C3 front suspension-PSA
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 411
Likes: 232
From: central Florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (track prepared)
C3 front suspension-PSA
I hope this is allowed as I really wish this was available 6 years ago. Van Steel has developed drop spindle for C2 and C3 with taller height. This should help with the camber curve. I'm not sure how it integrates with their tubular arms. It's not cheap, but nothing is.
(I did a quick search and didn't see this anywhere...if it's already been covered, please ignore me or delete..I'm not around that much anymore).
Best to all.
Jim
https://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?f...5687-275103285
(I did a quick search and didn't see this anywhere...if it's already been covered, please ignore me or delete..I'm not around that much anymore).
Best to all.
Jim
https://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?f...5687-275103285
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 411
Likes: 232
From: central Florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (track prepared)
Well, that thought has crossed my mind. The notion that there’s a few things I could’ve done better always challenges me.
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Hi everyone. New to the site. I got a 1974 corvette and making it a 383 stroker. I am wondering if I really beef this engine up to over 500 hp, should I replace the front suspension? If so any suggestions?
My goal is have a car for my kid to enjoy that has a set instead of 190hp. Every now and then take it to the track and have him open it up. But have it for shows but not competitive shows. Just for people to look at. This will be a rebuild that a Dad and kid has to make memories and he can drive with muscle.
My goal is have a car for my kid to enjoy that has a set instead of 190hp. Every now and then take it to the track and have him open it up. But have it for shows but not competitive shows. Just for people to look at. This will be a rebuild that a Dad and kid has to make memories and he can drive with muscle.
Last edited by ManDawg03; May 15, 2025 at 10:22 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 411
Likes: 232
From: central Florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (track prepared)
Welcome ManDawg,
That's a difficult question not knowing your goals. I'd recommend starting a new thread and layout your current car and it's current condition. Add your goals, use and driving style(cruiser, autocross, diehard drag race on slicks, etc) With that info, you should be able to get guidance. I will say that if you have 500+ HP and use all of them regularly, you will need to consider most every moving part for either replacement or upgrade. Remember, that car is 51 years old and who knows the condition of the brakes, ball joints, U-joints, etc.
The parts mentioned in this thread are going to appeal to a pretty small group. They are expensive and most drivers will never actually need the advantage they offer.
Best wishes going town this C3 journey. Make that 74 exactly what YOU want.
jim
That's a difficult question not knowing your goals. I'd recommend starting a new thread and layout your current car and it's current condition. Add your goals, use and driving style(cruiser, autocross, diehard drag race on slicks, etc) With that info, you should be able to get guidance. I will say that if you have 500+ HP and use all of them regularly, you will need to consider most every moving part for either replacement or upgrade. Remember, that car is 51 years old and who knows the condition of the brakes, ball joints, U-joints, etc.
The parts mentioned in this thread are going to appeal to a pretty small group. They are expensive and most drivers will never actually need the advantage they offer.
Best wishes going town this C3 journey. Make that 74 exactly what YOU want.
jim
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 411
Likes: 232
From: central Florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (track prepared)
It's such a slippery slope though. When you add this new Van Steel kit and their tubular arms with SA shocks, you are actually more money than the RideTech True Turn With Singles and the similar Baer Brakes. It's within striking distance of the Detroit Speed Speedray set up (depending on the brake kit cost).
It s a good thing we don't think rationally when buying go-fast parts.
It s a good thing we don't think rationally when buying go-fast parts.
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thanks. The plan is replace all u joints, bearings and braking system. New springs and shocks as well. The chassis will be broken down, sand blasted and I plan on inspecting the welds and touching up or filling in weld imperfections along with adding bracing to the frame and mounts. Then painting the chassis. All moving parts bolting will be replaced.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,947
Likes: 4,506
From: Virginia
It's such a slippery slope though. When you add this new Van Steel kit and their tubular arms with SA shocks, you are actually more money than the RideTech True Turn With Singles and the similar Baer Brakes. It's within striking distance of the Detroit Speed Speedray set up (depending on the brake kit cost).
It s a good thing we don't think rationally when buying go-fast parts.
It s a good thing we don't think rationally when buying go-fast parts.
It looks like this solution only moves the hub face out 1/16", so stock wheel dimensions would still work (not counting the brakes). The C5, SRIII, and RideTech move the hub out 2 inches, and force you to use large offset wheels (stock for all Corvettes since 1983).
You are right about irrational thinking and go-fast parts!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 411
Likes: 232
From: central Florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (track prepared)
That's my favorite part. I don't like the look with newer wheels. If I had to run something like that, I'd have to call Custom Image and get some L88 flares to cover them with....See what you're doing? Making me be irresponsible. $$$
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,240
Likes: 1,013
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
Would it be the right assumption these spindles wouldn't work with 15 inch wheels. I guess the brakes are the main reason they wouldn't. Would love to do these hubs on my 69 if I could use stock style brake components. I have a hybrid Global West extended travel lower and their upper arms with Ridetech coil overs now. Are the bearings in the late hubs as big or bigger than the 69 up hubs? Thanks, great to see you back here, loved your car.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,947
Likes: 4,506
From: Virginia
Would it be the right assumption these spindles wouldn't work with 15 inch wheels. I guess the brakes are the main reason they wouldn't. Would love to do these hubs on my 69 if I could use stock style brake components. I have a hybrid Global West extended travel lower and their upper arms with Ridetech coil overs now. Are the bearings in the late hubs as big or bigger than the 69 up hubs? Thanks, great to see you back here, loved your car.
The issues I would imagine are all related to the hub spacing. C3 rotors may not even fit over C7 cartridge hubs.
I'd love to know, too. Otherwise, I have a set of Wilwood D8-6 calipers that I don't need.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,363
Likes: 1,587
From: los altos hills california
I wonder how much would be familiar on a GM car?
Last edited by ignatz; May 15, 2025 at 08:45 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 411
Likes: 232
From: central Florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (track prepared)
Yes, I have a problem.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 3,556
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
I'm with you. I've always had a spot for the 65-66 Impala SS that might work, but strangely, my wife doesn't share my love of old stick shift wagons. I could see a lowered Vista Cruiser on 18's with a Tremec and 3 pedals. Or maybe an 8 lug Pontiac catalina....with a Powerstroke. Or,,,,Or...
Yes, I have a problem.
Yes, I have a problem.
Thanks for the heads up- now Ii just need to buckle up and finish my current projects!!!
Saw this 10 years ago on the Hot rod Power Tour- always on my bucket list!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 411
Likes: 232
From: central Florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (track prepared)
haha. I knew I liked you!! I’d be in trouble if that was for sale and in my range.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,905
Likes: 962
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
If there's some incompatibility between the C7 hubs and using C3 rotors, it should be possible to select the appropriate offset Wilwood rotor hat that fits the C7 hubs and then bolt on an 11.75" rotor ring to allow the use of stock 15" wheels if desired.