cut a half coil off the spring. I measured the outer diameter of the spring, divided it by two, and that gave me what a "half coil" is. I then divided THAT number by two, and cut that much off each end of the spring.

Richard Daugird

No ****, why didn't I think of that!

Primoz

I talked to vb&p yesterday and they said I should be OK with monroe shocks.
But as it looks vb&p comes about $100 more than TRW one!
Quite some difference!
Does anybody know if vb&p offer some discount to corvette forum members?

redcruz1120

I've been wondering lately how long are composite springs good for. I've had mine easily over 12 years.It looks good but does it lose tension after so many years?Does any one know the answer? Thanks

OldCarBum

If you read through some of the earlier posts in this thread you will see that some of the members have been running their composite spring for over 20 years without any issues.

leadfoot4

Be careful of the TRW spring. I seem to recall reading here, that guys have had issues keeping the rear end height at a decent level, with that spring. I don't recall hearing of these issues with the VB&P spring.

Primoz

Exactly!
And since I live in Europe sending the spring back isn't an option. Shipping is way too high for that!