coilover or composite spring?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,009
Likes: 1,116
From: North tonawanda NY
coilover or composite spring?
So im trying to figure out what to replace my stock spring with.. I want to lower it a bit too. Most of the research I've done indicated the composite rear springs available right now have a tendency to raise the ride height unless I use 10" bolts which hang down pretty low.
On the flip side I see a Lot of coilover springs for reasonable prices.. is thier additional mods/ hardware thats needed if I go the coilover route? What spring weight is ideal for the shocks? Same as the single composite?
On the flip side I see a Lot of coilover springs for reasonable prices.. is thier additional mods/ hardware thats needed if I go the coilover route? What spring weight is ideal for the shocks? Same as the single composite?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 597
So im trying to figure out what to replace my stock spring with.. I want to lower it a bit too. Most of the research I've done indicated the composite rear springs available right now have a tendency to raise the ride height unless I use 10" bolts which hang down pretty low.
On the flip side I see a Lot of coilover springs for reasonable prices.. is thier additional mods/ hardware thats needed if I go the coilover route? What spring weight is ideal for the shocks? Same as the single composite?
On the flip side I see a Lot of coilover springs for reasonable prices.. is thier additional mods/ hardware thats needed if I go the coilover route? What spring weight is ideal for the shocks? Same as the single composite?
Most other brands all are in the high arc spring category as I remember.
I have a Ridetech rear coilover setup but their was a price to pay, and required some working moving the rear hubs into the new control arms.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,009
Likes: 1,116
From: North tonawanda NY
The ridetech spring I saw appeared to be just a rebranded hypertech or trw style.. There are coilover pairs starting at $250.. obviously the bigger names are way more but I seen some I would consider for around $400 a pair.
Vansteel is currently selling the hypercoil springs which I found many threads saying suffered the same arc issue.
Vansteel is currently selling the hypercoil springs which I found many threads saying suffered the same arc issue.
Last edited by augiedoggy; Mar 15, 2021 at 11:33 PM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,009
Likes: 1,116
From: North tonawanda NY
Ok So Ive done more research and realize theres more cost involved to install rear coil overs with good geometry and spring rates. I'm probably going to stick with the composite spring.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,907
Likes: 4,479
From: Virginia
Van Steel sells low-arch springs similar to what used to be available from VB&P (I have a VB&P spring on my car, and haven't gotten a chance to compare them side-by-side, yet). Don't let the thumbnail scare you away, they sell different lines of springs.
https://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?f...&subgroup=3036
Part of your research should include reading this thread.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...composite.html
https://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?f...&subgroup=3036
Part of your research should include reading this thread.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...composite.html
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,009
Likes: 1,116
From: North tonawanda NY
So I recently purchased a rebuild rear end for my 74 . the rear comes from a 78 and has the heavy duty muskeagon brake cover on it. I measured 2.5" space between bolts. that said I should be looking for a spring designed to fit the 78 or for a 2.5" wide spring or does it not matter since I have the wider perch?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 597
So I recently purchased a rebuild rear end for my 74 . the rear comes from a 78 and has the heavy duty muskeagon brake cover on it. I measured 2.5" space between bolts. that said I should be looking for a spring designed to fit the 78 or for a 2.5" wide spring or does it not matter since I have the wider perch?
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,907
Likes: 4,479
From: Virginia
So I recently purchased a rebuild rear end for my 74 . the rear comes from a 78 and has the heavy duty muskeagon brake cover on it. I measured 2.5" space between bolts. that said I should be looking for a spring designed to fit the 78 or for a 2.5" wide spring or does it not matter since I have the wider perch?
https://www.zip-corvette.com/77-79-r...e-spacers.html
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,009
Likes: 1,116
From: North tonawanda NY
So after searching for days ive come to the conclusion that the only composite springs available right now are the ones made with the 82 oem molds that most dont want due to ride height issues... I called a few places that showed them in stock only to be told they are shipped directly from the manufacturer and in fact are not in stock... So I guess I will wait for van steel to begin to roll out the vb&P mold versions.
Last edited by augiedoggy; Mar 19, 2021 at 11:00 AM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,009
Likes: 1,116
From: North tonawanda NY
I believe im going to go for the 330lb spring or something in that ballpark. I already bought the moog 550 springs to install up front. I would like to lower the car an inch or so and plan on cutting the front springs and using longer bolts in the rear.
Last edited by augiedoggy; Mar 19, 2021 at 11:54 AM.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 278
Likes: 43
From: Kansas
So im trying to figure out what to replace my stock spring with.. I want to lower it a bit too. Most of the research I've done indicated the composite rear springs available right now have a tendency to raise the ride height unless I use 10" bolts which hang down pretty low.
On the flip side I see a Lot of coilover springs for reasonable prices.. is thier additional mods/ hardware thats needed if I go the coilover route? What spring weight is ideal for the shocks? Same as the single composite?
On the flip side I see a Lot of coilover springs for reasonable prices.. is thier additional mods/ hardware thats needed if I go the coilover route? What spring weight is ideal for the shocks? Same as the single composite?
Coil Overs reasonable? Where.
My build is going the coil over route and know that is going to cost a small fortune
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,009
Likes: 1,116
From: North tonawanda NY
https://www.ebay.com/itm/500lb-Small....c100276.m3476
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,453
Likes: 665
From: Republic of Texas
Guess it depends on how low you want to go and how you want the ride.
I have 550's in the front and 360 VS composite in the rear and any lower I'm scraping driveways. Cutting the spring will not only lower it but alter the he spring rate and will alter the ride.
Last edited by Corey_68; Mar 20, 2021 at 09:39 AM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,009
Likes: 1,116
From: North tonawanda NY
The issue I have is my shocks were like 40 years old and completely blown out in my avatar pic... after just replacing the shocks alone my ride height is almost an inch higher. (2 years later)
Last edited by augiedoggy; Mar 20, 2021 at 08:40 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Virginia
I put on the 550s and dropped an inch over stock. I'd certainly try them first before cutting them, especially with a big block.
Also, even with a 385 lb VB&P rear spring, the rear feels softer than the front. My 80 may be a bit lighter than your car, and the stock 1 1/8" front swaybar adds even more stiffness, but do check some other threads before you commit to a size. You may want to call VanSteel and ask for advice based on the rest of your car.
Do you have a rear swaybar?
EDIT: Not 100% sure of the 1" drop. It's lower than stock, but not any lower than before the change.
Also, even with a 385 lb VB&P rear spring, the rear feels softer than the front. My 80 may be a bit lighter than your car, and the stock 1 1/8" front swaybar adds even more stiffness, but do check some other threads before you commit to a size. You may want to call VanSteel and ask for advice based on the rest of your car.
Do you have a rear swaybar?
EDIT: Not 100% sure of the 1" drop. It's lower than stock, but not any lower than before the change.
Last edited by Bikespace; Mar 20, 2021 at 10:12 AM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,009
Likes: 1,116
From: North tonawanda NY
I put on the 550s and dropped an inch over stock. I'd certainly try them first before cutting them, especially with a big block.
Also, even with a 385 lb VB&P rear spring, the rear feels softer than the front. My 80 may be a bit lighter than your car, and the stock 1 1/8" front swaybar adds even more stiffness, but do check some other threads before you commit to a size. You may want to call VanSteel and ask for advice based on the rest of your car.
Do you have a rear swaybar?
Also, even with a 385 lb VB&P rear spring, the rear feels softer than the front. My 80 may be a bit lighter than your car, and the stock 1 1/8" front swaybar adds even more stiffness, but do check some other threads before you commit to a size. You may want to call VanSteel and ask for advice based on the rest of your car.
Do you have a rear swaybar?
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,453
Likes: 665
From: Republic of Texas
Hmm interesting. I was told on another thread the 550 moog springs will give me stock ride height unless I cut them? I do understand the rear spring is subjective to the bolt length and were its tightened too. Im guess you maybe have a heavy big block car? I dont. I know there are different versions of this spring for sb or BB or even AC... I went with the sbc no ac version hoping I may not need to cut, also because ive made other weight cutting mods in the engine compartment.
The issue I have is my shocks were like 40 years old and completely blown out in my avatar pic... after just replacing the shocks alone my ride height is almost an inch higher. (2 years later)
The issue I have is my shocks were like 40 years old and completely blown out in my avatar pic... after just replacing the shocks alone my ride height is almost an inch higher. (2 years later)
At the time I had an aluminum head Big Block and #550 springs dropped the car 1inch, swapped in all aluminum LS2 and the height change was not noticeable.
I would definitely recommend trying them first, allow them settle a couple days then reevaluate before cutting first.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,907
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From: Virginia
Yes I do believe I have a rear swaybar now. The fact that your height dropped is actually encouraging to read but it does confuse me that so many have gotten different results from the moog replacement springs. I guess with all the different changes and small weight variances its to be expected though. I will test fit the springs uncut first.
I should have measured the before and after. Looking through my photos, none clearly show a ride height change and certainly not a 1" drop, so my previous statement is in error. YMMV with a big block, though.
Here are the two springs.
