Curious about transverse front spring...
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Curious about transverse front spring...
I know the spring rate is adjustable, but how can you tell what rate you're at?
Planning on doing the conversion in the summer, it looks really neat.
-Steve
Planning on doing the conversion in the summer, it looks really neat.
-Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,877
Likes: 1
From: Park Ridge IL
Re: Curious about transverse front spring... (Pacin'California)
I've had the front trasverse spring kit on my car for about 7-8 years, and the rear dual mount for about 2 years. I've been trying to find the answer to that question the whole time.
Thankfully, Brian at VBP finally gave me somewhat of an answer. He said that each composite spring has it's own spring rate when it comes out of the mold and that the actual rate can only be determined by the serial number. He also mentioned that each adjustment hole on the spring pivot mount is approximately 65lbs difference.
It's not really that important to know what the actual spring rate number is, but it's relative rate compared to another spring, but of course you have to have some quantative method of compring rates.
Thankfully, Brian at VBP finally gave me somewhat of an answer. He said that each composite spring has it's own spring rate when it comes out of the mold and that the actual rate can only be determined by the serial number. He also mentioned that each adjustment hole on the spring pivot mount is approximately 65lbs difference.
It's not really that important to know what the actual spring rate number is, but it's relative rate compared to another spring, but of course you have to have some quantative method of compring rates.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Re: Curious about transverse front spring... (Pacin'California)
Steve did you see my good info. post? Monty is the only guy that I know that went for the full VB&P package. Including the dual mount rear.
I didn't do it because: when I was upgrading to the Street & Slolam kit the transverse kit was brand new. I didn't want to be a test model and find out the flaws. The later kits did have changes.
I didn't do it because: when I was upgrading to the Street & Slolam kit the transverse kit was brand new. I didn't want to be a test model and find out the flaws. The later kits did have changes.
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Indiana Pa
Re: Curious about transverse front spring... (Pacin'California)
Hi Pacin' California,
"Vette" magazine has an article in the April 2003 issue about that very thing. Check out p. 56-58 for the detailed story.
Also, I would like to know more about your rear spring. What is the dual mount? and is it hard to install? I am looking to install a composite front and rear in the future.
Thanks,
Don :yesnod:
"Vette" magazine has an article in the April 2003 issue about that very thing. Check out p. 56-58 for the detailed story.
Also, I would like to know more about your rear spring. What is the dual mount? and is it hard to install? I am looking to install a composite front and rear in the future.
Thanks,
Don :yesnod:
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Re: Curious about transverse front spring... (80saintnick)
I am not converting to the dual mount... at least not for now, but it has the same premise as the transverse front.
The regular composite springs have a fixed spring rate. I've got a 360 lb spring in my closet. The dual mount is adjustable with mounts similar to those on the front transverse, although I'm not sure as to how they fit. Monty will have to field questions on fit and install...
Also, the last straw was seeing how EASY it was to install in the new issue. That's what made me decide I want it sooner than later. :)
-Steve
The regular composite springs have a fixed spring rate. I've got a 360 lb spring in my closet. The dual mount is adjustable with mounts similar to those on the front transverse, although I'm not sure as to how they fit. Monty will have to field questions on fit and install...
Also, the last straw was seeing how EASY it was to install in the new issue. That's what made me decide I want it sooner than later. :)
-Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,877
Likes: 1
From: Park Ridge IL
Re: Curious about transverse front spring... (Pacin'California)
The VBP rear dual mount spring is very easy to install. The intallation differs between the 80-82 models, and the previous C3's due to the rear differential. For the 80-82's, it's a straight bolt-on situation. The 3 bolts on the bottom of the differential that fastened the stock spring is used to secure the adjustable spring mount, and there is a small "clamp" attachment on the ends of the bracket that attach to the differential carrier. Those are the only mounting points, other than the spring adjsutment bolt. With the original spring and bracket already removed, you could install the dual mount spring system in about 1 hour.
This picture doesn't show the entire dual mount system, end to end, but it does give a good idea of how easily it mounts. I beleive that there is some drilling required for '79 and earlier cars, but I don't know first hand.
This picture doesn't show the entire dual mount system, end to end, but it does give a good idea of how easily it mounts. I beleive that there is some drilling required for '79 and earlier cars, but I don't know first hand.
