Composite spring 330 or 360
03-01-2018, 06:43 PM
#21
Instructor
trw or vbp spring
heard the TRW sags after a while, have to use longer bolts for ride correct ride height, but not with the vette brake products. Am I correct?
03-01-2018, 10:40 PM
#22
Drifting
Thread Starter
I might be slightly out of sequence but I did my '72 vert some 20+ years ago......VBP 360 in rear, 460 in front later got smart and out Billy Stein sports all around......but the largest improvement is WHEELS AND TIRES '89 vette wheels 275/50/17 in back....255/50 in front.....2.5" wheel ADAPTERS.....fenders were flared by previous owner.....
after that, went to RACK steering winter 01-02...
and added the cross support a year or so later......
for a street driver, you can't beat that combo....drives like a DREAM.....
HAVE to ditch the stock rear steel springs....those leaves rub like KRAZY and so make a hell of an inertia impact that is just ROUGH riding....
after that, went to RACK steering winter 01-02...
and added the cross support a year or so later......
for a street driver, you can't beat that combo....drives like a DREAM.....
HAVE to ditch the stock rear steel springs....those leaves rub like KRAZY and so make a hell of an inertia impact that is just ROUGH riding....
03-03-2018, 05:29 PM
#23
330/360# rear composite spring
I'm replacing the Gymkhana spring in my 80 with composite. I've decided to use VBP. The question now comes down to 330# or 360#. I know what the descriptions say - ride focused at 330#, more handling focused at 360#, but I'm looking for true seat of the pants description. Obviously having always had the the Gymkhana a harder ride was just price paid for handling. I never found it objectionable, but then the last time I drove the car and distance (even back and forth to work) was 2004. Now being 59 I may not be so tolerant 
. That aside though if the composite at 360 will ride smoother than the Gymkhana and handle better, I'd probably go that way.
Also, experience based guidance on shocks. Cost wise I don't feel like paying the extra for an adjustable set. So just what people have found works best with the 330 vs 360 in a non-adjustable set.
Thanks,
. That aside though if the composite at 360 will ride smoother than the Gymkhana and handle better, I'd probably go that way. Also, experience based guidance on shocks. Cost wise I don't feel like paying the extra for an adjustable set. So just what people have found works best with the 330 vs 360 in a non-adjustable set.
Thanks,
I have had a composite spring on my ‘69 for over than 30 years & I don’t remember which I have.
03-03-2018, 07:12 PM
#24
Le Mans Master
I don't believe there is any visible difference.....
So much for those that say the composites are not as durable as the steel spring...my VBP 360 I put on the car in 1986....................
So much for those that say the composites are not as durable as the steel spring...my VBP 360 I put on the car in 1986....................
03-03-2018, 07:17 PM
#25
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Jul 2010
Location: perth western australia
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I had a TRW years ago and the car sat impossibly high , got rid of that and have used VB&P springs since , but you still need longer bolts to get the car down to a normal ride height, they sell the bolts as well , as a mounting kit .
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Maymyvetteliveforevr (03-07-2018)
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Maymyvetteliveforevr (03-07-2018)
03-06-2018, 06:33 PM
#31
Drifting
Thread Starter
03-07-2018, 12:37 PM
#33
Drifting
Thread Starter
03-07-2018, 05:18 PM
#34
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Oct 2003
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When my dad ordered the spring on my, then his, 73, he called up VBP and asked for the highest rated spring they had on the shelf. It came out to like a 432 spring. According to VBP, they don't make a spring to a certain rating as it is impossible to do so. They make the spring and then test it to put it into a certain range. So when you order a 360lb spring, it could really be at 350 or 370. I don't know where VBP sets the +\- is for the different ratings though.
My setups that I autocross with (do very little street driving):
Both 73 and 76:
550 front springs
1-1/8 front bar
3/4 rear bar
KYB gas a just shocks
73 has a 420+ rear spring and M21 4speed and 3.36 gears
76 has 360 rear spring and TH350 auto and 3.08 gears.
I will consistently be in the top of the time brackets and have taken several overall FTDs on short, tight courses where horsepower doesn't come into play.
Both cars handle very well. The 73 is a tad quicker only because of the gears and 4speed. My eventual plan is to build another motor for the 73 (since the old one wiped a cam) and install 3.55 gears. I will move the 3.36 gears to the 76.
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Maymyvetteliveforevr (03-08-2018)
03-07-2018, 05:37 PM
#36
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Jul 2010
Location: perth western australia
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Yes, if the exhaust is too close, it can damage the spring. Remember this is just some fiberglass and resin. The resin will breakdown with heat. I have side pipes so there is no issue on my cars.
When my dad ordered the spring on my, then his, 73, he called up VBP and asked for the highest rated spring they had on the shelf. It came out to like a 432 spring. According to VBP, they don't make a spring to a certain rating as it is impossible to do so. They make the spring and then test it to put it into a certain range. So when you order a 360lb spring, it could really be at 350 or 370. I don't know where VBP sets the +\- is for the different ratings though.
.
When my dad ordered the spring on my, then his, 73, he called up VBP and asked for the highest rated spring they had on the shelf. It came out to like a 432 spring. According to VBP, they don't make a spring to a certain rating as it is impossible to do so. They make the spring and then test it to put it into a certain range. So when you order a 360lb spring, it could really be at 350 or 370. I don't know where VBP sets the +\- is for the different ratings though.
.