Mono leaf recommendations request
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 205
Likes: 37
From: Plano Texas
I know this is a fairly old post, but has anyone had any experience with the Corvette America composite spring? They have a 315 that should match well with my ‘69 small block.
Only reason I consider them is because I also need to replace my rear strut rods as well and I can get the spring, bilstein shocks and strut rods at one place and with 15% off sale currently…. But don’t want to get it if someone has experience with it being trash…
Only reason I consider them is because I also need to replace my rear strut rods as well and I can get the spring, bilstein shocks and strut rods at one place and with 15% off sale currently…. But don’t want to get it if someone has experience with it being trash…
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 205
Likes: 37
From: Plano Texas
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 4,510
From: Virginia
I’m not sure… this is the one they sell: https://www.topflightautomotive.com/...ll-block-only/
Old Pro Solo Guy
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 8,094
Likes: 4,449
From: Marlton NJ
Here is my suspension setup spreadsheet Bikespace mentioned.
The stock spring is very soft, and since you have a strong engine, you could easily be squatting the rear enough to hit the bump stops, especially coming out of a turn. That could be the "unsettled" feel you are feeling. I did suspension engineering on my Pro-Solo car for 27 years and like you I also decided on the 474# fronts and 330# mono rear for my retirement ride, with it's 500 HP BB. Unlike other BB guys I am setting mine up to handle very well, up to street / auto-cross levels. And yes adjustable shocks definately will let you dial-in your ride/handling compromise. Which with a non adjustable shock is always a hit-or-miss proposition. I have QA-1 adjustables. But many here say the Bilstein combo you have works well with a monospring rear.
The stock spring is very soft, and since you have a strong engine, you could easily be squatting the rear enough to hit the bump stops, especially coming out of a turn. That could be the "unsettled" feel you are feeling. I did suspension engineering on my Pro-Solo car for 27 years and like you I also decided on the 474# fronts and 330# mono rear for my retirement ride, with it's 500 HP BB. Unlike other BB guys I am setting mine up to handle very well, up to street / auto-cross levels. And yes adjustable shocks definately will let you dial-in your ride/handling compromise. Which with a non adjustable shock is always a hit-or-miss proposition. I have QA-1 adjustables. But many here say the Bilstein combo you have works well with a monospring rear.
Last edited by leigh1322; Oct 8, 2022 at 06:09 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 225
Likes: 73
From: Missouri
Thanks for posting. Cool spreadsheet. I talked to VanSteel and they recommend the 360lb spring. Just waiting now for them to get enough orders. I think he said they wait until they have at least 6 before they make a batch. I’ll post the results once I finally get her in.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 225
Likes: 73
From: Missouri
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Pro
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 728
Likes: 346
From: Smyrna, TN
Old thread,but anyone with a squatting problem because of added power need adjustable drag shocks...
The idea is you want a shock that requires more force on compression. This will prevent squat BUT you will feel every bump in the road. The trick is to "Dial In" the compromise between performance and comfort...
Here is an excerpt from Summit Racing on some drag shocks they sell.
"The ratios for the rear shocks are 70/30, 60/40, and 50/50. These numbers represent the percentage of force required to extend (first number) and compress (second number) the shock. By changing the settings on the front and rear shocks, you can dial-in the car to raise the front on initial launch for weight transfer, and then settle smoothly for a final charge to the finish line."
The idea is you want a shock that requires more force on compression. This will prevent squat BUT you will feel every bump in the road. The trick is to "Dial In" the compromise between performance and comfort...
Here is an excerpt from Summit Racing on some drag shocks they sell.
"The ratios for the rear shocks are 70/30, 60/40, and 50/50. These numbers represent the percentage of force required to extend (first number) and compress (second number) the shock. By changing the settings on the front and rear shocks, you can dial-in the car to raise the front on initial launch for weight transfer, and then settle smoothly for a final charge to the finish line."
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,028
Likes: 1,120
From: North tonawanda NY
Old thread,but anyone with a squatting problem because of added power need adjustable drag shocks...
The idea is you want a shock that requires more force on compression. This will prevent squat BUT you will feel every bump in the road. The trick is to "Dial In" the compromise between performance and comfort...
Here is an excerpt from Summit Racing on some drag shocks they sell.
"The ratios for the rear shocks are 70/30, 60/40, and 50/50. These numbers represent the percentage of force required to extend (first number) and compress (second number) the shock. By changing the settings on the front and rear shocks, you can dial-in the car to raise the front on initial launch for weight transfer, and then settle smoothly for a final charge to the finish line."
The idea is you want a shock that requires more force on compression. This will prevent squat BUT you will feel every bump in the road. The trick is to "Dial In" the compromise between performance and comfort...
Here is an excerpt from Summit Racing on some drag shocks they sell.
"The ratios for the rear shocks are 70/30, 60/40, and 50/50. These numbers represent the percentage of force required to extend (first number) and compress (second number) the shock. By changing the settings on the front and rear shocks, you can dial-in the car to raise the front on initial launch for weight transfer, and then settle smoothly for a final charge to the finish line."
Van steel is the only decent spring without too much arch I know of left from the research ive done since they use the old VB&P molds.... I found a used VB&P spring on ebay im running now with the van steel Delrin rear crossmember solid lowering mounts.
