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I'm thinking of installing a new monospring (low arch 330# from VanSteel), along with QA1 non-adjustable shocks (front and rear) on my 1970 Convertible, with a base 350 engine, automatic transmission. Currently has a standard suspension. I don't track the car, it's a basic weekend cruiser.
Does anyone have something similar, and should this setup provide a nicer ride? Can I assume it won't be bouncy? I'd like to retain my current ride height which hopefully with the 8-inch bolts it can be possible.
Just looking for some input on folks who may have a similar setup and whether it's a good improvement on the stock 9-leaf spring.
The standard for this combination with a fiberglass rear spring is Bilstein B8’s in the rear and B6’s upfront.
Hi JC...
When you reference B6/B8... There are B6/B8 Performance, and there are B6/B8 Performance Plus... which ones are you referencing? The Performance, or the Performance Plus?
Van Steel told me the QA1 would be too stiff for a cruiser . At that time the springs were on back order and I went with a steel spring ,Bilstein for a cruiser , QA1 for track and aggressive street
Van Steel told me the QA1 would be too stiff for a cruiser . At that time the springs were on back order and I went with a steel spring ,Bilstein for a cruiser , QA1 for track and aggressive street
Interesting as Van Steel told me that their QA1 non-adjustable shock would work well... and I did say that it's only a cruiser... it's all confusing to me... haha
I have QA-1 adjustables on the rear with the VBP #420 monospring. There is quite a bit of leeway with the adjustment. You'll be glad to have them. You can go from teeth rattling tight to Cadillac bouncy. I run mine slightly tight to limit squat on track holeshots. On the lightest setting, the rear would be slightly bouncy even with my 420 lb. spring.
Damn that color is gorgeous on your Vette. I just installed a Van Steel 360# spring with QA1 single adjustable shocks on my 70. I wouldn't say its a "cushy" ride.(I didn't want that) but it definitely rides better than the stock 9 leaf spring and the KYB shocks that were on it before.
How many different shocks does Bilstein make for our cars? Did you find additional part numbers? I thought there were only two options (plus front and rear, so 4 total):
B6, old term: HD, new term: Peformance, standard travel,
B8, old term: Sport, new term: Performance Plus, shortened travel for lowered cars
And for most cars, the B6 and B8 shocks are the same "stiffness", only the extended length is different though there is some evidence that B8 shocks are "stiffer" for C3s than the B6s.
At any rate, with my 360 lb VB&P spring, the rear end is still a bit soft with the B8 shocks. Not bouncy, just softer than the front (550 and B6s), so going over a bump, the rear drops more. I aim to move my entire setup to my 79, and go with QA-1 double-adjustables all around with a stiffer rear spring.
Getting ready to order the Vansteel 360# rear spring for my 80. Currently have a 255 tire in the rear. Any reason to not order the 1/2” shorter spring to open options of a wider rear tire?
I have the 360 low arch spring with qa1 single adjustables. I set them to 8/16 clicks for comfort and 12/16 if i’m going for a spirited drive. If your not going to drive your car very hard, i’d go with 330 or lighter. I’ve thought about moving up to a 400 rear spring when i eventually take her to the track.
Having an early big block C3 Corvette where more of the "weight" is carried up in front of the Center of Gravity so I don't mind having the Big Heavy Metal Multi-piece spring and it's weight hanging out below in the rear.
Many years ago I took it apart and re-built the "spring" components. Sand blasted each part and then epoxy coated them. Then re-assembled with the grease to keep the spring from squeaking. It basically made them work like new and since the rear of my Corvette is not on a Diet it doesn't really matter. The heavy duty Steel Spring works just fine from the factory in my particular Corvette.
The rear spring does two things. It has to hold X amount of weight = ride height. It can be linear or progressive. That's it, period. There is only about 4 inches of movement until the rear, bottoms out on the snubber. The original 9 leaf spring is progressive. It is soft in the first movement and gets stiffer as it bottoms out. For me, this is the best of both worlds.
I think these new fiberglass springs are using the car wash theory of improvement. Wow,,, my car sure drives nice today after I cleaned it up.
I was wrong about 4 inches of travel, there is only about 2 inches before the arm contacts the rubber snubber with the half shafts horizontal.
My ‘69 had a new 9 leaf with way too much arch. Even with 8” bolts it sat too high. I installed a 340# Vansteel composite with QA1 shocks, retaining the 8” bolts and it is perfect.
Monospring/Shock combination
