Composite leaf springs
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 252
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
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
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,367
Likes: 1,061
From: Virginia USA
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.
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.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
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
DUB
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 297
From: Slovenia, EU
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
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?
I have almost new monroe shock on the car. Will I have to change them to work with composite spring?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,321
Likes: 1,586
From: Western NY
In other words, I suggest you call VB&P, tell them the shocks you have, and see what they say......
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 8,130
From: Napa Valley California
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.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 3,181
Likes: 732
From: Texas City, TX Texas
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,445
Likes: 970
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
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
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,321
Likes: 1,586
From: Western NY
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.
Last edited by leadfoot4; Apr 18, 2017 at 05:40 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 3,181
Likes: 732
From: Texas City, TX Texas
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.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 297
From: Slovenia, EU
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
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?
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?
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
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
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 8,130
From: Napa Valley California
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.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,321
Likes: 1,586
From: Western NY
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.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 297
From: Slovenia, EU
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
And since I live in Europe sending the spring back isn't an option. Shipping is way too high for that!