1980 L82 rear spring question
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From: Richardson Tx
1980 L82 rear spring question
Thinking about replacing the rear spring on my 1980 L82. Researching stock 9 leaf spring versus composite has left me confused. Consensus seems to be a composite spring will provide a smoother ride, but what I don’t understand is this. If I’m correct the stock nine leaf spring has a spring rate of somewhere around 200 lbs. the composite springs are over 300 lbs per inch. I would probably go with the 340 lb spring. But if the spring rate is that much higher than stock 9 leaf, how does that provide a smoother ride?
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From: Richardson Tx
Just noticed that VanSteel offers a 200 lb spring rate composite spring which matches the stock 9 leaf. They also have 330 lb per inch composite. Something else to consider. Any thoughts or recommendations?
Le Mans Master
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From: Indiana
I don’t have composite but some steel playing..here..its amazing how many springs there are..6 leaf, 9, 10 (mine), 7..2 1/4, 2 1/4 with spacers.., 2 1/2 width..
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...questions.html
but if your goal is smooth..consider the low hanging fruit. bilsteins or other shock…they work with any spring…also is there something wrong with your spring now? Also look close, it may be factory 10..
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...questions.html
but if your goal is smooth..consider the low hanging fruit. bilsteins or other shock…they work with any spring…also is there something wrong with your spring now? Also look close, it may be factory 10..
Le Mans Master
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From: Little Rock AR
You can not compare the steel spring ratings to composite spring ratings. Remember, steel spring leaves slide across each other as they move in use and that causes friction. Friction dampens motion to some extent. Composite have zero friction in use. Special shocks are required to control the motion for a composite spring.
I have a 1980 L-82 and tried a stock steel spring with stock shocks (just OK), a high rate composite spring with stock shocks (not good at all - bouncy and "squatty"?...hard to describe), and a high rated spring with the Bilstein Sport shocks. The winner by far was the last setup. Smooth and supple while handling great too. Hard for people to believe this setup can do it all but it really does.
My advice: Use the higher rated composite spring with the Bilstein "Sport" shocks (catalog says designed for a lowered car).
The Bilstein "HD" shocks are better if you have a steel spring or a softer composite spring.
I have a 1980 L-82 and tried a stock steel spring with stock shocks (just OK), a high rate composite spring with stock shocks (not good at all - bouncy and "squatty"?...hard to describe), and a high rated spring with the Bilstein Sport shocks. The winner by far was the last setup. Smooth and supple while handling great too. Hard for people to believe this setup can do it all but it really does.
My advice: Use the higher rated composite spring with the Bilstein "Sport" shocks (catalog says designed for a lowered car).
The Bilstein "HD" shocks are better if you have a steel spring or a softer composite spring.
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From: Richardson Tx
nothing wrong with the spring that I know of. It’s a 9 leaf spring and I believe it’s original to the car. I just got the car and I want to restore the suspension, bushings for sure. I’m trying to decide whether to restore the existing spring or replace with a 9 leaf or composite. If I stick with 9 leaf I think I would just replace since they’re not terribly expensive. but I’m leaning toward composite to get a smoother ride. Just trying to decide which one. It has gymkhana suspension by the way. I restored the spring on my ‘71 years ago and it was a lot of work. Not eager to do it again
I don’t have composite but some steel playing..here..its amazing how many springs there are..6 leaf, 9, 10 (mine), 7..2 1/4, 2 1/4 with spacers.., 2 1/2 width..
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...questions.html
but if your goal is smooth..consider the low hanging fruit. bilsteins or other shock…they work with any spring…also is there something wrong with your spring now? Also look close, it may be factory 10..
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...questions.html
but if your goal is smooth..consider the low hanging fruit. bilsteins or other shock…they work with any spring…also is there something wrong with your spring now? Also look close, it may be factory 10..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
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From: Indiana
Oh didn’t know gymkhana was 9 leaf in 80..
it is easy to resleeve ( if even needed) if ride height is good..careful ride height ANY replacement
it is easy to resleeve ( if even needed) if ride height is good..careful ride height ANY replacement
Last edited by interpon; Aug 21, 2021 at 11:47 AM.
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From: Richardson Tx
Yes. I read on this forum somewhere that all 1980 springs were 9 leaf. I double checked in my NCRS judging manual and it agrees. But I don’t know if the spring rate for the FE7 gymkhana was stiffer versus the base spring. I think I’ll research that
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From: Crossville TN
The composite spring will offer a softer ride. But, some of the mono-springs are not shaped properly and will leave your car sitting high in back.
I think your main issue is probably the shock absorbers that you have. on the car, rather than the spring. If you have old shocks or just regular 'gas' shocks, you might want to invest in some Bilstein B6 shocks (all around) for you stock leaf-spring car. The ride will still be 'firm', but the better shocks will remove the harsh feel of each bump.
If you decide to go with a mono-spring in back, go with B6 shocks in the front and B8 shocks in the rear. That seems to be the best combo for Bilstein's on mono-spring rear C3's.
I think your main issue is probably the shock absorbers that you have. on the car, rather than the spring. If you have old shocks or just regular 'gas' shocks, you might want to invest in some Bilstein B6 shocks (all around) for you stock leaf-spring car. The ride will still be 'firm', but the better shocks will remove the harsh feel of each bump.
If you decide to go with a mono-spring in back, go with B6 shocks in the front and B8 shocks in the rear. That seems to be the best combo for Bilstein's on mono-spring rear C3's.
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From: Richardson Tx
Vette Brakes which is where I’ll purchase if I get a composite spring offers 300 lb, 330 lb, and also 360 and 400. I don’t believe I would go higher than 330. I’m after smoother ride versus performance. And I’ll change out shocks as suggested. I’ll probably change shocks out first to see how that effects the ride with the stock spring
Le Mans Master
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From: Little Rock AR
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Lubbock Texas
I'm running the 330 lb composite spring on my '73 along with Bilstein HDs. Seems to work well. Definitely improved the ride over the steel spring and KYBs. My ride is still a bit on the rough side but that's due to the front springs being too stiff. Front coil overs are something I'll be tackling down the road.
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[QUOTE=gshedden;1603909234]Vette Brakes which is where I’ll purchase if I get a composite spring offers 300 lb, 330 lb, and also 360 and 400. I don’t believe I would go higher than 330. I’m after smoother ride versus performance. And I’ll change out shocks as suggested. I’ll probably change shocks out first to see how that effects the ride with the stock spring[/QUOTE
Vette brakes has been closed down for years , I’ve been waiting close to a year now for a composite spring, not trying to be a smart *** but seriously, Who has a new composite spring available right now ? Of any spring rate ?
Vette brakes has been closed down for years , I’ve been waiting close to a year now for a composite spring, not trying to be a smart *** but seriously, Who has a new composite spring available right now ? Of any spring rate ?
Last edited by Eric P; Aug 21, 2021 at 11:24 PM.
Le Mans Master
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From: Indiana
I would LOVE to know what a gymkhana 9 leaf spring rate is..
if no sagging i would remove put new liners in purdy it up and put new quality shocks on..only out your labor and spray paint and liners if you decide to change
any pocs of spring? Ride height?
if no sagging i would remove put new liners in purdy it up and put new quality shocks on..only out your labor and spray paint and liners if you decide to change
any pocs of spring? Ride height?
Last edited by interpon; Aug 22, 2021 at 03:19 PM.
Le Mans Master
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From: Indiana