Need Input from Composite Spring Users
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 553
Likes: 1
From: Valparaiso IN
Need Input from Composite Spring Users
I have been kicking around the idea of changing to a Composite rear spring. Can anyone tell me if the ride improves that much. I have the old original spring out, and it needs new rubber between the springs. Is it worth restoring? What about testing for strength? It seems easier to get a Composite and bolt it in. Does everyone use the heatshield on the spring? Doesn't that kind of look like crap? Thanks for your help . :skep: :smash:
Racer
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
Re: Need Input from Composite Spring Users (OldSchool)
Well it's probably not a fair comparison to judge a 30+ year old steel spring, to a new fiberglass one. But in my case the ride reallllly improved. I've got a 330 lb. from VBP, and like it pretty well. It might be a tad soft, but I'll know better when I finish the front, and the spring rates are a better match.
Easy installation. Also I've gotten under there right after a long trip and the spring seems cool to me.
Jon
Easy installation. Also I've gotten under there right after a long trip and the spring seems cool to me.
Jon
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
Re: Need Input from Composite Spring Users (OldSchool)
I've also got the 330 lb VB&P spring. It is the single best improvement that I have done to my car. My stock 9 leaf spring was shot and the weight savings, 35 lbs, was enough to make me want the glass spring. I'm very glad that I made the change. Be sure to get shocks that are designed for the glass spring.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Re: Need Input from Composite Spring Users (OldSchool)
Having the right shocks is important. When I bought my 71' it had the plastic spring and no-name cheap shocks. It bounced LOTS in the rear. I changed to the VBP "special" shocks and it rides very well now.
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 29,745
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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'."
CI 6-7-8 Veteran
CI-VIII Burnout Champ
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Re: Need Input from Composite Spring Users (Crickett)
I have a 340lb rate TRW design spring in mine for 2 years now. SOOOOO SMOOOOOTH !!
You do have to have shocks to match. I bought a set of externally adjustable 9 position shocks from Mid America. The set of 4 is $200, a price you can't beat for externally adjustable shocks.
You do have to have shocks to match. I bought a set of externally adjustable 9 position shocks from Mid America. The set of 4 is $200, a price you can't beat for externally adjustable shocks.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 29,745
Likes: 3
From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
CI 6-7-8 Veteran
CI-VIII Burnout Champ
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Re: Need Input from Composite Spring Users (BSeery)
P.S. -- I have the heat shield, I have to. I have both pipes tucked right under it and without it the spring could melt, de-laminate, warp or do other ugly things.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
Re: Need Input from Composite Spring Users (OldSchool)
Thanks for the input.. So you are saying that you run without the heatshield..Is anyone else doing this? thanks again
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Demistan
Re: Need Input from Composite Spring Users (BSeery)
I have a 340lb rate TRW design spring in mine for 2 years now. SOOOOO SMOOOOOTH !!
You do have to have shocks to match. I bought a set of externally adjustable 9 position shocks from Mid America. The set of 4 is $200, a price you can't beat for externally adjustable shocks.
You do have to have shocks to match. I bought a set of externally adjustable 9 position shocks from Mid America. The set of 4 is $200, a price you can't beat for externally adjustable shocks.
I heard that 5 or 9 ways adjustable shocks can be used at the track as 90/10 drag shocks yet you can use them for autocrossing ,street racing.....etc ! :confused:
Is this right ??
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 1
From: Edinburgh
Re: Need Input from Composite Spring Users (2BAD)
I have the 330 rear without a heat shield for about 5 years and no problems. I matched it to 460 fronts with a bigger sway bar and it handles so well :D now. very predictable in oversteer :thumbs: