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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I have that setup. spring rate is adjustable and ride height is adjustable. I can crank the front height up and down as I want it. And I switched from a small block to a big block and just adjusted the spring rate out to the stiffest and adjusted the height back up as I needed it with the new weight....handles great and makes me smile. It doesnt nose dive in the turns or sway even a little bit.
I am very happy to be rid of my transverse rear spring and would not look to put one on the front. Unless the parts are really cheap and your current setup is busted, I would skip.
Coilovers or semi-coilovers would be the way to go if you’re looking for a performance upgrade.
The fact that VBP no longer exists is another reason I’d stay away. But again, if the parts are cheap… something’s better than nothing!
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Van Steel I believe had taken over for he VBP front spring setup . But the coil over technology is progressing and dropping in price so quickly it appears they are switching almost all production front
and rear over to coil over technology. If mine ever fails I would go that route but again, its the cost that gets you there. Im not going to swap over just because it the new thing when my setup works so well for me.
I wouldn't knock your choice at all, Rescue Rogers. There was a time in my life where I was wishing I had that kit in my 78 very badly. But as you've said - the market is ever changing.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I would say coil overs but Some say you have to have the A Arms for it, that you just cant bolt them in becaue the pressure isnt spread out to the sides by the spring its all on the bolts of the shock itself. So you have to get 2 shocks and 2 to 4 arms depending on the set up. I think they are around $2k. the QA1 shocks are the go to for that.
EDIT
I just found van steel came out with the cheapest alternative to date....bolt in with the A ARMS you got.. one valve adjusting for less than $800. THe instructions are in the bottom of the link page for each item after you open them....the way to go or spend $200 more for 2 valve adjustable. Thats a cheap way tp go and you can use what ever steering you want
How do the coil overs do/last after many miles ? It does look like you’re putting all the load on what used to be just a shock mount on the control arm up front , I could see that maybe being a problem on a factory arm but maybe it isn’t ?
How do the coil overs do/last after many miles ? It does look like you’re putting all the load on what used to be just a shock mount on the control arm up front , I could see that maybe being a problem on a factory arm but maybe it isn’t ?
Remember that the load is split between the top of the shock and the upper control arm mounts (via the spindle). Also, that area is holding the upper spring pocket anyhow.
The semi-coilovers use reinforced LCAs and utilize the stock spring and shock upper mounts.
I'd be lying if I said it didn't give me pause, but the problem is probably not as bad as you and I are imagining. That said, I'm not a mechanical engineer so I can't begin to speak to the load factor.
I just reviewed the Detroit Speed one, obviously not for the budget conscious, but it uses a neat upper mount that looks like it distributes load to the spring pocket.
I just found van steel came out with the cheapest alternative to date....bolt in with the A ARMS you got.. one valve adjusting for less than $800. THe instructions are in the bottom of the link page for each item after you open them....the way to go or spend $200 more for 2 valve adjustable. Thats a cheap way tp go and you can use what ever steering you want
St. Jude Donor '05-'06,'11,'13-'14,'16,'18,'19,'24, '25
I have the VB&P setup on my car along with a DIY R&P based on the Steroids system. The suspension was a good step up along with being a good bit lighter then the OEM parts. Other than the spring mounting cushions detreating I've had no issues with it. The R&P setup is one of the best upgrades you can do to make the C3 drive like a modern car.
Transverse Front Spring and Steeroids - worth it?
