Leaf Spring Question, Steel or Composite?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Florida
Leaf Spring Question, Steel or Composite?
I need to replace the stock leaf spring on my 75 L82. I'm torn between replacing it with a newer steel spring or a 330lb composite mono-spring from Van Steel or Vette Brakes. Both offer a kit for $339 versus a steel spring for about $150.00. My concerns are ride quality and performance. I've also heard that composite springs are prone to snapping in too much heat. The heat is a concern as I reside in Florida. Is there going to be a noticeable difference in the two springs to justify the additional cost? Any advice from experience is appreciated.
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
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St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Re: Leaf Spring Question, Steel or Composite? (Scudd)
Composite springs have been installed on ALL Corvettes since 1982, so reliability should not be a concern.
As far as heat, the problem is when people have exhaust pipes too close without a heat shield.
My composite spring came with a heat shield so that is not a problem.
Do not fear composites because of a lot of bad rumors. Mine has been on for over 2 years, I live in Phoenix, and I have ZERO problems with it.
If you look up in the tech section of C3, I did a tech tip on the install.
The mono's are much smoother riding and react to changes faster. However, they have a much higher rebound rate, and you must have the right shocks for them.
Either get the shocks from VB&P for mono springs, or get adjustable shocks. You will hate the ride of a mono with stock shocks, too much rebound.
When you get the right shocks, the ride will be incredibly smoother than before with your old heavy steel spring (and those break too).
As far as heat, the problem is when people have exhaust pipes too close without a heat shield.
My composite spring came with a heat shield so that is not a problem.
Do not fear composites because of a lot of bad rumors. Mine has been on for over 2 years, I live in Phoenix, and I have ZERO problems with it.
If you look up in the tech section of C3, I did a tech tip on the install.
The mono's are much smoother riding and react to changes faster. However, they have a much higher rebound rate, and you must have the right shocks for them.
Either get the shocks from VB&P for mono springs, or get adjustable shocks. You will hate the ride of a mono with stock shocks, too much rebound.
When you get the right shocks, the ride will be incredibly smoother than before with your old heavy steel spring (and those break too).
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: ECS Sales & Service Advisor
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Re: Leaf Spring Question, Steel or Composite? (Scudd)
MY VB&P Composite after about 150 miles... 
I have sidepipes so there was no heat from the exhaust.
Although I do have to say I think I might have gotten a bad spring. VB&P was great about the problem and sent another spring (this one steel) to replace the broken glass one. The good news is that it rode great for those 150 miles, and I still dont think that the steel rides as nicely. (2 years later)
So it's not just rumor that they can brake, but they do ride better than steel in my opinion. If I had the extra money right now...I'd try another glass one.
BTW.. I wasnt 4 wheeling when it broke either. I drove about 90% of those 150 miles on the highway and the other 10% around town... no pot holes or anything else.. :(
I have sidepipes so there was no heat from the exhaust.
Although I do have to say I think I might have gotten a bad spring. VB&P was great about the problem and sent another spring (this one steel) to replace the broken glass one. The good news is that it rode great for those 150 miles, and I still dont think that the steel rides as nicely. (2 years later)
So it's not just rumor that they can brake, but they do ride better than steel in my opinion. If I had the extra money right now...I'd try another glass one.
BTW.. I wasnt 4 wheeling when it broke either. I drove about 90% of those 150 miles on the highway and the other 10% around town... no pot holes or anything else.. :(
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: ECS Sales & Service Advisor
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Re: Leaf Spring Question, Steel or Composite? (Mike69)
Errrr... I dont know why those pics arent showing up... :skep:
Lets try this... http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/mike69//VB&P016.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/mike69//VB&P008.jpg
:crazy:
Lets try this... http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/mike69//VB&P016.jpg
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/mike69//VB&P008.jpg
:crazy:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
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From: Austin TX
Re: Leaf Spring Question, Steel or Composite? (Scudd)
Ditto BSeery.
VB composites break due to delamination. The rear that broke on mine a few years back was due to mechanical damage - ie my ace mechanic drive over something that hit the spring and damaged the covering that encases the fiberglass strands. This started the delamination.
I've always run the heat shield with my VB and TRW springs.
VB composites break due to delamination. The rear that broke on mine a few years back was due to mechanical damage - ie my ace mechanic drive over something that hit the spring and damaged the covering that encases the fiberglass strands. This started the delamination.
I've always run the heat shield with my VB and TRW springs.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Loir Valley Sarthe, France
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Re: Leaf Spring Question, Steel or Composite? (Scudd)
I fitted a composite spring about 3 years ago now. It was the best thing I ever did! But, at the same time I fitted Koni Adjustable gas shocks. Some sort of gas shock, peferably adjustable, are a must with a composite spring. OK, I don't get Brian's Phoenix temps, but we've had some long hot runs in France and it's fine. I do check it regualrly for damage (hits ect), but it looks like new still (it's easier to keep clean too!)
The ride is soooo much beter, it deals with a load (suitcases etc) much better, keeping the car more level than the old metal one did, and of course its lighter. There are other advantages that come to light as well, like when you'r working on the rar. The composite spring doesn't want to "bow" so much, which makes work on d/shaft UJs etc all much easier!
Go for the Composite, but just include those shocks!
The ride is soooo much beter, it deals with a load (suitcases etc) much better, keeping the car more level than the old metal one did, and of course its lighter. There are other advantages that come to light as well, like when you'r working on the rar. The composite spring doesn't want to "bow" so much, which makes work on d/shaft UJs etc all much easier!
Go for the Composite, but just include those shocks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: cincinnati ohio
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Leaf Spring Question, Steel or Composite? (Scudd)
Glass springs front and rear, the best money spent on this car so far.
To take full advantage of the springs it's important to match the shocks to them :smash: Do a search on composite springs to read disscussions on the topic :cheers:
[Modified by yellow 72, 11:32 AM 2/21/2003]
To take full advantage of the springs it's important to match the shocks to them :smash: Do a search on composite springs to read disscussions on the topic :cheers:
[Modified by yellow 72, 11:32 AM 2/21/2003]
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Team Owner
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From: Lakeland, FL
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Re: Leaf Spring Question, Steel or Composite? (Scudd)
I went with the 330 lbs/inch composite spring.. Better confort and big weight saving...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Lewiston, Maine
Re: Leaf Spring Question, Steel or Composite?
I'm looking at upgrading soon to the F41 specs. on my car; 550 lb./sq.in. front coils with a 360 lb./sq.in. fiberglass rear leaf spring. As for gas shocks, I was looking at either the KYB (whites) or KYB (silvers). The only difference being that the silvers advertise "Low pressure gas" and the whites say "High pressure gas." Which should I go with? Are there other shocks in that $40 ea. ballpark price range that I should use instead? My car was originally equipped with Bilsteins.
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Joined: Apr 1999
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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Re: Leaf Spring Question, Steel or Composite? (1969Vette350)
VB spring! Delco Performer gas shocks.
:cool:
Don't worry about breaking w/ good install. Almost all the breaking reported has been w/ TRW (normally excellent products- the springs are made for them), bad install, etc.
:cool:
Don't worry about breaking w/ good install. Almost all the breaking reported has been w/ TRW (normally excellent products- the springs are made for them), bad install, etc.
