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Hello Vet Heads
OK so I've had my Vett for a couple years now. And I've discovered it has the Gymkhana Suspension. Based on research I am aware it is a stuff suspension. Other than that, what are the pros and cons. From what I have gathered it has a HD front springs and Shocks, 7 leaf rear spring and 7/16 stabilizer. However i counted 9 leaf, unles the upper and lower plate are not leafs. Ant thought and inputs will be greatly appreciated
Cruise safe
Another part difference with FE7 suspension is Aluminum rear struts. These are much lighter than the steel ones found on NON-FE7 option cars. Although they still use the multi leaf steel spring instead of the single leaf composite. Go figure.
My 1980 has the Gymkhana suspension. I haven’t had the opportunity to get under and explore it yet. It’s funny… the suspension option back then was $55.00 but the 8-Track stereo was $155.00.
Ps.
In 1980, 24.4% of Corvettes produced had the Gymkhana suspension.
Last edited by JiminSTLouis; Apr 25, 2022 at 10:03 AM.
Another part difference with FE7 suspension is Aluminum rear struts. These are much lighter than the steel ones found on NON-FE7 option cars. Although they still use the multi leaf steel spring instead of the single leaf composite. Go figure.
I was not aware of this!!!!
aluminum strut rods?? great now i have to find those.. I have NEVER seen those available anywhere..!!! @Bikespace i learned from you!
FYI here is your steel gymkhana replacement available today. original was 6 leaf steel. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...af-spring.html
OP how about some pics?? are you sure not a 10 leaf replacement?
Another part difference with FE7 suspension is Aluminum rear struts. These are much lighter than the steel ones found on NON-FE7 option cars. Although they still use the multi leaf steel spring instead of the single leaf composite. Go figure.
My car came with the FE7, and it has iron struts. What years are you talking about?
I'm still not sure of the application of the aluminum strut rods. Perhaps (late) 82 only? The GM part number is 14041095, and several examples are up on eBay right now. Perhaps someone with a Corvette/GM part book handy can confirm the application, but I don't know if they they are specific to FE7, or just to (late production) 82s.
My 77 came with gymkhana suspension. It had Bilstien shocks. 7/16ths rear sway bar , I believe 1 1/8 front bar.
As stated, different springs from standard, But, no alloy strut rods.
Now all that's left of the original gymkhana suspension is the front springs that I cut a coil off and the front sway bar.
But the links and bushings have been replaced. Original Bilstiens lasted about 30 years. Now it has more modern Bilstiens on it. and thicker rear bar and VB&P mono spring.
The gymkhana suspension was a good value in the day. but 45 years on. most of it should have been replaced by now anyway.
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Gymkhana suspension
